Movers have to be properly equipped before they can begin to do their job. To do their job well, they need industry-standard equipment. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the primary tools professional movers use to get you from one home to the next.
Moving Trucks
First, let’s talk about the four wheels that get all your belongings where they need to go. The moving truck is by far the most important aspect of the moving team. Without it, your things wouldn’t get anywhere.
If you have a truck or some form of a cargo van, you’re already a step ahead of the game. If you’re moving, you won’t have to spend money on renting a truck.
However, if you don’t have a vehicle suitable for moving, then you may want to exhaust all other options before you head to the closest U-Haul. You might have a friend who would be more than happy to let you borrow theirs.
Lastly, you can always rent a moving van or truck. It’s a good idea to have an exhaustive inventory of everything you plan to put in that moving vehicle so you can be sure to get the right size. Like most things, they come in all shapes and sizes. Of course, the company you’re renting from can help you determine which size will meet your needs best. You have to meet them halfway though, with that inventory.
Keep in mind, also, that we only recommend DIY moves if you’re moving locally, have plenty of help, and also have a bit of experience moving. Although the distance might not be great, you can run into all of the same challenges as a cross-country move. Even then, we always suggest you look into hiring a professional mover before you commit to doing the job yourself.
Moving Dolly
Second, we’ve got the tried-and-true moving dolly. This simple machine is the bread and butter of all moving storage. They’re the best friends of professional movers all around the world. No matter if we’re moving a mansion or a one-bedroom apartment, these two-wheeled guys get the job done. They save loads of time, protect the movers from physical injury, and protect the item being moved. All-round, these are the simplest, most useful contraptions you can have on your move.
There are two types of dollies, and we recommend using both during any move. There’s the standard utility dolly, also known as a hand truck. It’s an L-shaped gadget with two rubber tires. They’re built to wheel heavier items around, so the movers don’t have to pick up and carry heavy items around all day. You can get one of these from Lowes or Home Depot for about $40. The standard weight capacity of one of these is around 600 pounds.
The other dolly is known as a furniture dolly. It has a large, flat base and four swivel wheels. As its name implies, it’s best used for moving heavier, bulky items like furniture, appliances, and bookcases. These have a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds; you can get one for $20 at a home supply store.
Furniture Sliders
Third, furniture sliders are the unsung heroes and partners of the moving dollies. With furniture sliders, you can get those heavy pieces of furniture across the room or home without damaging the floor and with minimal effort. With four high-quality furniture slides, you can get that giant, awkwardly shaped piano nearly out of the door.
Alongside the dollies, furniture sliders make your DIY move far easier. As soon as you master the art of sliding and then dollying, you’ll look like a professional safe bound moving does yourself. You can find these in packs of four for $10-$20 at a home supply store.
The Big Three Essentials
So, there you have it. Those are the “Big Three” when it comes to essential tools in the moving world. The truck, the dolly, and the sliders. Of course, there are other items, like moving blankets and pads to protect items in transit, and straps and rope to secure items in transit. But those would be useless without the “Big Three.”
