Moving Tips 101

I've been cleaning out my computer files and found a list of things to consider when moving. Moving is serious business.  I've moved 20 times. So, I've decided to share some tips.

Moving trucks:
Penske, Budget, U-haul.

Don't just go out and rent a U-haul! Do yourself a favor and call around and compare prices. In my experience Penske has been the best with Budget at it's heels.

Things to consider when renting a truck:
Condition of the truck - Old, new, clean, tires new or worn, windshield wipes, fluides, A/C? How tall is the truck top?







Driving a TRUCK: 
stressful business if you ask me. When Ted and I drove up with our 26 ft moving truck from New Orleans to Philadelphia we could NOT back up because we were also towing my car. Altogether 26 ft truck plus another 12-ish ft of car - 38ft! Because we couldn't back up stops for food were always tricky because we had to make sure we could get back to the highway without having to back up. In this case, come car hitches will let you backup. It's a great question to ask when renting.

Ramp or Hydraulic lift? Actually a ramp is easier and quicker, but longer when pulled out.
A Hydraulic lift runs the battery down without the engine running (exhaust too), and slows everything down while raising and lowering it to accommodate furniture. If loading very heavy equipment or furniture, it can be a great advantage though.

Free milage? free days?
Gas requirements, diesel, regular?
Emergency phone contact if encounter truck problems

Towing a Trailor, a Car, or Car Carrier? – all lights MUST work on both.


Packing Truck: ( I could quite possibly be the greatest packing organizer ever. )

Rent Hand truck (dolly)? Rent blankets? 1, 2, 3 dozen?
Get a good Lock for the back door.
Buy 50 ft of rope – soft cotton type, to tie furniture or boxes from side to side, or
get some straps that are adjustable to keep things from moving.

Marking boxes.
Everyone usually marks boxes Living room, Office, Bedroom, etc. Then, when your moving in no one knows what room is which so you spend time directing people all day long. I found it easier to put numbers on each of the boxes like 1 or 2 or 3. Then, tape a piece of paper with corresponding numbers above the doorway of each room in the new home. That would show the boxes you want to go in that room.




Always load big furniture first, on the bottom, then stack boxes or lighter furniture on top (upside down) to the ceiling. Load dressers without the drawers, then, slide them in place for travel. Same procedure when unloading. Cabinets, books shelves, file Cabinets, Entertainment Centers treat the same.

Pack things as tight as possible. One item rubbing against another while shifting on the road will leave a mark. Place pads, blankets, old pillows, rugs between furniture.


Always pack floor to ceiling, and front to back. Use mattresses, box springs (standing on their end), or tall cabinets, as a barrier, to create a room or wall to help hold items from falling forward. Then tie a rope from side to side to secure the mattress in place.


Place pictures or glass mirrors in between mattress and box spring for extra protection. Place a pad or blanket on the floor also to protect against bouncing on the floor as the truck hits bumps. The jolt may shatter them.


Pack small boxes at the very top as you go. Long poles, bed frames, brooms, rakes can also be laid on top. Load the refrigerator last, and plug it in first at the new location. Remember, if a refrigerator is ever laid on it’s side, (NOT recommended), even on a dolly, it will take 4-8 hours for the Freon to equalize, so it can begin to cool again. Remove all glass shelves and protect from breakage. They are expensive!
The door(s) can be removed easily, and you can even change the side the door opens, or is hinged on.
Be careful with the ice maker water lines and fittings too. Always drain the water (and Ice) out of the inside, and the pan underneath the Frig. Clean and dry all to prevent water from flowing on the floor of the truck, thus contaminating blankets, mattresses, clothing.



Never carry gasoline, BBQ lighter fluid, etc in the back. Heat can expand and possibly cause ignition

Lawnmowers with gas are tricky too. Run them until the engine stops for lack of gas. Then remove the gas cap, place a layer of cellophane over the opening, and replace the cap tightly-preventing fumes from escaping into the air. Load only on the floor. Place news paper underneath to avoid oil on your feet later.

Remember,... the fumes from an empty gas are more lethal than a can full of gas.


Plants can be loaded in the back, but drain all water from them. Do not water just before moving.