Efficiently Loading and Unloading Your Moving Truck
Moving can be a stressful process, but you can make everything easier and less stressful if you take the right approach. Part of this process is making sure that you and your moving truck are ready to make the trip. That means that the ability to load and unload your moving truck quickly is essential, whether you're moving to a new house or need to put stuff in a storage facility. Here are some ways that you can keep the moving process smooth, as well as some helpful storage tips.
Prep
1. Plan Ahead
Make sure you have a plan in place before you begin loading your moving truck. Make a list of everything that has to be moved; separate that list into groups based on weight and size. By doing this, you make sure that you have an optimal loading order for your truck. (You wouldn't want to end up squashing a box full of dinnerware under a heavy table, for example.)
Storage Tip: If you have items that you don't think you'll need right away, think about putting them in a storage unit. This way, you'll have fewer things you need to pack into your moving truck, move, and unpack at your new place.
2. Gather Supplies
Make sure you have all the supplies you'll need on hand, such as:
- Moving blankets
- Dollies and hand trucks
- Cardboard boxes and plastic bines
- Packing tape and bubble wrap
- Straps and bungee cords
- Furniture pads
Having the right tools at hand will protect your possessions and speed up the process of loading and unloading your moving truck.
Storage Tip: A lot of Lockaway Storage locations sell packing and moving supplies. Check in with your local facility to see if they have the supplies you need.
3. Disassemble Furniture
Large pieces of furniture like desks, tables, and beds should be disassembled before they're loaded onto the moving truck. They will be easier to transport and to fit in your truck once they're in pieces. To make it simple to reassemble things later, store small pieces and screws in bags with labels. Consider also labeling each piece of your bed frame or desk as well to make sure everything's ready to go back in the proper place.
Storage Tip: Keeping your furniture in a climate-controlled storage unit can help protect it from humidity and temperature extremes.
Pack
4. Pack Bulky Items
When you're finally ready to start loading the moving truck, begin by packing the heaviest items first: appliances, furniture, boxes of books, etc. Push your biggest boxes and bulky furniture against the rear wall of your truck to create a sturdy base.
Storage Tip: The same logic can be used when you're loading up a storage unit. Stow bulky objects at the rear and at the bottom of the unit.
5. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Carefully stack objects in the truck to make the most of the vertical space available. Stack lighter goods on top of larger ones, then fasten everything in place with straps. This will prevent too much movement and damage while being transported.
Storage Tip: Take care to distribute weight evenly while stacking objects in a storage unit to prevent breaking fragile things.
6. Protect Valuable Objects
Wrap breakable objects like mirrors, electronics, and glassware in bubble wrap, and use plenty of padding or moving blankets. Put these things in heavy duty boxes and mark those boxes as delicate. To reduce the chance of your delicate items being crushed, load them toward the end of the truck.
Storage Tip: To make sure your fragile and valuable items stay extra safe, think about renting a storage unit from a facility equipped with gated entrances and security cameras.
7. Keep Essentials Accessible
Single out one box for the necessities you'll need as soon as you get to your new place: basic kitchen supplies, toiletries, essential documents, clothes, etc. When you're loading up your moving truck, put this box in last so that you're reading to grab it when you're unpacking the truck.
Storage Advice: If you're renting a storage unit for a short time, store your most important belongings close to the front so you can access them when you need them.
Unload
8. Tips for Unloading
Take your time unloading the moving truck to prevent accidents or damage to your possessions. When moving large objects, use a dolly, and make sure you know exactly where every item will go in your new house.
Storage Tip: Make an inventory list and clearly label boxes if you're moving your things into a storage unit. This will keep your unit organized and make it easier to find everything later.
9. Get Professional Help
If the prospect of moving is overwhelming, think about hiring professionals. Movers with experience can do the task effectively and safely because they have the knowledge and tools needed.
Storage Advice: A lot of storage facilities are able to suggest reputable moving companies. Ask your local facility for mover recommendations.
Take note of these tips for the next time you're moving; they can help simplify the moving process. Remember that by providing you with a convenient and safe place to store your stuff, renting a storage unit can significantly reduce the stress associated with relocating. Whether you require long-term or short-term storage, picking the correct facility can have a significant impact. Find a Lockaway Storage facility near you to start storing. Happy moving!
