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A) Using an appliance Trolley/Dolly

Moving heavy items such as boxes, furniture or appliances can add to the stress and strain of a move. It can also be dangerous to lift a heavy item incorrectly. You, someone else or the item itself could be hurt in the process.

How to use an appliance Trolley/Dolly

Using a dolly to move furniture, appliances, boxes, and other large and heavy items in the home is not only hard work but can be plain dangerous as well. Here we consider how to use a moving trolley in various circumstances, to simplify a move and protect your back.

Using a trolley to move boxes

A moving trolley – also called a dolly – is ideal for moving boxes. It saves time by letting you move multiple, stacked boxes in one go, without taking their weight yourself. Tips for using a moving trolley to move boxes are to:

Using a trolley to move furniture

A moving trolley is designed to move items within a certain size range. Before moving any large or heavy item, make sure you have the right equipment.

A standard moving trolley generally has a maximum weight capacity of 150 kilograms. It’s useful for moving smaller items of furniture, such as bookshelves, bedside tables, and smaller chests of drawers. It’s also excellent for moving a steel safe.

Tips on how to use a moving trolley to move furniture:

Using a trolley to move appliances

A moving trolley is especially useful for moving large appliances. However, make sure you have your teammate to help you lift any large appliance onto a trolley.

Also ensure that the appliance doesn’t exceed the maximum size or weight that the trolley is designed to bear.

Load a washing machine, dryer or a refrigerator with the back facing you to maintain safe weight distribution and avoid scratching visible surfaces.

Also, keep wires, plugs and hoses off the floor to prevent tripping. For example, tape electrical cords to the rear of the appliance and snake hoses into the machine.

Basic guidelines for using a moving trolley safely

No matter what you use a trolley to move, it’s important to follow certain safety guidelines.

These are mostly a matter of common sense. For example:

Also, when lifting an item onto or off a trolley, use proper lifting technique. Keep your back straight, your feet apart, your elbows close to your body and your knees bent.

Finally, get help with heavier items. It’s not worth pulling a muscle (or worse)!

How to use a moving trolley on stairs

When going up stairs, walk backwards. Holding the trolley handles firmly, tilt the trolley slightly towards you. Then pull the trolley up one stair at a time.

When going downstairs, walk forwards, lowering the trolley down one stair at a time. Don’t tip the trolley too far back, or you may create too much forward momentum. Approach each step head on, rather than at an angle, to prevent sideways tipping of the load. Slow and steady is best. Keep your back straight and your knees slightly bent. And when necessary, rest between steps.

B) Using a Furniture Dolly

The furniture dolly is a flat dolly with four swivel wheels and a wide base made of wood or steel. It looks quite simple – without any handles or straps – but can handle up to a thousand kgs, allowing you to easily move and manoeuver any large furniture pieces or other bulky items. All you need to do is load the piece on and give it a push.

A furniture dolly is primarily used to move around large and heavy pieces of furniture (hence the name) such dressers, shelving units, armoires, bookcases, china cabinets, desks, large couches, chairs, etc. A good quality furniture dolly can handle weights of up to a thousand pounds, sometimes even more. A less expensive and more ordinary furniture dolly can support loads of a few hundred pounds without a problem.

The dolly for moving heavy furniture can be partly covered in carpet or other soft material to cushion the load on it and thus prevent scratching or scuffing along the furniture surface. Also, the extra padding improves the overall grip of the moving dolly and ensures that the furniture pieces are more stable while being transported on it and won’t slip off easily.

The major advantages of the furniture dolly are:

The major disadvantages of the furniture dolly are:

How to use a dolly to move furniture

Now that you know more about furniture dollies than you ever hoped to know, let’s get down to the main course: how to use a dolly to move furniture.

C) Using a Piano Dolly to move an Upright Piano

Step 1: Gather Equipment

So you’ve decided to go for it, great. Let’s talk about the equipment you need:

Step 2: Plan a Path and Take Measurements

It may be obvious the path you should take, but if not, you can decide by considering the dimensions of the obstacles. The most challenging obstacles are stairs, turns, and doorways. Take measurements of all these obstacles and compare them to the width of the piano or height of the piano + dolly as appropriate.

Step 3: Clear the Path

This is a self-explanatory step, but worth mentioning. You will have at least 3 people on the piano, so the path should be as wide as possible. Additionally, note any bumps in the path; you will need to navigate these with particular care.

