A guide to moving heavy equipment in Seattle

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Heavy equipment is necessary for a lot of industries, so industrial moves are not uncommon. However, the sheer size and weight can make relocating machinery extremely complicated, regardless if it is a local or a long-distance move. If you need to move your heavy equipment for the first time, the key is to make safety a priority. Luckily, moving heavy equipment in Seattle is easier with the right advice and professional assistance. Experienced moving company Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage Newcastle can help you prepare for industrial relocation. Keep reading to find out more!

Plan out your industrial move

The key to any successful move, but especially a commercial one, is to plan everything out. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your machinery is to try and avoid any unexpected moving obstacles. If you plan everything before your scheduled move you are also less likely to forget anything important. It could be useful to create a checklist that you should go through. If you’re inexperienced in industrial moving or simply want established professionals in Seattle to help you plan and execute the perfect relocation, HB move management is a solution. If you’re feeling organized and calm it will also positively impact your employees during relocation.

Papers with calculations and graphs
If you want to feel calm during your move, the best solution is to plan everything ahead.

Aside from making a checklist, before you start moving tasks, you need to set a budget. If you decide to hire movers, getting a free quote can help you decide on a budget. On the other hand, if you’re planning to move on your own, you have to take into consideration each part of the moving process and its costs. When you set a budget, you can start obtaining the tools and packing materials you need for relocation.

Assess the risks

One of the biggest issues with moving heavy equipment is the risk it carries. Unfortunately, small mistakes can lead to severe damage and financial loss. This is why it is extremely important to conduct a risk assessment before you start your relocation. You have to pay attention to the weight, any loose parts that could potentially fall off, and sharp edges. You should wear protective clothing during the assessment process because ensuring safety must be a priority.

Hire professional movers

If you feel like moving heavy equipment in Seattle on your own is too big of a risk or too complicated a project, maybe it is best to look into professional moving companies in the area. Movers will not only transport your machinery, but they can also help you secure it, do the loading and unloading, disassemble anything if needed, and provide Newcastle storage units.

They will ensure the safety of your belongings and are also insured in case any unpredictable damages occur. However, since industrial moving is a category of its own, you need to research reputable heavy equipment movers with experience in the industry. This is the best way to move effortlessly, and it can also be the quickest and most affordable one.

Cargo Containers Crane in the Harbor
Hiring experienced industrial movers is the foolproof way of safely moving heavy equipment in Seattle.

Find transportation for moving heavy equipment in Seattle

Transporting heavy equipment is one of the most important decisions to make about your relocation. The two main ways are by road and by sea. You will also need to find quality shipping crates in Seattle for safe transport whichever option you choose. Transporting by road is quicker, but if you aren’t in a hurry, transport by sea can be a more cost-efficient option. There are pros and cons to both.

If you decide to use the road, you will need to calculate the size and weight of the equipment. It is crucial for safety measures that your machinery fits perfectly into the truck. It is unsafe for a part of your equipment to hang outside. This is why you need to find a truck that can carry it safely. If possible, make sure to disassemble the heavy equipment before moving, as the smaller it is, the easier it is to transport.

If you have enough time, you may want to consider transporting heavy equipment by sea. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right ship, especially if you’re machinery is really heavy. It is crucial to know the exact weight before choosing transportation to avoid any accidents, such as a ship sinking because it is overweight. However, if you’re looking to avoid transporting items in Seattle on your own, you can always hire experienced heavy equipment movers for the job instead.

A truck moving heavy equipment in Seattle
Before you start the relocation you need to find the right truck for your equipment.

Obtain the right tools

Once you’re ready to start loading the truck you need to have the right tools on hand. This is an important step, as loading heavy equipment into a truck is not that simple. You should try to invest in the right tools, as they will not only make your job easier but also a lot safer. You don’t have to buy everything as there are also tools like forklifts to rent. Besides, these are some of the most commonly used pieces of equipment:

  • Roller skids
  • Machine skates
  • Handtrucks
  • Forklifts
  • Toe jacks.

Secure the heavy equipment

One of the last steps to take before you move is to secure the heavy equipment. This is crucial for your own safety, as well as the safety of everyone on the road. You should start by checking to see if there are any loose parts to remove. If they break apart or fall off during transport it could cause severe damage. You need to also make sure to lock all doors and windows and take out batteries for the same reason.

Once everything is prepared, you need to safely place the equipment in the truck you’re using for transport. It is vital that you fasten it well to avoid any movement during transfer. In case any sudden breaks or acceleration occur, this will guarantee that everything will stay in place, ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Once everything is secured, moving heavy equipment in Seattle will be successful!

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History

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage is locally owned and operated by the same family for four generations, since 1890. We have a well-established reputation for service quality and reliability with a high percentage of repeat household and commercial clients.

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Professionalism

We’re a certified ProMover by the American Moving and Storage Association with A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, voted “Best in Western Washington” in 2009 and from 2011 to 2016 by KING5. Our company is fully licensed and insured and member of WMC and AMSA.

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Value

Hansen Bros. Moving & Storage provide free, no-obligation in-home estimate and competitive rates, including low minimum rates for shipments moving under 300 miles. We’ve set a refund policy for unused packing materials and three Puget Sound locations to help clients save on travel fee costs.

Let our team put together a comprehensive moving plan for you. Complete our simple free quote form or contact us at 1-888-300-7222.