Whether it’s a full home remodel or just a never ending honey-do list, there are bound to be projects to complete around the house. Sure, the small projects may be easy — a can of paint or two — but what about the big ones that require some heavy duty construction materials? And better yet how do you safely transport those construction materials home?
Choose the Right Method of Transport
Before you can secure your cargo, you need to know what you’re securing it to. While a few wooden boards will fit in the back of the minivan, a full sheet of plywood isn’t going to fit in the back of your small hybrid car. Make the first decision by choosing what will be your best method of transport.
What’s the best method for you?
Your Personal Vehicle
You knew that buying the extended-super duty-overly large version of your vehicle would pay off! And to think your family thought the pickup truck or SUV was too big. Whoever asked them anyway? Not you, that’s who. Cruise down to the hardware store with the windows down basking in your ego.
Rent a Trailer
If your personal vehicle won’t properly hold the materials but has a tow hitch, you’re in luck. You can very easily rent a utility trailer and be on your way. For larger items like the aforementioned sheet of plywood, I recommend an open-air trailer.
Whatever trailer you choose, remember to secure items not only so they don’t fall out, but so they don’t shift either. A load that shifts while driving can be problematic — and adjusts the loading principle of 60% in the front, 40% in the back — can cause trailer sway.
Rent a Pickup Truck/Cargo Van
For items that are weather sensitive or need to be completely protected but don’t quite fit in your personal vehicle, a cargo van is the way to go. If your materials can be exposed to the elements but you don’t have a hitch for a trailer, a pickup truck is your best option. While we here at Moving Insider are against asking your friend, or rather using your friend for their pickup truck, remember that you can easily rent one as well.
Secure the Materials for Transport
You’ve got the method of transport picked, so now it’s onto the good stuff. Ratchet straps and tie-off rope. Over-sized tarps. Cargo nets and bungee cords. It’s all so exciting! But which one tool is the right one for you?
Ratchet Straps and Tie-Off Rope
A jackhammer could cause havoc if not properly secured with materials like ratchet straps
The ultimate go-to in construction material transport. Tie-off rope is the one true master of all acts — it can be used in your personal vehicle, a trailer, cargo van or rented pickup truck. When using rope, the experts agree that anchoring/tying off the rope in one corner and then pulling taught is the best method.
Ratchet straps are of great use where there are hooks or slots to tie into. One important thing to keep in mind with ratchet straps is that it’s easy to over-tighten, which can cause damage to your supplies. Secure and safe supplies are good. Damaged supplies are not.
Cargo Nets and Bungee Cords
Cargo nets are perfect for the open air methods of transport — so the pickup truck and possibly the trailer. Load your cargo in and secure the net on top. Easy enough.
Bungee cords are again good for securing construction materials where there are hooks or slots to anchor into. I can’t advise one best method since materials come in all shapes and sizes, but one things for sure. If overstretched, bungee cords can become projectiles — use the utmost precaution.
Over-Sized Tarps
Plywood and wood boards need to be secured as well. Tarps can keep these materials out of the elements.
Tarps are a great cover to a pickup truck or open-air trailer to make sure that materials stay snug and in place. Tarps also make for great protective barriers when loading mulch or dirt into the back of your personal vehicle. The possibilities are endless.
Make Other Drivers Aware of Your Cargo
If any piece of your cargo hangs outside the vehicle, affix some sort of neon or bight colored piece of fabric to alert other drivers. In many states, it’s required by law to secure your load. Cargo flying off of a trailer or out of a pickup truck is a road hazard and can cause injury.
Have you ever moved construction materials? What’s the best way to do it? Is your way better than the ones we listed above? Let us know in the comments below.
