Customer Moving Kit
Your Move, Made Simple
Everything you need to get ready for a labor-only move with T.D.M. Take Down Moving. Save this page or print it and check things off as you go.
1How Labor-Only Works
You handle the truck
- Rent it in your name from U-Haul, Penske, Budget or Home Depot.
- Pay the rental company directly for the truck, mileage and fuel.
- You, or a friend listed on the rental agreement, drive.
We handle the heavy lifting
- Loading and unloading, packed tight and secured.
- Furniture padding, wrapping and careful carrying.
- Rental trucks, PODS, moving containers and storage units.
- Tell us about your move with the free quote form or by email.
- Free video walkthrough so we can send you a written estimate.
- Reserve your truck. We’ll tell you what size to rent, and you book your date with us.
- Moving day. You drive. We pad, carry, load and unload.
We work evenings and Sundays too, so you don’t have to take a day off.
2Picking a Truck Size
| Truck | Usually fits |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | Studio or small 1-bedroom |
| 15 ft | 1-bedroom apartment |
| 20 ft | 2-bedroom apartment or small house |
| 26 ft | 3-bedroom house |
| 26 ft+ | 4+ bedrooms or lots of heavy furniture (may take two trips; ask us first) |
This is a guide, not a guarantee. If you’re between sizes, go bigger or ask us.
- Ask the rental company about its damage waiver and liability coverage options before you book.
- Apartment? Check the garage height first. Many garages cap at 6′8″–7′, so a big box truck may not fit.
- For a local move, an in-town rental is usually cheaper than one-way.
3Prep Checklist
2+ weeks before
- Request your free quote and book your date with us.
- Reserve your truck, PODS or container in your name.
- Book the elevator and loading zone with your building (both addresses).
- Ask both buildings about any mover rules or paperwork, and tell us before booking.
- Start packing rooms you don’t use every day.
The week of
- Finish packing. Close and tape every box, and label it with the room it goes to.
- Empty dressers and desks of anything loose, fragile or heavy.
- Take apart anything you’d like to handle yourself, and bag the screws.
- Defrost and dry the fridge and freezer.
- Drain gas and oil from mowers and tools. We can’t move gas, propane, paint or chemicals.
- Tell us about stairs, long walks, or very heavy items (piano, gun safe, pool table).
The night before
- Pick up your rental truck (the afternoon before or first thing that morning).
- Pack a “first night” box: chargers, meds, toiletries, sheets, snacks.
- Set aside cash, jewelry, medications and important papers to move yourself.
- Clear a path, and save a parking spot for the truck close to the door.
4What We Bring
Our gear
- A 2-person crew
- Furniture pads and stretch wrap
- Dollies and straps
- Know-how for packing a truck tight
You provide
- The truck, PODS or container
- Boxes, tape and packed belongings
- A driver on the rental agreement
- Building access, keys and parking
5Moving Day Tips
- Have the truck there on time. The clock starts at your booked start time, even if the truck is running late.
- Walk us through first. Show us what goes, what stays, and anything fragile.
- Keep the keys with the renter. Never hand them to anyone who isn’t on the rental contract.
- Keep kids and pets clear of hallways and the ramp.
- Summer move? Book an early morning start to beat the heat, and keep water handy.
- Do a final walk-through of every room, closet and cabinet before the truck leaves.
- See a problem? Tell us right away, and send photos within 7 days.
