Moving With a Trailer: Tips for One-Trip Moves

July 3, 2023

Why One-Trip Moves Are the Goal

If you’re searching “moving with a trailer”, chances are you’re trying to finish your move without running back and forth all day. Multiple trips cost time, fuel, and energy—and the right trailer rental can help you avoid them altogether.

This guide shares practical tips for completing a move in one trip, from choosing the right trailer to loading efficiently.

Choose the Right Trailer From the Start

The biggest factor in a one-trip move is trailer selection.

Enclosed Trailer Rentals for Moving

An enclosed trailer rental is the best choice for one-trip moves because it:

  • Protects furniture and boxes from weather
  • Allows efficient stacking
  • Keeps everything secure during transport

Choosing a trailer that’s slightly larger than you think you need often makes the difference between one trip and two.

Take Inventory Before Pickup

Before reserving a trailer rental, list what you’re moving.

Items to Count

  • Large furniture pieces
  • Mattresses and bed frames
  • Appliances
  • Box count
  • Odd-shaped items

Knowing what you’re hauling helps you select the right trailer size.

Load Heavy Items First

Smart loading maximizes space and stability.

Best Loading Order

  1. Heavy furniture and appliances
  2. Mattresses and large flat items
  3. Boxes and smaller items
  4. Fragile items last

Placing heavier items toward the front of the trailer helps balance the load.

Use Vertical Space Wisely

One-trip moves require efficient use of space.

Space-Saving Tips

  • Stand mattresses upright
  • Stack boxes evenly
  • Use furniture as walls for smaller items
  • Avoid leaving gaps between items

Vertical loading helps fit more without overcrowding.

Secure Everything as You Load

Securing items during loading prevents shifting later.

Securing Tips

  • Strap large items to trailer walls
  • Use padding between furniture
  • Prevent forward and backward movement

Even a well-packed trailer needs proper tie-downs.

Plan Your Route and Stops

Reducing stops keeps your move efficient.

Route Planning Tips

  • Choose routes with fewer sharp turns
  • Avoid rough roads when possible
  • Plan fuel or rest stops ahead of time

Smooth routes reduce load movement and stress.

Common One-Trip Moving Mistakes

Avoid these issues:

  • Renting a trailer that’s too small
  • Packing without a plan
  • Skipping tie-downs
  • Overloading beyond capacity

Preparation is the key to a successful one-trip move.

Why Trailer Rentals Beat Multiple Vehicle Loads

Using multiple vehicles often creates more work.

Benefits of One Trailer

  • Everything arrives at once
  • Easier unloading
  • Less coordination
  • Reduced fuel costs

A single, well-packed trailer rental keeps the move simple.

When One-Trip Moves Are Most Realistic

One-trip moves work best for:

  • Apartments
  • Small to mid-size homes
  • Local moves
  • Organized packing situations

Larger homes may still need multiple trips, but smart planning helps reduce them.

One Trip Starts With the Right Trailer

Moving in one trip isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation. Choosing the right trailer rental, packing efficiently, and securing everything properly makes a one-trip move achievable for many households.

If your goal is to move once and be done, the right trailer makes it possible.

Planning a move?
Check availability and reserve an enclosed trailer online to simplify your move.