MAGIC MOVE

One of the most important factors to consider on moving day is loading your moving truck properly.  Proper loading of your items into a Moving truck will allow for the best protection, the easiest transportation, and the most efficient unpacking.  To ensure smooth loading on moving day, make sure all your household goods are prepped and ready to load.

Tie Down Options: Please have ratchet straps available on the moving day. It can be purchased from any hardware store, dollarama, or any moving supplier. To be able to secure your load properly we recommend you to have at least 2 ratchet straps for a 10 foot truck, 3 for 15 footer, 4 for 20 footer, 6 for 26 footer. You could also use rope or tie downs. Make sure its made from a durable and non-stretch material (such as hemp or nylon) to absorb shock. The rope should not be too thin because it will make knots harder to untie.

Label: Have all boxes labeled in multiple spots prior to loading. Fragile items should be clearly marked and packed tightly in the box. Utilize plenty of filling materials to ensure that these items don’t shift during the move. This may not seem like a big deal now, but when it’s time to unpack, you’ll be glad you did it.

Filling Materials: Use packing peanuts, newspaper or packing paper to fill in space inside boxes.  Use Furniture pads, old clothing, sheets, pillows and blankets to fill in spaces between items when packing the truck.

Bundle: Loose items like shovels, rakes and brooms can be bundled together with stretch wrap– this stuff is a mover’s dream.

Disassemble: Remove legs from tables, remove drawers from dressers, and disassemble furniture when possible to allow for easier loading, and to use up less space in the truck. Wrap furniture with stretch srap so that the cabinet doors close tightly.

Furniture: Do not try to load furniture full.  You can fill empty drawers with lightweight items (such as filling materials) to utilize the space,  but make sure you can still lift the furniture comfortably.  Use stretch wrap around the furniture to keep drawers and cabinets closed. If your drawers are full with clothing for example, remove them and wrap each drawer with the stretch wrap. This will save you some boxes and make it easier to lift!

We recommend one mover for all the smaller jobs (i.e. moving van or pick-up truck), where most of the items are light or in boxes and when no furniture moving is requred.

Two movers can do most of the jobs despite the size of the truck, and its the most common crew size choice, when regular household items need to be moved.

We, however, suggest three or four men crews for the bigger jobs (20-26 foot trucks and larger). The bigger crew is usually more efficient because the movers get tired less, and it would take less time to complete a job. We also require at least 3-4 men to be present for some heavy duty moving such as safes or pianos.

1. By Number of Bedrooms 

This is the simplest and easiest method for determining wh25at size you need. Most customer feedback says this is how they chose their moving truck and that it got the job done right.  The truck rental company will list their moving truck’s capacity in terms of bedrooms in your home for simplicity. Going along with the company’s general estimate saves time, but remember that they are only estimates based on the typical furniture in any given room. For example, one bedroom may consist of a queen sized bed, a dresser, and 2 nightstands. If the rooms in your home have a lot of furniture, you must assume that it will take up more space. If you are on the cusp between truck rental sizes, it is best to be safe and reserve the next size up. If you are unable to find a guide, here is a general starting point:

• Cargo van to 10′ moving truck: studio apartment
• 15-foot moving truck: two bedrooms or less
• 20-foot moving truck: two to three bedrooms
• 26-foot moving truck: four+ bedrooms

2.  By Cubic Feet

if you want to do the measurements and calculations, then this is your best option. In this instance, it’s best to take the list of items you made, and insert the numbers into an online calculator. In addition to using an online calculator, you can use a general rule of thumb and allow 150-200 cubic feet of truck space per fully furnished room. Remember, though, that this too is only an estimate. If your home is very full of furniture you will want to allow more space.

– Don’t forget about the items outside such as bikes, propane grills, and patio furniture. Consider adding a trailer to your moving truck for these items.

– When in doubt, opt for the larger moving truck rental.

The U-haul trucks comparison chart: click here

– Reserve your moving truck or trailer as soon as you know your moving date, to guarantee availability. 

– Pack all your boxes before we arrive. You can also consider adding on packing or unpacking services with us. 

– Purchase or rent any equipment and supplies. Items such as hand trucks, moving pads, stretch wrap, and various other moving materials. 

– Empty out and unplug any large appliances. 

– Pick up your moving truck and have it on site prior to our arrival. 

– Park your moving truck or trailer in an optimal location. The closer your moving truck is to your home, the faster loading or unloading can take place. 

– Clear a path through your home and to your rental truck, allowing your movers to safely and easily carry your items.