Tips For Moving Large Items Into And Out Of A Moving Truck
No matter what type of residential move you're planning, the task you probably most dread is moving heavy items, such as your furniture or a piano, in and out of a moving truck. The good news is that most rentals, such as U-Haul truck rentals, feature convenient ramps for loading and unloading. There are also a few other ways that you can make your life easier when hauling the big items.
Whether you're moving across the country or across town, consider hiring a professional moving company to do the heavy lifting for you. Not only will it be safer for you, but there will also be less risk of damaging your belongings or your home's flooring, as the professionals have the right tools to get the job down. If your moving budget doesn't allow for movers, however, there are things you can do to ensure a smooth transition from home to home.
On moving day, you may need to enlist in the help of family or friends to help you with the large, cumbersome pieces, such as couches and mattresses. Here are some other moving-day tips to consider:
1. Protect Your Flooring
No matter what type of flooring you have, whether it be carpeting, porcelain tile, laminate, or hardwood, it can be damaged during a move. Before transporting the heavy items, lay protective padding down on the ground.
Concentrate on high-traffic areas, including entranceways, hallways, and a living room or kitchen. If you don't have padding on hand, you can open up cardboard boxes and lay them down flat on the floor. Never drag items across the floor, which can result in unsightly scratching, chipping, or denting.
2. Clear the Area
Before carrying your belongings out, make sure the path to the door is clear to avoid bumping walls or other items. Either put the smaller pieces in the truck first or move them to an out-of-the-way location, such as a bedroom.
3. Wrap the Furniture
Use plastic furniture wrap to create a protective barrier around furniture, pianos, and appliances. You can also use old sheets instead, holding them in place with heavy-duty packing tape. This will protect the items on the way out of and into the homes, as well as during the truck transport.
4. Use a Dolly
After the furniture is tightly wrapped, slide it onto a dolly with the help of another person. Use furniture straps to secure it into place, and then roll it out of the house and up the truck's ramp. If possible, choose a dolly with rubber wheels to avoid damaging your floors.