Moving totes with dollies
Totes and dollies are a natural pair: stackable, same-size totes ride on a 4-wheel dolly so you roll several at once instead of carrying them one by one. Here's how to use them together safely and which tote rental packages include dollies.
Why pair totes with dollies
- Fewer trips — roll a stack instead of carrying single containers.
- Less lifting — load once, roll, unload.
- Shorter elevator time in apartment buildings.
- Faster unloading at the new place.
How to load a dolly safely
- Put the heaviest tote on the bottom.
- Stack only as high as you can see over and control.
- Make sure each lid is snapped on before stacking.
- Push, don't pull, on flat ground; get a helper on slopes.
- Use ramps or carry totes individually on stairs — dollies aren't for stairs.
4-wheel dollies vs hand trucks
A 4-wheel dolly is a flat platform you set totes on and roll. A hand truck tilts back on two wheels and is better for tall single items. For stacks of identical totes on flat surfaces, a 4-wheel dolly is simple and stable.
Which packages include dollies
The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies. The Dorm / Studio package doesn't include a dolly. You can add extra dollies at $9 each when you book.
Planning your route through the home
Before move day, walk the path from each room to the truck. Note thresholds, rugs, steps and tight turns. Prop doors open and clear hallways so dollies roll without stopping.
Using dollies for projects, not just moves
Dollies are useful when packing up a room for a remodel too — roll packed totes into a garage or spare room so the work area is clear.
Caring for rented dollies
Keep dollies indoors or in a garage between uses, and don't leave them on driveways where they can roll. Avoid rolling over gravel, thick grass or curbs with a loaded stack. If a wheel catches, stop and unload rather than forcing it. Return dollies with the empty totes at pickup.
Move-day workflow with totes and dollies
Set up a simple loop: one person loads full totes onto a dolly inside, another rolls the dolly to the truck or elevator, and a third unloads and stacks. Rotate jobs so nobody does all the lifting. Keep an empty dolly ready so loading never waits.
At the new home, roll stacks directly to the labeled rooms instead of piling everything in the living room. Unload heaviest totes first while everyone has energy. When you're done, stack the dollies with the empty totes for pickup.
In Texas summer, start early and take water breaks — rolling saves effort, but heat still adds up.
How STORVA tote rental works
STORVA rents reusable 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across Dallas–Fort Worth. We drop the empty totes off at your door, you pack, move and unpack your own belongings, and we pick the empty totes back up on the date you chose. We don't move, pack or haul anything for you — we supply the equipment.
Packages start at $79. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each. Next-day drop-off is available across DFW; for weekends and the end of the month, book 2–3 days ahead.
- Dorm / Studio: 10 totes, 1 week included, $79.
- 1 Bedroom: 20 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $109.
- 2–3 Bedrooms: 40 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $189.
- 4+ Bedrooms: 60 totes + 2 dollies, 2 weeks included, $239.
Rent totes · Use the tote calculator
Frequently asked questions
Do STORVA totes come with dollies?
The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies. Extra dollies are $9 each.
Can I use a dolly on stairs?
No. 4-wheel dollies are for flat ground. Carry totes individually on stairs.
How high can I stack totes on a dolly?
Only as high as you can see over and control safely, with the heaviest tote on the bottom.