Planning to use portable moving containers for a do-it-yourself move? Renting containers for short-term or long-term storage? Read these tips before you start piling your belongings inside. They will help you maximize the available space inside the container and load it properly to help minimize the chances of your belongings getting damaged during transport.
Tips on How to Load Moving Containers
When moving with portable moving containers, be just as careful and cautious when packing as you would be before loading your belongings into a rental truck. You can get home packing tips here and tips for moving office furniture here.
Gather the supplies you’ll need for loading: paper padding, furniture padding, stretch wrap, loading straps, and at least one dolly. Then use the following tips to learn how to load a moving container:
Portable moving containers are placed on the ground and are much easier to load than loading a moving truck. It’s also easier to use a dolly when loading a moving container. If you have a dolly, use it to move any appliances and heavy crates into the container. If you don’t have a dolly but have several heavy items to move, consider renting one. Your moving container company may rent them or can refer you to someone who does.
If possible, don't use a dolly to move furniture. Have someone help you move the furniture by hand to avoid damaging it.
Wrap any items not in the crate with paper pads or furniture pads to help minimize the chance of scratches or other damage. Wrap upholstered furniture with stretch wrap.
Start loading heavy items, such as furniture and appliances, into the container. All heavy items should be on the floor, with the furniture on the pads.
Fill the spaces around furniture and appliances with boxes and small items. If you are loading furniture with shelving, such as an entertainment center, fill all spaces with small, lightweight items. Stack heavier boxes underneath lighter boxes.
Stack sections as tightly as possible from the floor to the ceiling of the container. Try to keep the weight of the cargo evenly distributed from side to side and front to back as much as possible. This will help prevent items from shifting during transport, which could cause damage, and maximize your space.
Secure each section of cargo with loading straps using the sturdy tie-down loops inside the container. If you load any large items with wheels, such as rolling file cabinets or tool boxes, secure them separately.
To avoid damaging your belongings, do not apply excessive force when tightening the loading straps.
Some quality moving containers have translucent roofs to allow for natural light, making it easier to see when loading and unloading. If you plan to store your items in the container for an extended period of time, cover the items on or near the top to prevent exposure to light.
Once your moving and storage container is full and secured with straps, lock it and relax.Know what you cannot load in a portable moving container.
For safety reasons, you cannot transport or store explosive, corrosive, or flammable items in a portable moving container. Some common dangerous goods that are not allowed include:
Any batteries, household or automotive / Fire extinguishers / Cleaning solvents / Gasoline / Motor oil / Propane cans / Kerosene / Sterno fuel / Charcoal/lighter fluid / Matches / Ammonia
Liquid bleach / Chemicals, including swimming pool chemicals, chemistry sets, etc.
Perishable items (including food and plants) are also not allowed, nor are animals or other living creatures. GREEVEL also recommends that you carry important personal/irreplaceable items with you rather than stowing them in the portable self storage units. If you have questions or are unsure of what can and cannot be loaded, please communicate with us.
