Moving Truck Rental: Packing and Loading Tips

Getting a moving truck rental is one of the most popular ways to move these days. It is much cheaper than hiring a professional company, but it requires quite a bit of work from you, the mover. While there are plenty of benefits that you get from doing it yourself, you need to be ready for the overwhelming task that lies ahead of you. Packing and loading is far from simple, so it is best that you have a good idea of what you are doing before you get started.

Use Boxes

One of the most important things that you can remember is the fact that moving boxes provide protection for your things. They are totally enclosed and generally quite strong. Making sure to reinforce the bottoms with tape will only make them stronger. This will ensure that your things make it to their destination in one piece. Remember to use padding to help further protect breakables and things that can easily break.

Large or Special Items

Packing furniture and expensive items should be handled differently, as they either cannot fit into boxes or they cannot be readily replaced. The best thing that you can do for expensive items such as electronics is to use the boxes that they originally came in. Since these items were made to fit in these boxes, it is always better to repack them there. Furniture should be wrapped with bubble wrap and blankets to prevent damage that can occur during shipment.

Hazardous Materials

There is a long list of items that simply cannot be shipped. Some of these items include paint, flammable liquids, poisonous substances, and other things. Make sure that you check the list that the truck rental company provides you with before you pack things. You may be surprised to see what is on the list. For example, cleaning supplies and dish soap are considered hazardous, and thus, cannot be shipped by law. Doing so may result in damage to you, the truck, or your other things.

Loading Boxes

Loading your boxes is probably the simplest part of the loading process. You may want to consider renting a hand truck to do the hard work for you. Make sure to put your boxes along the walls of the truck to allow room for other items that will be loaded later. You don’t want to block off any space with boxes that can be used. Consider this like building a wall, and stack boxes into every available space along the way.

Loading Furniture

Furniture is usually large and bulky, which means that it will take up some extra space in the moving truck rental. Make sure that the items are well protected, and consider placing them on end. This can help save space and prevent damage. For example, placing a couch on end will use all of the space in that area of the truck up to the ceiling. It will also prevent damage to the couch that may occur when other items are stacked on top of it. By placing it on end, you are making sure that nothing is put on the cushions or armrests.

Other Tips

No matter how much or how little you are moving, remember to take breaks and keep the lifting safe. Bend at the knees instead of the waist, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Avoiding injury to yourself and others should be one of your main concerns when you use a moving truck rental for your move.

Getting Ready to Move - Cleaning Out

Moving does not have to be the complicated process that many people see it as. Instead, moving can be pleasant and even enjoyable if you make sure to plan ahead. Making time to get ready is one of the best things that a person can do to prepare for relocation, but many people simply do not know how or what to do. It doesn’t matter how a person moves, by truck rental or moving company, one of the most important things a person can do to prepare is cleaning out their home. This guide will help you learn how to clear out the right way.

Cleaning Out

There are many steps that you can take in order to get your home prepared for a move. One of the easiest ways to get ready to move is to clean out your home. Start with the big things first, such as old cars and other vehicles. Ask yourself if you will be using these things in the near future, and if the answer is no, then try to sell it. If the vehicle is not saleable, plenty of vocational schools and other programs that repair cars for the needy should be considered.

Next, move on to the smaller things in your home. Go through your closet and get rid of things that you have not worn in a specified period of time. Clean out the junk drawers, shelves, and closets. Look at things that you have not used recently, and ask yourself if you think that they will be used anytime soon. Make a pile or box in a common area of your home to keep things that you don’t plan on moving or keeping. Remember, the less you have to move, the easier and cheaper your move will be.

Getting it Out of There

There are many ways that you can get rid of the many different things that end up in this pile. One common way is to have a yard sale. Make sure to be flexible on your prices, because you really do want to get rid of these things. Keeping them will only give you more to move. Consider donating the leftovers to a local charity or simply giving them away through a group such as freecycle.

Classified ads or online auctions are another common way to get rid of your things. You can use these methods to clear out things that might have a higher or specific value to them. Make sure to do some research before you sell something online. Having a good idea of the value and the selling points of an item will help you successfully sell things online.