Step 4: Take Precautions

Some of the precautions the movers should all be aware of are:

Step 5: Wrap the Piano

Close and tape the lid shut. Place the blankets and padding around the piano. Cover the pedals with a cloth or plastic covering. Secure all padding with straps, or duct tape. If you use tape, be careful not to apply it directly to the exterior of the piano.

Step 6: Place the Piano on a Dolly or Skid Board

If you are working with an upright you’ll want to place moving straps beneath the piano with straps secured on the two peoples shoulders. Then have everybody lift the piano carefully onto the dolly.

If you are moving a grand piano you first need to remove the legs with a screwdriver. To do so have as many people as you can hold the frame of the piano, while another person unscrews the legs. The person who unscrews should position themselves away from the piano frame, so that if it falls they won’t get crushed. Place the piano on its side on the dolly or skid board.

Step 7: Wheel the Piano to the Moving Truck

One person can push in the back, one can guide in the front, and one or two can stabilize on either side. Watch out for any bumps along the way. If you run into a set of up to four steps, you can transition back to using the moving straps with as many other hands supporting the instrument over the steps.

If the piano is in a moving truck with other furniture, place it against the front wall where it won’t bounce as much as towards the rear. Secure it to the truck walls with straps.

If you are taking the piano far, or it is a particularly hot/cold day, the truck should have temperature control.

Remove the piano and place it in its new home!

 

D) The process for moving the Piano upstairs

Step 1: Plan Your Route

You will want some measurements before planning your route.

Step 2: Create a Ramp on the Stairs

You will need a ramp that is as long as the stairs. You can use plywood because it can be sturdy enough to maintain the weight of the piano and movers.

Next you need to create a ramp by placing the plywood on the stairs and securing it with duct tape and nails if available. Remember, there could be up to a 500+ kgs on the plywood, so be very diligent as you secure it.

Step 3: Prepare and Move the Piano

To prepare the piano for moving:

Step 4: Take Precautions

Some of the precautions the movers should all be aware of are:

o An upright is more straightforward to move. While you can place a grand on a dolly, it is awkward to do, and frankly you probably shouldn’t put the fate of a precious grand in your inexperienced hands anyways.

Finally you can start moving the piano:

Its worth mentioning the risk involved in this process. 

E) How to Use Moving Blankets

Moving blanket basics

These heavy-duty, quilted coverings protect furniture, appliances and other large items from scratches and damage during a move. Similarly, they can protect a home’s doors and walls from gouges and dents when hung inside the house at strategic points.

Furniture blankets typically measure 6 to 7 feet each side and consist of multiple layers of filler—cotton, polyester, nylon and similar materials—stitched together like a quilt. Often, they have a lighter-coloured side and a darker or contrasting side. The light side is considered the “clean” side while the dark side is the “dirty” side. When you move, place the light or “clean” side facing the piece as you wrap it. The dark or “dirty” side should face out.

Whether your furniture blankets are a combination of light blue and dark blue, light brown and dark brown or another combination, they will absorb the bumps and jostling of the road and prevent your furniture from getting scratched, nicked or damaged along the way. They can also help keep your future and appliances clean when they are packed next to lawn equipment or the sides of the van.

On the other hand, moving blankets are not waterproof. They will absorb any liquid, including rain. If the moving blankets around your couch get wet from rain and sit inside a moving van for several days on a cross-country move, your couches could develop mildew or mold. To prevent this, cover moving blankets with a layer of plastic, especially on rainy days.

When to use moving blankets

You should use moving blankets on all large, bulky items, including refrigerators, tables, dressers and headboards. In addition to protecting these pieces from damage and filth in the moving van, furniture blankets reduce the risk of them shifting during transport. In essence, moving blankets serve as padding within the van.

Another good time to use furniture pads is when you want to protect heavily-trafficked hallways and doorways from getting damaged. Do this by securing the blankets in these areas to walls and door frames with packing tape. You can leave the moving blankets in place for the entire move or just for as you maneuver a particularly large or difficult piece through the area.

Furniture blankets can also come in handy when moving a bulky item, like a large area rug. Slip the moving blanket under the rolled rug and use the blanket as a sling to walk the rug to the moving van.

