10 Tips For Loading A Pod or U-Box Like a Pro

Loading Your Pod or U-Box Like a Pro

Moving Pods or U-Boxes are a great way to save money on long-distance moves. Once loaded, Pods  and U-Boxes are easily placed onto semi-trucks along with other pods and U-boxes that are headed in the same direction. This allows the shipper to significantly reduce transportation costs at a certain distance, which in turn saves you money on your long-distance move.

How you load your pod will determine how much bang you get for your buck. Not only will you want to fit as much as possible, you will also need to make sure that everything is secure. You definitely don't want to arrive at your new home with a pod full of broken items.

Here are 10 tips that will help you load your pod or U-Box properly:

1. Load Tall Items First -
   If it's too tall to fit through the door of the pod or U-Box but it should stand up inside, load it first. Once you get it through the door, you can use the available space to get it standing up.
2. Distribute Weight Evenly -
   Try to get your two heaviest items into the two front corners of the pod or U-Box. Then try to fill the gap between those two items with items of similar height. The next heaviest items should go on the walls behind your first two heavy items.
3. Try To Stack In Rows -
   Whenever possible, stack large items of similar sizes in neat rows across the pod. Keeping straight rows will give you more options as you progress through your pod stack.
4. Use Straps To Keep It Tight -
   Securing your heavy items to the walls will promote a sturdy base upon which you can stack to the roof. You can also use straps across the pod or U-Box to keep your rows tight all the way to the front.
5. Fill The Gaps -
   It is very important to keep your load tight. Use narrow, sturdy items like suitcases to fill the large gaps and soft, squishy items like cushions and rugs to fill small gaps. Always use blankets or pads to avoid scratching.
6. Choose Items Wisely -
   If an item is giving you trouble, set it aside until later. Many times an opportunity to place a pesky item will present itself. Don't waste time trying to make it happen, it will probably fit better later!
7. Stack To The Roof -
   When you complete each row, fill your remaining vertical space before you block it in. If you kept your row to a similar height, you can fit a layer or two of boxes on top. This is also a good space to place chairs and other oddly shaped items.
8. Keep It Moving -
   Challenge yourself to place items as quickly as possible and keep it moving. You will likely need to make a couple of adjustments along the way to get it perfect anyways. Try to notice early if your headed in the wrong direction, make some changes, and keep it moving.
9. Stack Multiple Pods Simultaneously -
   If you have more than one pod, it's a good idea to build a base in each pod with your large and heavy items. This will give you more options and prevent large items from being forgotten until it's too late.
10. Extra-Heavy Boxes On Floor-
    When stacking boxes, place extra heavy boxes on the floor. Try to put similar-sized, lighter boxes on top of heavy boxes. Go as high as you can while making sure not to put too much weight on the bottom box.

Using our 10 tips for loading your Pod or U-Box will help ensure a safe and successful move.
Avid Movers is a Sacramento’s favorite moving company . We provide an hourly Pod and U-Box loading service for those who require help in the Greater Sacramento Area.

Give us a call today at (916) 792-8999 or visit AvidMovers.com to check out our local moving services. You can tell everyone at your new house that you loaded it yourself!