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Moving by yourself can, frankly, be quite a pain if you don’t handle it correctly. There are so many things you have to keep in mind, from your move-in date to setting up your utilities to so much more. It’s easy to get bogged down and then overwhelmed.
Do-it-yourself projects, commonly called DIY, come with many benefits but there are challenges too. The trick is to find ways to minimize those challenges – and it’s really not that hard to do so. You just have to have the right tools.
When it comes to moving, some tools are more helpful than others, especially if you are tackling your big move by yourself. If you have these four helpful assets, you’ll find the entire process moves much, much smoother.
Flatbed Trailer
A flatbed trailer offers flexibility, power, and the independence to transport bulky or unwieldy items that may not fit in typical vehicles, making it ideal for DIY moving. You have likely heard of many people who get through their move because of the help of flatbed trailer shipping and there is a good reason for that – and a good reason why it needs to be at the top of your list of essential items for moving.
At their core, the thing that makes flatbed trailers so special is that they provide a flat area with no walls or overhead covering, which allows for the stacking of bulky or irregular objects without any worries about height restrictions or entrances.
This makes it perfect for moving large items such as couches, beds, tables, and even bulky appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines. Using a flatbed trailer gives you the possibility to use all available space without restrictions on height.
Plus, renting a flatbed trailer is often a more cost-effective option when compared to renting a moving truck, which can get expensive quickly. If you own a car with a trailer hitch, just hook up the trailer and you’re good to go.
On top of all that, you get great variety here. Flatbed trailers come in multiple different sizes, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your moving requirements the most. Ensure your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer and that you feel confident driving and maneuvering it, especially when it’s full.
Dolly
Imagine trying to move a big, bulky washing machine and dryer up three flights of stairs without a moving dolly. That sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? That is why a furniture dolly is essential for moving heavy furniture and appliances with total ease and it’s one of the most important DIY tools you can purchase before you move.
The simplicity of a furniture dolly’s design is what makes it helpful and effective. Many furniture dollies have an impressive capacity of up to a thousand pounds, allowing you to move all kinds of heavy items such as couches, dressers, and a ton of boxes at one time.
This prevents you from making numerous trips and doing heavy lifting on your own, which is obviously vital when you’re doing this by yourself.
Using a dolly is about as easy as you can imagine. It simply involves sliding it underneath your item, slightly tilting it back, and then allowing the wheels to do the moving for you. Unlike hand trucks that rely on balancing on two wheels, furniture dollies have four wheels leading to increased stability. This design allows for easy pushing or pulling of the dolly, even in small areas.
Straps & Tie-Downs
The last thing you want is for anything to shift around or come off while your items are being transported on a flatbed trailer. That’s when ratchet straps and tie-downs prove to be useful. These strong straps secure everything, ensuring peace of mind while driving on highways and sharp curves.
Ratchet straps will give you and your move a high level of safety and security and peace of mind. Ratchet straps let you adjust them easily to secure your items tightly, unlike ropes that may come loose. After you turn the ratchet tool, the strap remains tight, preventing your items from shifting on the trailer.
There are different lengths and strengths of ratchet straps available for you to choose from so you can select the right one for your specific load. For example, longer straps can be used to hold down tall items such as bookshelves. Meanwhile, shorter straps are perfect for tying up smaller items.
Ratchet straps are designed to handle tough situations. They are able to withstand exposure to the elements, making them perfect for long trips in the rain or harsh weather. Top-notch straps also possess a breaking strength well beyond your usual requirements, ensuring they will not snap or tear.
Blankets & Pads
Who would have thought that blankets would be so helpful when you’re embarking on a DIY moving trip? But, believe it or not, blankets and pads are two of the most common and helpful tools you can use when you’re packing up your stuff and getting ready to relocate.
Although they may appear to be optional to some people, moving blankets and pads are actually super helpful for protecting your belongings against scratches, dents, and other harm. Moving blankets serve a crucial role in DIY moves, whether you are protecting a valuable family heirloom, a beloved piece of art, or a new piece of furniture.
Unlike the blankets you lay under when you sleep at night, these special kinds of blankets are thick, strong, and made to shield furniture from all types of damage. Covering your items before placing them on a flatbed trailer or dolly provides an additional layer of protection that guards against damage caused by bumps and scrapes.
Conclusion
A DIY move isn’t impossible and you shouldn’t be afraid of taking this task head-on. But you should consider purchasing and using some special tools in order to make the entire process so much easier.
By including things like a flatbed trailer and moving blankets, you will ensure that the move is smooth and pleasant and you’ll soon be settling down in your new location with all of your items intact and exactly where they’re supposed to be.