What’s Left

When you are done with these steps, you will find that a move is much easier to cope with. There will be fewer items to pack and load, which can make your moving costs lower than you might have expected. If you are using a moving truck rental, then you will have less to load and pack on your own, which means less work for you. When it is all said and done, cleaning out your home can be the one thing that makes your move stress-free and yes, even easy.

Truck Rental Options for Different Moves

The term ‘relocation’ is used to mean many different types of moves. This can be a move that is simply within the same town, or a move that is across the country. Moving within your current area can be a lot easier than moving to a new state, but both types of moves come with some very important choices that must be made before the move can be completed. These choices will dictate how easy and smoothly your move ends up going.

Choosing the Truck

Most truck rental companies will allow you to choose the size of truck that you think you need. There are usually four or five different sizes that range from a small pickup truck all the way to a truck nearly the size of a tractor trailer. Each size will come with a different fee, and you will be expected to know how to drive the truck. For those who have never driven a large truck, the smaller choices are usually the best.

Choosing the Supplies

If you visit your local Uhaul, Budget, or other truck rental company, you will probably find a lot more than just trucks. Many of these companies also offer self storage in the same building, and all of them offer packing and loading supplies. Boxes of all sizes and types will be set up around the building to show you an example of what they are used for and how large they are. Other supplies, such as furniture pads and hand trucks will be offered as well.

Keep in mind that loading the truck will be quite the task, so renting extra supplies like hand trucks can be a really good idea. Furniture pads can be used to preserve the finish on your furniture or protect it from damage as things shift in the truck. Straps and other supplies can be used to tack things down and keep them in place, so make sure that you get sufficient extras to make your move easy.

Choosing the Duration

Truck rentals can be reserved for a number of days. You can choose any length, from a single 24 hour period to an entire week. The timing is up to you. Just remember that you need to have enough time to load the truck, driving it to its destination, and then unload the truck again. Most people end up getting the truck rental for too short of a time and then stress about how they will get everything done. Err on the side of caution, and reserve the truck for longer than you expect in order for your move to be stress-free and easy!

No matter where you are moving, short or long distance, a truck rental can make your life simple. Just remember that there are still things that you have to choose, even if you are only moving down the street. Don’t forget the little things, because these things will make the difference between a hard move and an easy one.

Truck Rental Driving Tips

Driving a truck rental does not mean that you need to go out and get a commercial driving permit. It will require that you learn how to handle a large vehicle, however. There are some situations that can pose a significant risk to those who are not used to driving these large vehicles. These situations include backing up, turning, and driving on bridges or narrow roadways. Knowing what to do and getting prepared for the drive will take alot of stress away when its time to actually drive. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are going to be driving a truck rental.

Test Driving

Before you leave the companies property, get used to the truck. Make sure to find out the location of any controls, switches, or important items such as flares or safety triangles. When you feel confident that you are aware of everything important, take the truck around the parking lot, or a nearby empty one, to get a feel for the truck and its handling. This will go a long way in getting you used to the idea of driving a truck.

Looking Out

A moving truck rental is a lot bigger than the vehicles that most people are used to driving. These trucks are not only wider, but taller as well. You need to keep a sharp eye on what is around you when you rent a truck. There are many low lying branches, bridges, or poles that could pose a problem for you and your truck. You need to be aware of how tall your truck is and how short the things around you are. You might even want to bring a friend along to keep an eye out for things that you might run into while driving.

Getting Ready to Drive

Driving a moving truck rental is not easy, and it is likely to take you a while as well. Driving your car over a long distance is a difficult task, but driving an unfamiliar vehicle over a long distance can be really difficult for you. Make sure to plan ahead and take precautions before you get into the drivers seat. That means that you need to make sure to get a good night’s sleep before you leave on the trip. You also need to practice backing up and set up a timetable for the move. taking all of these steps can help you save time and stress while you are actually on the road driving.

There are a few things that you need to pack with you in order to be totally ready to drive. Keep this small box of items with you in the cab of the truck so that you don’t have to stop to find them along the way. Include items like sunglasses, important documents pertaining to driving the truck or insurance coverage, medication, extra cash, a cellular phone, and a first aid kit. All of these items are important to the safety of you and your items as you drive to your new home.

