Your Guide to Loading a Self-Drive Removal Truck

Removal say has arrived and you have decided to hire a self-drive removal truck. Now it is up to you to decide how to load it. Unlike full service removal services, there will be no professionals to guide you on the day. You are left alone to deal with loading the truck, so you are going to have to know how exactly to load it. And yes, before you ask, there is a right and wrong way to do it. Before you can load any of your belonging into the truck, you need to ensure that you have packed your items appropriately. All boxes need to be sealed and labelled. You also need to make sure that your boxes are not over packed, since carrying them is going to become an issue. It also makes the boxes more likely to tear, which is clearly unwanted. Boxes containing fragile items should be labelled to indicate that extra care needs to be taken when handling the box. You also need to ensure that your fragile items are wrapped in bubble wrap to keep them protected.

Additionally, you can use Styrofoam to pad boxes containing fragile items. Any furniture which can be dismantled should be. The corresponding screws and tools should be bagged away safely and should be kept close to the piece of furniture they belong to. A good idea is to tape the bag to a piece of the furniture itself. Not only is dismantling furniture a good idea to make lifting and carrying easier, but it is also going to save you a lot of space in the removal truck. Electrical good such as Televisions, Computers etc. should be packed into their original boxes if you still have them. If that is not an option, padding these items will keep them safe and free from damage. So when you are absolutely sure that you have packed everything correctly, it is time to start loading the truck. Loading items according to their size and weight is the key.

To start off with, load the truck with any large furniture items such as wardrobes, cabinets, sofas, washing machines, cookers, fridges etc. By getting the largest and heaviest items out the way, you will have the worst behind you. If you have any soft items such as blankets, pillows or duvets, empty spaces in drawers, wardrobes and cabinets can be filled using these. Next, you need to pack the larger boxes. Packing them next to each other is a better idea than packing them on top of each other. This way you have a platform for smaller boxes. When packing smaller boxes, still take care when handling them. Load these on top of the heavier boxes. If you have delicate objects which are too large to pack away into boxes e.g. mirrors, you need to make sure that they are padded and protected, otherwise you risk the chance of ending up with damaged goods. Taking regular breaks during the loading process is suggested. Not only does this give you a change to take a breather and grab refreshments, but it also gives you a chance to re-energise yourself. Do not rush loading a removal truck. Those who rush are more likely to have an accident, or not load the truck effectively. Take your time and make sure you do the job right. Packing is hard enough as it is, but then when you have to load the truck all alone, you may find yourself struggling. If there is someone to help you, do not refuse the aid. Many hands make light work!