Or, they can be used to slide a heavy item, like a freezer, when you don’t have furniture sliders readily available. To use a moving blanket, tilt one side of the empty freezer back just enough to get the blanket underneath that side. Then, repeat on the other side, and pull the blanket forward.

Determining how many you need

The number of moving blankets you need depends on the number of appliances and furnishings you have and their size. Before you start packing, go from room to room, listing the items that will need moving blankets, then determine how blankets you’ll need for each based on the guidelines below.

Items small enough for one blanket

Items needing two blankets

Items needing three blankets

How to use moving blankets

On moving day, start by gathering your furniture pads and whatever you plan to use to secure them with, such as tape, ratchet straps or mover rubber bands. For larger items, have a dolly on hand.

One-blanket items

Wrapping small items is a slightly different process than larger one. Follow these steps to ensure smaller items are properly covered.

Larger items

Depending on its size and location, take help from your teammate to position and secure moving blankets on a large, heavy or bulky item. These steps will make the process easier.

Plastic wrap and moving blankets

You can use plastic wrap to secure moving blankets to an item you’re moving instead of tape or rubber bands. Simply, wrap it around the item’s width to hold the furniture blanket in place.

Plastic wrap also offers protection from any water the blanket absorbs. Apply the plastic wrap to the item first. Then, follow the instructions above to add the moving blankets. If it begins to rain on moving day and you haven’t already used plastic wrap under the moving blankets, you can use it over them for last-minute water protection.

Other options

You can substitute old bedspreads, blankets, towels and sheets in a pinch, but these alternatives do not offer the padding and protection needed to prevent damage during a move.

F) How to use Ratchet straps

Ratchet straps are fasteners used to secure cargo during transport. When used correctly, these straps can support many different weights and cargo sizes. In order to properly use your ratchet straps, thread the strap through the mandrel and then crank the ratchet to tighten it. To release the strap, press the release tab and open the ratchet.

Threading a Ratchet Strap

The release catch, also known as the release lever, is a smaller handle that disengages the ratcheting handle. It’s located in the center of the top movable piece of the ratchet. Pull up the release catch and flip the ratchet fully open. Set the open ratchet on a table before you so that the spiked wheels (cogs) are facing upwards.

The slot at the bottom of the ratchet, known as the “mandrel,” holds the length of the strap. To thread the strap, start from underneath the ratchet and push it up through the mandrel. The threaded strap should then lay straight, the length of it overlapping with the second strap on the other side of the ratchet.

Remember that you can always tighten it with the ratchet later, so don’t worry too much about the length

Securing Your Cargo

Ratchet straps can easily secure cargo in a truck bed or moving van. Move your cargo where you want it to stay, then place the ratchet strap across your cargo. Hook the ends over the side of the truck bed or in grooves in the van wall.

If you’re using the ratchet strap to hold several objects together, such as 2 large frames, wrap the strap around those objects and simply hook the 2 ends together. This will create a large, secure loop.

  • Keep in mind that this technique will hold objects together but will not keep them in place.
  • To hold multiple objects together andkeep them in place, you’ll need two ratchet straps. Use one strap to secure the objects together and the other strap to wrap around them and strap them into place.

Pull the ratchet back and forth to pull the length of the strap through and tighten it. Once it feels taut and secure around your cargo, stop ratcheting. Tug at the strap and check for give–it should feel tight and secure.

  • Be careful not to over-tighten. Too much pressure could damage your ratchet strap or your cargo.
  • If you can’t fit a finger between the strap and the object, you probably overtightened. Loosen the strap and ratchet it closed again.

Flip the ratchet back into the closed position. Press it closed until you hear it latch. This means that the strap is locked into place and should hold your cargo securely.

  • If you don’t hear the click, tug on the strap and buckle to make sure it’s secure. If it comes loose, you may have a faulty ratchet strap.

Releasing the Strap

This will override the ratcheting function and release the lock. The release tab should be easy to access and located on the top of the ratchet.

  • If you can’t locate the release tab, check your operation instruction manual.

Flip the ratchet completely open so it lays flat, then pull on the non-fixed side of the strap. This will release the strap from the ratchet’s hold and allow you to completely remove the strap.

Wrapping small items is a slightly different process than larger one. Follow these steps to ensure smaller items are properly covered.

