If you are going to move yourself there are tools, equipment, and ideas to make yourself much more prepared. Follow these tips and you’ll make your move much smoother on moving day.
Choosing your rental truck is an important part of your move so read “Rental Truck Tips” to make the right choice. Things like a ramp vs. lift gate can be really important depending on what you have to move.
Boxes are another important part of your move. Make sure you get boxes in uniform sizes if you can. All sorts of odd sizes can make the loading and handling of the boxes more difficult. Read “Packing Tips From an Expert” for guidance on how to pack. On where to find boxes, many large home improvement stores, truck rental locations, self storage locations, moving companies and dozens of internet sites (like on our home page) can provide boxes suited for moving. Wardrobe boxes are 11/2 to 2’ and 3’to4’ high with a rod in them for transporting hanging clothes. Most places don’t rent these so they have to be purchased.Â
Now comes the meat and potatoes of the article in regards to moving equipment. All of these can be purchased (and usually rented) from truck rental and self storage locations.
Moving pads are usually “72×80” and are the best option for wrapping your wood, metal, stone and glass furniture.   They are made of thick quilted cotton and should be wrapped around and taped with carton sealing tape (available at the same type of locations) to keep the pads secure. They are inexpensive to rent and are way better than sheets, blankets, comforters, etc. Upholstered items are best wrapped in stretch film sold in 18” rolls at the same type of locations pads are supplied.Â
A 2 wheel hand truck is a great tool to transport multiple boxes or furniture pieces like chests or dressers by yourself. There are a variety of styles to choose from and this is an item that isn’t bad to own and keep in your storage area or garage. A hand truck is more valuable the further you have to wheel the furniture (long haul ways or distances from your moving truck to your residence).
A refrigerator dolly or reefer dolly is the same concept as a 2 wheeler but it’s generally higher, wider, and has a ratchet strap to secure larger items to it. Like the name says it’s often used for appliances and larger heavier items. Many have rollers on the back so you can walk the piece down or up stairs easier.
A 4 wheeler or furniture dolly is a carpet (for lighter) or rubber (for heavier) capped 4 wheel “platform” to stack boxes or furniture on. These are very helpful but can be a little trickier to load and balance as they have no back for support.
A speed pack is a corrugated collapsible bin that’s excellent for moves in elevator buildings, because you can transport boxes, end tables, lamps (all sorts of stuff) at once making yourself more efficient. The speed pack pops together from its flat origin and is ready to set on a 4 wheel dolly to give you a 21/2’x31/2’ open topped bin.
There are other carrying aides like burlap “hump straps” or forearm forklifts that can be helpful but require a little bit of guidance before you use.
If you follow these tips and utilize this moving equipment for your self-move, you’ll be glad you did, and so will your back.
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