When you rent a 5x10 unit or larger, Modern Storage offers a free 15-foot box truck to help move your items into your new storage unit. Here is how to get the most out of it.
Every new customer's favorite thing about renting at Modern Storage has got to be our free moving truck. When you rent a 5x10 unit or larger, we offer you a free 15-foot box truck to help move all your items into your new storage unit.
But what do you do if this is your first time driving a moving truck? Do you know how to pack it? We understand you may have a lot of questions, and that's why we're here. From packing up your belongings to loading them onto the truck, we have several tips for getting the most out of our free moving truck in one trip.
Tip #1: Use the Right Moving Supplies
Before you start packing up your belongings, be sure to gather all the essential moving supplies. This includes sturdy boxes, plastic wrap, packing tape, and more. It's very important that your belongings are packed with the proper protection since they may shift while in transit. Luckily for you, all these moving supplies are sold at every Modern Storage location, and our experts even have packing tips to help you get started.
Tip #2: Find Some Help
Are you planning to pack and load our moving truck all by yourself? Your truck reservation slot is only for four hours, so you need some help! While planning your move, ask friends and family if they can help load and unload. It is never a good idea to lift and carry heavy furniture, boxes, and other items by yourself.
Tip #3: Disassemble Your Furniture
Furniture can take up a lot of unnecessary space. To save yourself room and time in the moving process, disassemble as much of your furniture as possible before your move-in day. This will help you maximize space in the truck more efficiently and save you from lifting and carrying all that weight at once.
Tip #4: Load Your Items Correctly
Now you're ready to load the moving truck. Always load your largest and heaviest items first. This might include the following:
- mattresses
- bed frames
- tables
- chairs
- refrigerators
- washers/dryers
- couches
- sectionals
- toolboxes
These items should be placed at the bottom of the moving truck so they do not crush or damage your other belongings. All couches, headboards, and tables should go in at an upright, vertical position with extra padding. (Helpful Hint: We offer moving blankets if requested for your moving truck rental!) Once you finish loading your heaviest items, load your lighter and smaller items. This might include the following:
- moving boxes
- small appliances
- small pieces of furniture
- pictures
- mirrors
- TVs
Make sure these belongings are properly protected before loading them onto the truck. Place them on top of furniture and large appliances, not underneath where they could be crushed.
Tip #5: Distribute Weight Evenly
One of the most important things to keep in mind while loading a moving truck is weight. Distributing the weight evenly in each load will make it easier to unload and help you maintain control when driving the truck out on the road. Make sure the heavier items are loaded toward the front of the truck, against the cabin where the driver sits. Medium-weight items should go on top of heavier items, and lighter items should go at the very top and toward the truck door.
Can you see now how utilizing your space and time most effectively is going to be a big help on move-in day? With a few helpful tips from us, you can protect your belongings and keep yourself from making unnecessary trips back and forth to your storage unit. If you have any questions, just contact our team of storage experts!