G) How to use Bungee straps

Bungee straps are perfect tie downs for your trucking tarps, but these flexible bungee cords also have flexible uses!

While bungee straps aren’t recommended for heavy loads, they’re perfect for tying down lightweight cargo. You can safely secure light cargo by anchoring one end of your strap to the inside side or back of your rig and bringing the bungee around your cargo to pull it tight and anchor the other end around your item(s)!

How Do You Use Bungee Straps?

As with all your trucking equipment, ensuring that your bungee cords are up to your standard and retain a long-life span is dependent on proper use and storage. The basic steps when using our adjustable bungee cords are as follows:

Tarping

When it comes to truck tarping, bungee straps can take some time when tarping or securing your loads. Here’s a helpful guide:

This process allows tension to be evenly distributed between your adjustable bungee cords and eliminates the need to undo and readjust bungee straps or your tarp!

Load Securement

When comparing bungee straps to traditional chains or winch straps, it’s important to note that bungee cords are not DOT regulated to be used for cargo securement. You should not be using bungee cords for heavy equipment – like vehicles or farm equipment.

However, if you’ve ever been in a situation where you’re transporting oversized items in a vehicle that has a small bed/trunk, you can use bungee cords to hold the trunk or bed closed!

There are many ways you can apply bungee cords: hook the bungee straps through bags or buckets to prevent spillage during transport, custom and lightweight cord wraps, and make-shift shelves or organizers.

Different Uses of Bungee Straps

Our adjustable bungee cords are designed around stretch, strength, and having durable adjustment points. Because of this design, they are extremely versatile in their usage!

Tips for Using Bungee Tie-Down Straps

While the bungee cords can be used in a variety of applications, here are five tips that are useful no matter where or how you plan to use bungee straps:

While we have been using the terms interchangeably in the industry and this article, there are some minor differences between them. Bungee straps are a solid piece of rubber with eyes on either end for the insertion of crimped hooks. Bungee cords consist of one or more elastic strands encased in a cotton or polypropylene sheath. This difference is important depending on what you need for hauling or storing supplies. Bungee straps offer more strength, while Bungee cords are better suited in elasticity.

If cargo control and shock absorption are important and necessary, bungee straps are perfect. The rubber bungee straps are made of is extremely energy absorbent and recommended as replacements for chain or winch strap. Use heavy-duty bungee straps for flatbed truckers or haulers that travel through environments that have added travel stress, like rough weather conditions and uneven roads.

Bungee straps have been used in a range of odd and creative tools, including furniture! Lightweight bungee straps can take the place of older, broken, or uncomfortable vinyl to create or fix furniture and chairs that are just as strong. You can also hook a bungee cord across an open shelf to prevent items from falling and crashing to the floor below.

What’s more frustrating than having a variety of small items or cargo you need to transport? Lacking any feasible way to keep them stable and prevent these smaller items from rolling around the back of your truck or trailer. Bungee cords can help bundle these items together AND tie down these bundles to the floor or walls of your garage, trailer, or trunk/bed.

Securing items like microwaves, coffee pots, crock pots, and trash cans to ensure that sudden slam on your brakes or hit a nasty pot-hole protects these items rom damages.!

How Many Bungee Straps Are Needed to Secure Flatbed Cargo Shipment?

Securing your cargo properly is a matter of safety and maintaining a reputation. Losing or damaging cargo if it shifts or falls will result in a financial loss at least and bodily harm at worst. To ensure you’re keeping your loads firmly in place during transportation it’s best to follow Part 393 of Federal Regulations, which govern how items are to be blocked, braced, or tied down on flatbeds and enclosed trailers or vans.

However, these laws only apply to straps and chains that have working load limits. According to law, it’s recommended you use at least FOUR tie-down straps or an amount of tie-down straps that equal at least HALF of the cargo’s weight.

Since bungee cords and straps lack working load limits and are not DOT regulated for cargo securement, the number of bungee cords you need depends on how secure you want your tarp to be while covering your cargo. It is not recommended to use bungee cords for large equipment securement.

Most of the movers tend to use bungee cord elastic for tying down tarps. However, as demonstrated it’s incredibly useful to have an assortment of bungee cords handy to ensure you always have the right one for the job! With their versatile uses, you can apply a bungee strap to just about any situation, both in and outside the truck!