While some people continue to use professional movers to assist with relocation plans, others prefer to move on their own. You could rent a moving truck, but many people are choosing to use moving containers. These are heavy-duty containers with huge doors that swing wide open. They are delivered to your property for you to load at your convenience, and they are picked up upon request. In many cases, the company can hold the storage container for you as desired, or the container can be immediately delivered to your new home. Just as there is a strategy to loading a moving truck, there is also a strategy associated with using a moving container for safety and the protection of your belongings.
Choose the Right Supplies
Moving containers may be jostled more than a moving truck during a typical relocation. This is because the pods are raised and lowered numerous times, and they also are transported to your new home on a truck. For that reason, you need to care for your belongings properly by ensuring that everything is wrapped with care. This includes using bubble wrap or blankets over your furnishings, electronics, and appliances. All fragile items in boxes should be wrapped as well. Understand your specific needs for packing so that you can choose the appropriate packing supplies up front.
Pack with Care
Different types of damage can occur to items when they are in a moving container. The actual process of loading and unloading the container can result in dings, scratches and even breakage if the items are dropped. Once they are in the container, they could be squished by heavier items on top of them. Breakage from jostling and even scratches from items that move around during the shipping process can occur. Wrap all wood, glass, electronics, appliances and other items. It is best to wrap them before you begin moving them out of your house. Use a dolly to load them into the container with care.
Load the Container Strategically
The strategy for loading a moving container is slightly different than the strategy for loading a moving truck. With a moving truck, you pack larger and heavier items toward the back of the truck, and you fill in the spaces with lighter and smaller items on top. With a container, there is a risk that the container could topple over or become unstable if it is packed top-heavy. Therefore, strategically pack with heavier items on the bottom. This will create a more stable base in the container. It will also prevent some of your more fragile items from being crushed if heavier items are placed on top of them.
As you might imagine, packing a moving container is simplified and convenient in comparison to using a moving truck. However, the process requires a special strategy and ample forethought for wrapping and protecting your items. Remember that you can hire movers to load your storage container if you need extra help with this aspect of the relocation project.