What tools and equipment will I need for my move?
Moving can be a stressful and physically demanding task. At Cross Town Movers we have a range of tools available to our team that makes the process efficient and safe. If you're working with our crew or planning to do it yourself, understanding the tools that professional movers use can help you better prepare for your relocation. Whether you're moving within the Boise, Eagle, or Meridian areas, or across the country, using the right tools will make your move go as smoothly as possible.
Moving Boxes and Packing Supplies
Professional movers utilize different size moving boxes to pack and transport items safely. They also use packing supplies such as packing paper, strong packing tape, and moving blankets to protect your belongings during transit. Please see our blog post on packing for helpful hints on how to decide if you should do your own packing.
Moving Blankets and Furniture Pads
Those big blue moving blankets, also known as furniture pads, are thick, heavy-duty blankets designed to protect furniture and other large items from scratches, dings, and damage. They are essential for safeguarding your possessions during the move. Professional movers source high quality moving blankets that are typically thicker than those available commercially.
Hand Trucks and Dollies
Hand trucks and dollies are indispensable tools for moving heavy items like appliances, furniture, and boxes. These devices make easy work of transporting furniture and furnishings and reduce the physical demands of individuals doing the move. If you have numerous boxes to move, a mover can make easy work of stacking and transporting them to their destination. Just be sure you’ve securely taped and labeled the boxes!
A specialized tool, such as a 4-wheel dolly, is often used to move pianos when it doesn’t need to be moved up or down stairs.
For moving large appliances like refrigerators and stoves, appliance dollies with straps or harnesses are essential for safe and efficient transportation.
Rug Runners
Rug Runners are an invaluable way to protect flooring when moving furniture. Be sure to have them on hand to ensure there’s no damage to hardwood or carpet.
Packing Tape and Dispensers
Packing tape dispensers make it easier to seal boxes securely. They are designed for speed and efficiency, ensuring that boxes remain closed during the move. It is important to be sure you have enough tape on hand to tape boxes both vertically and horizontally.
Shrink Wrap
You may find shrink wrap (looks like an oversized roll of saran wrap) a great tool to help protect furniture and appliances during a move. Be sure not to leave shrink wrap on any items that may need to “breath” when they are going into storage for an extended period of time, such as a leather couch.
Hand Tools
Each truck at Cross Town Movers comes equipped with a tool bag with basic tools including screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and allen keys. These tools come in handy for disassembling and reassembling furniture or fixtures. If you require specialized tools for your furniture, you’ll need to have those available.
Moving Straps and Bands
Moving straps and bands are used to secure multiple boxes together, creating a more stable and manageable load when loading the truck. They are also used to hold doors and drawers closed and keep them safe from any damage from swinging open.
Ramps and Loading Ramps
Ramps and loading ramps are crucial for loading and unloading heavy items into and out of the moving truck. Be sure the ramp you are using is clear of any obstruction, ice or snow during its use.
Trucks
Last but certainly not least, be sure you have a truck that is the appropriate size and is equipped to support your move.
At Cross Town Movers we continually research new and innovative tools that can improve the efficiency and safety of the moving process. Our tools are simple but effective when used correctly. Each of our 26-foot box trucks are specially equipped with not only the proper tools but also E- Tracks at various heights where we can secure furniture using the straps we discussed previously.
Please contact us for a free estimate. We would love to take the worry out of moving and supply not only a professional moving team but all the tools and equipment to complete the job.