About Moving Trucks

The average family moves once every 5 years. This fact keeps the moving industry very active. From inexpensive local rentals to moving companies that relocate you, moving trucks are a vital part of life. If you are the adventurous consumer or don't have the budget to hire professionals, learning all you can about moving trucks will be the first order of business when planning a move.

Features

Loading Ramp Feature

One of the first things to look for in a moving truck is its features. For example, does the moving truck have an automatic transmission, or is it a standard shift? How close to the ground is the bed? Does it come with a loading ramp and a hand truck for the heavy items? What about air conditioning? Questions like these need answers as you decide which moving truck rental company to use.

Size

Small for Local Use

Length is not the only thing to consider when choosing the size of a moving truck. The interior of the bed is where the real size will be appreciated. For example, if the wheel wells are inside the bed, it limits the objects that can be loaded in that part of the truck. Also, some trucks come with an attic. This part sticks out over the cab of the truck and is ideal for boxes.

Considerations

Consider Packaging

After the truck is chosen, consider the different aspects of the project to help discover the best use for the moving truck. You will need boxes and packing tape. If you're on a tight budget, consider using clothing or old newspapers as a substitute for bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Use different-colored packing tape to mark the contents of a box (e.g., red for fragile, clear for unbreakable items). You could also use different-colored peel-and-stick mailing labels to distinguish rooms.

Benefits

Low Bed for Easy Loading

One benefit that you will find on moving trucks are the tie-downs along the inside walls of the bed. These are for straps or ropes to hold furniture or other items in place. Another benefit is a lift gate to lift items to the same level as the bed. This helps prevent back injury. In addition, some trucks have a ramp that is located under the bed and is easily accessible. This allows the hand truck to be rolled onto the bed of truck to be loaded or unloaded.

Prevention/Solution

Proper Packaging Prevents Damage

Do a quick inspection of the truck yourself. Check the seat belts, gauges, power brake and air conditioner. Another area of prevention is to use the proper tape on the boxes. Duct tape is more likely to come loose from cardboard boxes than is packing tape. To prevent serious injury, use a hand truck with a strap on it to load a refrigerator or a washing machine. Most hand trucks have instruction stickers for proper use of the strap.

Resources

• Moving Packing Tips
• Truck Rental Center
• Movers.com