Helpful Hints for Moving With a Cargo Trailer

August 16, 2019 by

Helpful Hints for Moving With a Cargo Trailer

The stress of moving home is something many of us will have to deal with at some point in our lives. Moving companies can be pricey, packing all of your belongings is a huge task and the paperwork involved in swapping properties often leaves you with a headache. While it won’t provide a solution to some of those head-scratchers, renting a trailer when moving can be a great option which you may not have considered. They’re affordable, have a surprising amount of storage room, and can be attached to most vehicles. That being said, don’t just go throwing everything in and expecting it to be a miracle job – there are still some very important do’s and don’ts when renting a cargo trailer.

THE BENEFITS OF RENTING A TRAILER FOR MOVING

There are plenty of reasons as to why you should consider using a trailer for your relocation. The first reason, and often the most important for people, is the financial savings that renting a trailer will give you. Since it’s something you’re only going to be renting for one or two days, even if there’s a high daily cost it won’t add up too quickly. It’s almost certain that renting a trailer is going to be more cost-effective than employing a removal company.

Secondly, you’ll be surprised at how much a typical trailer can carry. A move which would be multiple back-and-forth journeys in a car or truck alone suddenly becomes much more efficient with a trailer attached at the back. You’ll also have a lot more flexibility since you get to decide what goes in the trailer, when it’s full and when it leaves your home. Finally, you’re guaranteed that everything you place inside the trailer is going to safely arrive at your new home. With moving companies you can’t be certain that everything is safely transported; using a trailer means that you can.

HOW TO LOAD THE TRAILER CORRECTLY

So should you just cram as much as you can into the trailer? A technique which surely decreases the number of journeys you need to make? Unfortunately, it’s also a technique which is also likely to cause serious damage.

While it isn’t rocket science, there are still a few golden rules you should follow. First of all, load your heaviest items first. There should be loaded towards the front of the trailer and space should be left for your lighter items, which, ideally, will be stored towards the back and the top of the trailer. Make sure that around 60% of the load is placed on the center load line – if you place too much weight at either side, there’s a good chance that the trailer could topple when you turn corners. If that happens, not only will you be losing the deposit on your rental trailer, you’ll probably be looking to buy new possessions too.

It’s always a good idea to secure your goods by tying them down. Any bump in the road, sharp stop or tight turn can move your items within the trailer. If your items are secured to the ground surface of the trailer, there’s a much higher chance that they’ll arrive at your new home in the same condition they left your old home.

Finally, you’ll have to drive slightly differently. Carefully monitor your speed, take turns gently and plan your route for the least amount of hassle. Make sure that your vehicle is suitable for towing trailer – the hitch should be a perfect fit, and you’ll need to make sure the lights at the back work.

If you have any questions about renting a trailer, contact us at McFarlane Trailers. Not only do we offer the best quality trailers and the most competitive rates, but our knowledgeable staff will make sure that you’re renting a trailer that is perfect for you.