If you've hired moving professionals to help with your move, you might be wondering how they'll get the job done. With so many things to take care of before the big day, worrying about getting your things safely to your new home should be the last thing on your mind. Rest assured, professional movers do have their own equipment specifically designed for a move, so all you have to do is pack your things and relax.
Two-Wheel Dolly
Also known as a refrigerator dolly, this handy piece of equipment can be used to move much more than your fridge. Professionals movers take advantage of every square inch of a two-wheel dolly to move book cases, dressers, armoires, washers and dryers, toy chests, and stacks of boxes.
When used by professionals, two-wheel dollies offer the most stable way of moving large, heavy, or bulky items through a doorway and onto the truck.
Four-Wheel Dolly
Four-wheel dollies can be used to move all kinds of furniture as well as boxes. But they're commonly used for things that are a little too big for a two-wheel dolly. They also come in handy when there's a long walk between the home and the truck or when an elevator is being used.
Hoist Straps
Sometimes, large items like dressers, couches, and mattresses won't fit through your door. Or they do, but you're faced with a maze of stairs and hallway turns where they could get stuck.
If this is the case, your movers may suggest lowering the furniture through a window. And they can manage this task with the use of hoist straps. Alternatively, some private companies can be hired to use electric lifts that will move your belongings up or down.
Ramps
Unless your old home and your new place doesn't have stairs—which is highly unlikely—most moving companies like to bring along multiple sets of ramps of varying size. They'll place these ramps under the steps and in front of the truck, which will allow them to easily move dollies around without having to "walk" them down a flight of stairs, off the porch, or down a curb.
Pallet Jack
If you've never seen a pallet jack, it can be likened to a miniature elevator with feet. These feet can be raised and lowered to move items safely on and off the truck. Pallet jacks are commonly used for extremely heavy items, like furniture made of solid wood, safes, and pieces of machinery.
Piano Board
This piece of equipment will be used only if you own a piano, and it provides a cushioned base for most any type, whether you own a grand or an upright (although some companies will use a four-wheel dolly to move upright pianos).
It's not a good idea to use the wheels on your piano to move it around. As your piano sits, the casters can get stuck. And if they jam up while you're moving it around, it can cause the legs to break.
Tools
Some people prefer to take their furniture apart before moving because most companies charge extra for this service. However, if that's something you don't want to deal with, moving companies do have their own tools for disassembling furniture. Be sure to let them know ahead of time that you need this done.
Furniture Blankets
Professional movers have a vested interest in keeping your belongings safe and avoiding damage. Therefore, most of them arrive with plenty of blankets to wrap around your furniture as well as certain parts of your house that need this protection.
Furniture blankets don't have to be reserved for just furniture. They can also be placed on door frames, stair banisters, and even two-wheel dollies to add a layer of protection when moving.
If the movers run out of blankets, consider using bubble wrap or cardboard on banisters and in door frames.