Getting the right size moving truck can significantly reduce labor and fuel costs. Doing some simple math can help you determine the best size rental truck for your move.
Most rental-truck companies offer additional conveniences like dollies and packing blankets for an extra fee. These can be especially helpful if your move involves long distances.
Packing
When you pack your moving truck the right way, it helps protect your belongings from damage during transit and makes loading and unloading much easier. It also helps distribute the weight evenly throughout the truck, which improves gas mileage and driving stability.
Start with the heaviest items, like appliances and large furniture pieces. Place these against the back wall of the truck, keeping them upright if possible. This helps prevent the back of the truck from becoming unstable or tipping while in motion.
Next, add a layer of medium-weight boxes. Stack these on top of the heavier items, but be careful not to crush them. Make sure each box is clearly labeled to indicate which room it should go in. You may want to consider using mattress bags for the mattresses and furniture covers for couches, beds and other heavy items to keep them clean and protect them during transport.
After the boxes are in place, add the larger furniture items. Sofas, loveseats and chairs are ideal for this. They can be placed vertically to save space, or they can be rolled up, as long as the foam cushions are removed and stored separately for later use. Beds and dressers should be disassembled if possible to save space. If not, you should wrap them in blankets and furniture pads to protect them from scratches or dints.
Once you’ve added the larger furniture, add a final layer of lighter boxes. Be sure to properly secure each box with a strong binding. If you have a choice, opt for straps with cinch and ratchet mechanisms that eliminate slack and make it easy to tighten the straps without losing tension. If you’re packing a box that contains glass, breakables or delicate items, consider wrapping it in blankets or bubble wrap to provide extra protection.
Once all of the boxes are packed, it’s time to load them into the truck. Be careful not to overload the truck, as it can be dangerous for both you and your movers. If you’re loading the boxes yourself, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and work gloves to protect your feet from blisters. When you’re done, double-check the truck to ensure everything is in place. If you have any questions, contact your local moving company for assistance. Their experts will be able to guide you on the best ways to load and protect your belongings during transportation. They can also help you select the right truck size for your move. They can even give you tips on the most efficient way to pack your belongings into the truck. This way, you can get the most out of your moving experience!
Loading
Loading is one of the most important aspects of moving. This is because, the way in which you load your moving truck has a direct effect on how fast and efficiently it will move. It’s best to start with heaviest items like furniture and appliances first, followed by medium-size boxes and then smaller ones. Lighter items such as mirrors, pictures and more should be loaded last. It’s also a good idea to pack fragile items separately. Lastly, make sure to protect the floor of the truck with packing blankets and furniture pads.
It’s also important to know that a fully-loaded moving truck will require more time to drive than a partially or unloaded one. This is because the weight of the cargo can cause it to shake and shift during transportation, which will take more time and energy to control. This is especially true if the destination is far away and has bad traffic or road conditions.
Another factor to keep in mind is that if you’re going to be transporting a large or heavy item, make sure to let the rental company know ahead of time. They’ll usually need to give you a special permit to drive the truck. This is because the driver will need to have a special license and training in order to operate such a heavy vehicle.
You should also prepare the loading area ahead of time, if possible. This includes clearing a pathway from your home to the truck, so that there are no obstacles or tripping hazards. It’s also a good idea for everyone involved to wear proper footwear to protect their feet from getting wet or cold while carrying items into the truck.
If you’re renting a moving truck, make sure to check with the rental company in advance about any special requirements or restrictions. For example, they may require that you load the heaviest items toward the front of the truck and that the weight be evenly distributed. In addition, they may have special equipment for loading certain types of furniture and appliances.
If you’re moving with a friend or family member, ask them to help load your truck. This will make the process much faster and easier, and it’ll help ensure that your belongings are packed properly and safely. It’s also a good idea that you recruit extra hands to help you move when it comes time to unload your items. This will help prevent injuries and ensure that the process goes as quickly as possible. In addition, it will allow you to get the most out of your moving truck rental time. After all, there’s no point in renting a truck if you’re not going to use it to its full potential!