Whether you plan to move locally or across the country, getting belongings to a new residence is likely one of your top priorities. Before hiring a moving and packing service, there are steps that can help you prepare for packing the truck. Here are several factors to prepare for when hiring professional relocation services.

Truck Size

Hiring professional movers can help you avoid needing to load and drive the truck yourself, but having an idea of what size truck you require can make it easier for a professional relocation service to accommodate your needs. It is typically ideal to move all boxes, furniture, and other belongings to the new home in one trip, as this will save money and allow you to start settling into the space right away.

As a general rule, plan for 200 cubic feet of truck space for each room of your current home. A standard 26-foot moving truck can typically accommodate most three- or four-bedroom residences, but if you have a larger property, ask the moving company about oversized vehicles that can haul everything in one trip. 

Packing

Packing your belongings carefully will help ensure they remain protected while in transit. Wrap all fragile and breakable items in bubble wrap or newspaper to protect them from damage caused by impacts or bumps in the road. Pack electronics into the original boxes, if possible, as they usually contain molded styrofoam to cushion and protect these sensitive devices.

Disassemble larger pieces of furniture, such as bed frames, desks, and dining tables, to save space in the moving truck. A professional packing service will usually help you take these furnishings apart and wrap them in plastic to protect them against scuffs and scratches. Consider also covering mattresses and upholstered furniture in plastic to keep them from becoming dirty while being loaded or unloaded. 

Loading

A moving and packing service can take care of the heavy lifting and loading of your truck. They will generally place the heaviest items, such as furniture, appliances, and heavy boxes, toward the back of the vehicle. This makes them less likely to shift and potentially damage smaller, lighter boxes and furnishings while in transit. Movers will also place heavier items toward the bottom of the truck and work upward so that the lightest boxes end up on top. This can keep delicate and fragile belongings such as dishes and artwork from getting crushed. Another common tactic is to nest smaller boxes, rugs, and bedding in empty spaces between furniture to save space and provide additional cushioning so that items can't shift around and potentially be damaged in transit.

If you need help with your next move, get in touch with Suggs & Sons Moving & Storage. They provide local and long-distance moving and packing services to clients throughout Durham, NC. Call (919) 396-9552 to get a quote on relocation services, and visit the website to learn more about how this moving company can make your experience easy and stress-free.