Moving Must-Haves You're Missing

1. Furniture Pads and Covers: Protect your belongings from scrapes and dirt with padded furniture blankets and plastic covers. Padded blankets act as a barrier, protecting your large furniture from bumps and scrapes while in the truck, while furniture covers made of plastic can help keep dust and dirt off your items during the move. Many moving companies rent furniture pads; when renting from Penske you can easily add furniture pads to your reservation and pick them up with your truck.

2. Furniture Sliders: Furniture sliders are incredibly useful for moving heavy items without lifting them. Place them under bulky pieces like sofas, tables or dressers, making it easier to slide them across floors without scratching or damaging surfaces. Sliders come in varieties that work on both carpets and hard floors, making them a versatile addition to your moving kit.

3. Stretch Wrap: Stretch wrap might not be at the top of your list, but it’s a game-changer when securing drawers, keeping protective covers in place and preventing minor damage. It can also be used to keep cords and smaller loose items bundled together. Plus, wrapping it around furniture is another way to protect wood and upholstered pieces from surface scratches.

4. Permanent Markers or Labeling Stickers: A set of bold, permanent markers or color-coded labeling stickers can make a big difference when packing. Labeling boxes clearly by room or content type helps streamline the unpacking process and ensures everything gets to the right spot in your new home.

During the Move: Keep Things Secure

These items will be your best friends on moving day, ensuring everything gets from point A to point B safely and securely.

1.Tie-Down Straps: When packing a moving truck, it’s easy to overlook how much things can shift in transit. Tie-down or cargo straps are essential to secure large furniture, boxes and other bulky items, preventing them from sliding and causing damage. Straps come in various strengths, so make sure to use heavy-duty ones for items like couches or appliances.

2. Bungee Cords: Like tie-down straps, bungee cords help secure smaller items, keeping them from shifting or falling during transit. They’re versatile and can bundle odd-shaped items together or hold cabinet doors closed during the move.

3. Dolly or Hand Truck: Moving heavy boxes or furniture by hand can be tough and time-consuming. A dolly or hand truck helps take the weight off your back, making it easier to move bulky items like refrigerators or large boxes. These can often be rented from moving companies or purchased from hardware stores. When renting with Penske, you can add a hand truck to your truck rental reservation. Hand trucks pair great with our 16’, 22’ and 26’ box trucks, which all come equipped with loading ramps.

4. Locks: Once your truck is packed, securing it with a sturdy lock is critical to protecting your belongings. High-quality padlocks provide added peace of mind, ensuring that your possessions are safe when you’re not around to watch the truck. You can find these at most hardware stores or rent them from moving companies.