Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events. But, with some expert advice, you can make it a whole lot easier.
That’s why we’re bringing you some top tips for packing a moving truck.
SIZE DOES MATTER
The first step is choosing a truck that’s the right size. Choose one that’s too small, and you’ll spend too much time trying to squeeze everything in. Choose one that’s too big, and you’ll waste money.
SIXT offers a wide variety of rental trucks, ranging from vans, with room to move a small studio, to moving trucks, with space for shifting a three-bedroom house.
Work out which one’s right for you on this page.
GET THE BEST GEAR
Before even going near the truck, make sure you have the right gear – and that it’s strong and reliable.
To get your belongings ready, you’ll need moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape. Once everything’s in boxes, moving them will be much easier with a moving trolley and moving straps.
Finally, to keep everything in place, ropes and tie-downs are essential. You might also want markers, to label your belongings, which will make them much easier to find when you’re settling in at your new place.
The good news is that, with truck hire, SIXT often offers packing and moving materials as an optional extra. Just ask our staff about availability when you book.
DISASSEMBLE YOUR FURNITURE
As much as you can, remove legs from tables, headboards from beds, backrests from sofas and so on. Don’t forget to put all the connecting pieces in a bag, and put it in a safe place. It’s also smart to secure any loose parts, such as drawers, in place, and be sure to roll up your carpets and rugs.
Disassembling, then reassembling, your furniture might sound like hard work. But it’s worth it. Fully assembled furniture takes up a lot of space and is difficult to move through narrow spaces, such as doorways and staircases.
PACK IN THE RIGHT ORDER
One of the great secrets of professional removalists is that they know what goes where.
Start with big items, such as whitegoods and heavy furniture. They’re the most difficult to load, plus you don’t want them on top, crushing smaller objects. Long items, such as mattresses and sofas, should go against the walls.
Next, add your packing boxes, stacking the heaviest ones on the bottom and the lightest on top.
Last, but not least, finish with small objects, which can be fitted in around everything else. Make sure, though, that they’re not left loose, as they might slip and slide once you start driving.
At all times, distribute weight evenly over the floor of the truck, to avoid imbalance. It could be a good idea to draw a floor plan before you start.
LIFT WITH GOOD TECHNIQUE
Moving heavy and awkwardly shaped objects can be difficult and even dangerous without the right technique.
When picking up an object, stand close to it, with your legs shoulder-width apart, then bend your knees, keeping your back straight and your chin level.
For large items, always work with another person or use a moving trolley. You should push the trolley from behind, and, whenever you’re going up or down an incline or stairs, have someone walk in front of you, to make sure nothing falls.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MOVING TRUCKS
To find out more about SIXT’s exceptional fleet of moving trucks.
If you’ve any questions about any of our truck rentals or other vehicles for hire, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