Other Thoughts

For longer trips, it may be a good idea to keep a log of when you left and how long you drove. In the event that you do get into an accident, this information can help you prove that you were not tired or distracted. Make sure that you do know the emergency procedures for your truck before you get on the road. Have any emergency numbers available and keep water on hand in case you break down and have to wait for a tow truck to show up.

Following these simple tips can help you avoid problems when you are moving with a truck rental. Driving one of these big vehicles is not always easy, so it is important to take the right precautions before you get on the road.

Packing for Your Move: Moving Box Types

Did you know that there are many different types of moving boxes? Each type is designed for a different use when you move. Since a home generally have a variety of different objects, including books, clothes, and glassware, different types of boxes are needed in order to protect each thing in its own way. You should always strive to get moving boxes that fit the needs of your things so that everything you own makes it to your destination safe and sound.

Glassware and Dishes

Packing breakable and fragile items can be a harrowing experience. You want to make sure to pack these items so that they don’t break when the box is shifted or moved while you are relocating. In order to do this, you need to get special boxes that protect these items. Dish boxes are made from very thick cardboard, so they are less prone to damage and crushing. You need to get plain newsprint to wrap the dishes individually so that they do not get scratched.

Cell kits partition a box into various smaller spaces. Use a cell kit to pack each glass individually. Make sure to wrap each item individually before placing it in the cell kit. This will ensure the upmost protection for each one of your items in the box. Some cell kits come with foam pouches that you can place valuables in. If wrapping glasses and other breakables is a concern, then make sure to get a kit that includes foam pouches.

Heavy Items and Clothes

Packing heavy items can be difficult because of the size and weight behind them. You also need to make sure that you have boxes that will withstand the crushing force of anything stacked on top of them. Whether you are getting a truck rental or hiring professional movers, most of your boxes will have something stacked on top of them.

Make sure that you limit the weight of these heavy boxes. Using many smaller boxes is usually a lot better than using one or two big boxes. This will save you and any moving help from getting lifting related injuries. Get special clothing boxes to pack your clothing so that you can limit the weight and make sure that your wardrobe makes it to your destination neatly. There are hanging wardrobe and flat clothing boxes on the market today.

A Variety of Other Boxes

There are many other types of boxes that have been specifically developed to meet your needs. You can choose to use any number of small, medium, large, or extra large boxes to pack normal household items. You can use electronic boxes to handle your DVD player or other things, and you can find file boxes that allow you to transport your hanging files in a hanging manner. Mirror boxes are specially designed to protect a mirror or glass framed picture. These two part boxes are unique in design and can save your mirrors and pictures from breakage.

Getting Boxes

You will not find many of these boxes at a local store. While getting boxes from retailers can save you money, you will not find specialty boxes in this group. In order to get these specially designed boxes, you need to visit your local moving and storage store. Many truck rental places also have a variety of different box types for you to choose from. Many of these stores also have trained employees that can help you decide on what boxes you need and how many of them you need to get. All in all, getting the right boxes can really help make your move an easier one.

Simple Tips for Hassle Free Moving Truck Rental

In today’s world, some people don’t have the time or money to deal with having a professional moving company deal with their moving needs. The widely available alternative to this is your own moving truck rental. A moving truck rental allows you the flexibility to move on your own schedule without the need to worry about someone else handling - and possibly breaking - your belongings while loading them or unloading them. However, you still need to be diligent in looking for a moving truck rental, as there are some things you may need to look for beforehand, else your rental may turn into a crazy nightmare. First off, ensure that your truck has all of its mechanical components working, including the air ride and rear loading devices, if applicable. Many stores that rent trucks fail to do many general maintenance checks between rentals, so you as the customer need to be diligent about this. Secondly, ensure that the truck you rent has unlimited mileage, in case you need to make multiple trips from your old place to your destination. Extra miles above the daily limit for some rentals can be excessively expensive. Finally, ensure that the moving truck rental has some insurance included with the rental, because if something happens with the truck while it is in your possession, you may have to pay for the repairs if there’s no extra insurance. If you follow these three tips, you can have an awesome moving truck rental experience and ensure that your possessions make it from place to place on your own time, and saving you some money in the process.

