(NAPS) - Moving yourself can be a great way to save money - millions of people move this way every year. While moving yourself is always hard work, a few tips from Budget Truck Rental can make it easier to safely pack and deliver your household possessions:- Think size. Before renting a truck, consider what size truck you will be needing. A 10-foot? A 16-foot? A 24-foot? A rental representative can help you estimate what size you will need based on how many cubic feet common household items need. For example, a queen-size bed takes approximately 55 cubic feet, while a freezer takes up approximately 45. Total it all up and you'll know how much space you'll need.
- Moving big things? Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Label pieces so they're easy to remember. Fill drawers with clothes or fragile but well-wrapped items. Cover with blankets or furniture pads and secure with rope. Remove the legs on a table, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under the tabletop. If you're moving a washer, stuff towels in between the sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.
- Moving small things? Put your microwave, DVD player, etc., into boxes and cushion with crumpled paper. Pack books flat in small cartons and alternate the bindings. Pack fragile items in bubble wrap and tape securely. Pack DVDs and CDs upright and cushion with newspaper. Never stack dishes flat. Wrap each piece in packing paper, then wrap bundles of five with more paper. Pack plates and saucers on edge. Wrap cups and bowls in paper, bundle together, then wrap again. Place around the plates and saucers.
- What about awkward things? Wrap the arms and legs of a chair with bubble wrap. Leave slipcovers on or purchase chair bags for protection. Loosen the handlebars of bicycles and turn them sideways. Cover chains and pedals to keep grease off other items. Roll up rugs and secure with rope or tape. Empty gasoline from lawn mower tanks, check for oil leaks and disconnect spark plugs. Remember to load large items into the truck first and put heavy boxes on the bottom.
- Choose the day. It can be cheaper to move midweek (Sunday through Thursday), so check daily rates.
- Get help if you need it. Some truck rental companies offer help packing and loading the truck.
For more information, call (800) GO-BUDGET or visit www.budget truck.com. You can pick up a copy of the Mover's Guide at any Budget Truck Rental location.
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Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our
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