How to prepare for a truck or a POD load
We get calls for out-of-state moves all the time. More often than not, they're simply too far out of our range, or the costs involved are more than what our client base wants to pay. So, the next-best option is to load and drive your own rental truck, or to go with one of the many POD services out there. The advantage: a much lower cost and you can pack at your own pace. The disadvantage: you'll have to provide your own protective gear.
You really don't need all that much, but here are the basics:
POD/Truck Prep
1. Blankets and/or pads
In our experience, people don't want to use their own blankets or old sheets, even if they're really old and tattered. And even if they do, depending on the size of the load, they likely won't have enough to protect all their fragile items. So, whether you're renting a truck from U-Haul, Penske or another provider, or if you order a POD-style storage container, get blankets. At least with Penske, our preferred provider, you can get them at a reasonable price per dozen. (As of this writing, it's about $20 per dozen.)
They're not the most "robust" blankets out there, but they'll do. (They're typically smaller and thinner, meaning you'll need more than you expect.)
Rental outfits should ask if you'd like to include those. POD-style outfits may or may not provide them. Make sure to ask.
If for some reason your truck rental place is unable to provide them, we highly recommend taking a trip down to New Haven Moving Supply. This is where the pros go for their equipment, and while blankets are more expensive, they're better, bigger, have a variety of quality levels, and are almost always cheaper per blanket than anything you'll find at a storage facility.
2. Ratcheting tie-downs
At MTB, we hate twine. Unfortunately, twine seems to be the standard go-to for everyone. So, we recommend picking up some ratcheting tie-downs. They're much easier to work with than twine, and stronger. You can find these handy little items at Home Depot, although I just discovered that you can find them $5 cheaper on the Home Depot website. In store price: $15. Online price: $10.
3. Boxes
This is one of those "no-brainers," but it does need to be said. Not getting boxes may seem like a good way to save some cash, but you have to ask yourself what your time is worth. No boxes = LOTS of trips to the truck. We have a saying: "Box it, bag it, break it down!" The better prepared you are, the faster it goes overall.
Box options:
RentOurBoxes.com (A.K.A. "The Box Buddies," which is NOT a subsidiary of My Truck Buddy): Use these guys if you're moving pretty much anywhere on the East Coast. They'll deliver and pick up the boxes for free.
Used Cardboard Boxes: This is the cheapest online box source I've found. Delivery is "free" with purchase. (You can find cheaper boxes, but the delivery charge brings it up to the Used Cardboard Boxes price range.)
4. Dollies and hand-trucks
If you're doing it all yourself (as opposed to having us load the truck or POD for you), you'll want wheels. Often times, your apartment complex will have something you can use such as a concierge cart. However, if not, and you have a long, flat walk, some sort of cart is a must. Home Depot or New Haven both have good, cost-effective options. We like the one pictured to the left. It collapses into a cart with a bigger "footprint," allowing you to put more "stuff" on it.
Other thoughts
There are numerous options out there, so don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. Our job is to give you the best moving experience of your life. Moving doesn't have to be hard!