Our move from California to Alabama

Two years ago, my wife and I moved from California to Alabama. We would need one of our cars transported across the country and we weren’t sure where to begin. Although it was confusing at first, we found that having your car transported is a fairly straightforward procedure. The first thing we were told by the company is to have a realistic time table. Make sure to start the process at least four weeks before you need your vehicle shipped, allowing adequate time to find an auto carrier. Next, look into the local transportation services and see which one fits your needs. If the price is the most important point for you, having someone drive your vehicle can be a cost-effective alternative. If this isn’t feasible for you, you will need to decide between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal shipping by an auto transporter. You will also need to research the different truck and trailer types in order to decide what works best for your car. The type of truck and trailer you choose will impact the price and speed of your delivery, as well as determine the amount of exposure your vehicle will face during transport. Once you have an idea of how you would like your car transported, you will need to choose a carrier. Be sure to carefully investigate the car transporter you choose. Double check your insurance coverage, both the protection provided by the carrier as well as your own insurance. Before dropping off your car, you will need to prepare it for transport. A few simple steps will ensure that your vehicle is ready for its journey. Make sure that the car is in good enough shape to handle the drive. The last thing you want to have happen is for your vehicle to break down on the road in the middle of nowhere. Make sure that the driver of your car has all the important papers (proof of insurance, license) just in case of an emergency. Finally, knowing what to expect from your carrier on the day of you shipment will make the whole process easier on everyone. At both the pickup and delivery of your car, help your driver by being on time and prepared. Make sure you ask any questions you may have beforehand. Don’t show up five minutes before the driver is supposed to leave with a list of a dozen questions. Often times, the drivers hired by the transport companies will not have the answers you are seeking.

Moving with truck rental

I know it can be hard to move and I have done it many times. You have to go gather up boxes and then try and pack everything nice and neat and then label the boxes and all that good stuff. I use to do everything in the last days that I had to move and I would always rush. I would have friends help me and only one would have a truck. Everyone told me I should get a truck from a moving truck rental but I did not want to spend the money. Now that I am moving I think this time around I will rent a truck from a moving truck rental because I know it will be worth spending the money on. If I had my friends help that I would have to pay for gas and I know I would have to make a lot of trips back and forth from my old place to my new place and the way gas prices are right now I will rent a truck. Some people may say that friends should help out but I would not want to have to pay for the gas if I was helping a friend move. I will still have someone help me with the loading and unloading and I will take them out for drinks, my way of saying thanks and I will be able to afford it because I will have saved a lot of money from renting a truck.

Moving Truck Rental: What You Need To Know

Moving into a new home can be an exciting experience whether you are young or old. However, if you have accumulated a lot of things and furniture over the years at your old house, the whole process may be a bit less than appealing. It can be overwhelming and tedious. However, fortunately there are many companies today that offer the useful services of moving truck rentals. You might also come up with using the services of professional movers as they could also save you the hassle, however moving truck rentals are very much cheaper and could very well be the best way to go as far as moving is concerned as they would definitely save you more money, time and effort.

As you do your move, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Remember that to make sure that everything would be going well, you would have to be organized in everything that you would be doing. Try to search online for additional great tips that might be able to help you get everything in order. You could also create a checklist to ensure that all bases are covered.

Before you start thinking about getting the services of moving truck rentals, you would need to start clearing out your attic to know which is clutter and which things need to move with you. The last thing you want to do would be to bring along more clutter than necessary which could not only make you spend more but also fill your new home with garbage that you would later need to deal with and throw out. Try to sell the stuff you no longer need through garage sales or at auction websites. Everything else that you are not able to sell, you can just donate to charity.

Also, stock up on durable and heavy-duty cardboard boxes that would be very useful for packing. Stock up on tissues and old newspapers as well.

Now, when hiring a moving truck rental, remember to bring along all the required documents like your driver’s license and all the other documentations. Make sure that you would be able to drive a relatively bigger vehicle easily and comfortably. Do not forget to read through the hire documentation particularly the terms and conditions thoroughly prior to signing anything. This would include the details on the insurance limit, if included.

Finally, it may save you a bit more as you keep in mind the fact that the rates of moving truck rentals vary by the season. So, if you are planning on moving during the summer months, then it would be advisable to book in advance since prices are most expensive during this period.