The Secret to a Smooth Move: What to Do Before We Arrive
Whether you’re moving across town or just shifting furniture around the house, a little prep can go a long way—especially when you’re hiring extra muscle to help. At Rent The Help, we specialize in flexible, labor-only moving services. That means we bring the manpower, and you stay in control of your move.
To make sure things go off without a hitch (and without running over budget), here are a few of our top tips to help you get ready before we arrive:
1. Pick the Right Service for the Job
We offer flexible packages starting at 2 movers for 2 hours, which covers the majority of our jobs. Whether you’re loading a truck, unloading into a new apartment, or just rearranging furniture—we can help.
Bonus Tip: For quick projects, ask us about our Power Hour package for small moves that need big results fast.
2. Be Upfront About What Needs Moving
We get it—moves can be unpredictable. But if our team arrives expecting a one-bedroom move and finds a garage full of boxes and a third-floor walk-up, we’ll need to adjust on the fly. That usually means more time… and a higher bill.
Help us help you by communicating all the items you need moved ahead of time. We’d much rather finish early than run late.
3. Prep Your Home (and Furniture) Ahead of Time
Time adds up quickly on moving day, especially with things like:
- Stairs (3rd floor apartments = longer moves)
- Long walks to the truck or POD
- Elevator wait times at storage units
Speed things up by doing a few key things before we arrive:
- Disassemble beds, shelves, and large furniture.
- Label boxes with room names so we know where to unload.
- Clear walkways and secure any pets (for their safety and ours!).
4. Bring the Right Equipment (We Don’t Provide It)
As a labor-only moving service, we don’t bring a truck or supplies—but we’ll gladly help you load what you provide. Here’s what we recommend:
- Moving blankets – One per wooden piece of furniture, at minimum.
- Appliance dolly + straps – These are critical if you’re moving heavy appliances.
- Rope or straps – Super helpful when loading a POD or large truck for longer moves.
Bonus Tip: Where to Get Moving Equipment
Need supplies? You can rent dollies, blankets, and straps from places like Home Depot, U-Haul, or your local rental shop. For smaller items, Amazon or Walmart usually has what you need. Having the right gear ready makes the move smoother and safer.
5. Choose the Right Truck for Your Move
Customers often underestimate how much space they need. Too small of a truck = multiple trips (and more time). Too large without tie-downs = things shift and break.
Our take?
- U-Haul: Easy to find, made for DIY moves.
- Penske: Better quality trucks, especially for longer hauls or heavier loads.
If you’re not sure what size truck to rent, just ask—we’ve seen it all.
Final Word: A Smooth Move Starts Before We Do
Our team works hard to make your move easier. But the best moves happen when you’re packed, prepped, and clear about what to expect.