All Moving Tips & Tricks
Labor-only 5 min read

Using Your Own Truck: A Labor-Only Moving Checklist

You drive, we load. Confirm the vehicle, parking, straps, and labels before the crew arrives — and discuss packing help, disassembly, and heavy items as part of the quote.

Painless Path Movers crew loading a customer-provided truck floor-to-ceiling with strapped and stacked boxes and furniture

Labor-only moving means you provide and drive the truck, trailer, or container, and our crew handles the loading, unloading, or moving of items within your property. Transportation is your responsibility — we bring the muscle, not the vehicle. Here's how to get ready so loading day goes smoothly.

Confirm the vehicle and access details

Before moving day, sort out the details that affect how the crew loads:

  • Vehicle or container size and type, and the loading height.
  • Parking at both pickup and drop-off — can the truck park close to the door?
  • Building access, permitted moving hours, and any elevator reservations.
  • Pickup and drop-off times so we can plan the crew and time.

Talk about ramps, straps, and equipment

Ramps, a liftgate, dollies, straps, and moving blankets all change how safely and quickly a load comes together. Don't assume every item is automatically supplied — tell us what you have and what you might need. If you need us to bring straps or other equipment, ask in advance so we can confirm availability and any additional charge.

Have everything packed, closed, and labeled

When the crew arrives, the load goes faster when:

  • Boxes are closed and securely taped — not open or overflowing.
  • Furniture is ready to move, with anything that needs disassembly discussed ahead of time.
  • Room-color tape or written room labels are visible on each box.
  • Move, Stay, and Remove groups are clearly separated and pointed out to the crew.

Discuss packing help, disassembly, and heavy items in the quote

Packing help, supplies, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and heavy or specialty items aren't automatically included in a labor-only job — they're arranged and agreed when you request a quote. Tell us what you need so the estimate reflects the actual work. For heavy or awkward pieces like safes, pianos, or exercise equipment, send photos and details so we can plan the right crew and equipment.

Confirm straps and tie-down points. If you're providing the truck, tell us beforehand whether suitable straps and usable tie-down points are available — don't assume a rental includes them. If suitable securing equipment isn't available, we'll discuss options before we load.

Providing your own truck?

Tell us what you'll handle and what you want us to do.

Locally based crew

Need the muscle without the truck?

Tell us what you'll handle and what you want us to do. We'll quote the right crew and time — with no obligation to book.