If you're moving in the Lower Mainland, an enclosed cargo trailer from Ride On Rentals gives you a dry, lockable space for just about everything you own. The trick is packing it in the right order. You load furniture first, then boxes, and finally fill the walls. Here's how to make it all fit, whether you're crossing the Port Mann or just heading from Surrey to Richmond.
What can you actually put in an enclosed cargo trailer?
Pretty much anything that fits through the door. Sofas, mattresses, dressers, tables, appliances, bikes, tools, boxes of books, garden stuff. Because it's enclosed, you don't worry about rain on the Alex Fraser or dust on the highway. Everything stays dry and locked up between your old place and the new one. That matters when you're moving in November and the sky hasn't stopped dripping for a week.
You're not limited to household goods either. Contractors use them for tools and materials. Students use them for dorm stuff. If you're moving a relative's garage or clearing out a workshop, the same trailer works. The key is that you're not hauling a car or a skid of gravel. That's what the open trailers are for. This one is for things that need protection from weather and theft. You can lock it and walk away for lunch without worrying.
What order should you pack the trailer?
Start with the big, heavy, flat items. Mattresses go against the front wall, standing on edge if you can. Sofas and sectionals go next, pushed tight against the mattress. Then dressers and wardrobes, facing the back so you can open drawers if you need to. This builds a solid base and keeps the weight low and forward, which makes towing feel more stable on the highway and through the tunnel.
After the furniture, stack boxes on top and in front. Put the heaviest boxes on the floor, lighter ones on top. Fill gaps between furniture pieces with small boxes or bags. Use the space between the arms of a sofa or under a table. Then use the wall space. Lean lamps, shovels, rakes, and long items along the sides. Tuck rugs and rolled mattresses into any remaining vertical space. You'll be surprised how much fits when you stop leaving gaps.
How do you use the walls of the trailer?
The walls are your best friend in a cargo trailer. Most people fill the floor and leave empty air above. You don't need to do that. Use bungee cords or rope to hold lightweight items against the walls. Brooms, mops, curtain rods, and long tools stand up fine in the corners. Just make sure they're secure so they don't fall when you hit a bump on Highway 1 or take a corner a little fast in Coquitlam.
You can also stack boxes higher than you think if you build a flat layer first. Put a sheet of plywood on top of the first row of boxes, then stack more boxes on that. This gives you a second floor of sorts. It's a trick movers use all the time. Just keep the heavy stuff low and don't block the door. You want to be able to reach the back without unloading everything. A clear path down the middle helps a lot.
What about odd-shaped items and fragile things?
Mirrors, TVs, and glass tabletops go last, after everything else is loaded. Wrap them in blankets or moving pads and stand them on edge against the side walls. Put them in last so they come out first. That way you're not digging through a full trailer to get to the fragile stuff at the end of the move. It also means they get the least amount of jostling during the drive.
If you have an awkward item like a treadmill or a pool table, measure it before you book. The door opening is smaller than the interior. Most standard household items fit fine, but if it's something huge, call us and we'll talk through it. Better to check before you load than to find out at the curb in Burnaby with rain starting and nowhere to put the thing. A quick phone call saves you a headache.
How much can you fit in one trip?
For a one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment, one trip usually does it. For a three-bedroom house, you might need two trips or a second day. The trailer holds a lot, but it's not a moving truck. You'll still pack it tight. The advantage is you don't need a special licence or a big rig. It tows behind your own truck or SUV with a Class 3 hitch. That keeps things simple and affordable.
If you're moving across town from Coquitlam to Langley, you'll spend more time loading and unloading than driving. That's fine. You pay for the days you have it, so you can take your time. Load it one evening, move the next morning, unload at your own pace. You can even keep it overnight and lock it up. Just let us know your dates and what you're hauling when you book. We'll confirm the right trailer for your load.
Quick questions
Can I stand a mattress on its side in an enclosed trailer?
Yes, that's the best way. Stand it against the front wall or along the side. It takes up less floor space and keeps it flat. Just don't put anything heavy on top of it. Use a blanket to protect it from scuffs.
Will my furniture get scratched or damaged in the trailer?
Not if you pack it right. Use moving blankets or old sheets between pieces. Tie things down so they don't shift. The trailer is smooth inside, but you still want to protect corners and edges. A little padding goes a long way.
Do I need to reserve a specific trailer size for my move?
We'll talk through what you're moving and your tow vehicle when you call. We confirm the trailer that fits your load and your hitch. You don't need to guess on your own. Just tell us what you've got and we'll sort it out.
Can I keep stuff in the trailer overnight during the move?
Yes, the trailer locks. If you're moving over two days, you can leave it loaded and locked in your driveway or a secure lot. Just don't leave it parked on the street in Vancouver overnight without checking local rules. Better to keep it on your property.
If you're planning a move and want to know which enclosed trailer works for your stuff, call Ride On Rentals at (604) 767-7977 and we'll help you sort it out.