|
Self moving is an option people choose
mainly to cut down on cost. But cheap
relocation does not mean that you have to
sacrifice on the quality of service, however
little you might need from professional
companies. Forward planning is the key to a
successful self-move. Plan everything weeks
ahead and organize them one by one. Never
leave anything till the last minute. In
fact, organized self-movers start to acquire
their
packing materials weeks ahead of their
actual moving. Start sorting out things
which you would not carry either due to lack
of space in your new accommodation or you
simply do not need them anymore. Remember,
relocation becomes easier when you have
limited things to pack and move. Even your
new house may look less cluttered if you
decide to sell or throw many of the items
which have no use anymore. Here are some
more tips to make your
self-move cheap,
smart and tension-less:
One of the
most important things to remember when you are self-moving is to decide on a
relocation budget and stick to it no matter what happens. For instance, if you
are flying by airplane, book your air tickets weeks in advance so that you get
the best fares. If you have decided to opt for truck rental, remember there are
inevitable costs like insurance, fuel, night stay, hotel expenses, and other
exigencies. Take them into count and start to talk to various
truck rental
agencies weeks in advance. The other big issue faced by relocating people
planning self-moving is the issue of packing. If you are not very young and have
health problems, it is better to give the responsibility to professional packing
labors as packing can be a strenuous exercise which could take a negative toll
on your health. However, if your family feels confident to take on the exercise,
your first job is to procure packing materials which includes moving boxes,
frame boxes, packing tape, padding, mattress covers, bubble and stretch wrap,
marker pens, labels etc. There are plenty of online packing suppliers who also
teach you how to pack like a pro. The websites also carry a moving box
calculator which can instantly show you how many packing boxes of what size you
would need to accommodate your household goods. There are several sizes of
moving boxes including kitchen boxes which are made extra tough to hold heavy
kitchen utensils etc.
After you
have finished packing, you have to load them on to a moving truck. This is also
a physically strenuous exercise especially if you have a narrow staircase or
your home is in a narrow lane where moving trucks can not be parked. Under such
circumstances, it is best to take the help of professional loaders. In case you
are not going to drive the moving truck, you could opt for self service moving
companies or containerized moving companies where a moving and storage pod is
left with you and they simply pick it up and deliver to your new address.
Whichever way you decide to organize your self-move, make sure that you take
enough number of moving quotes from the service providers so that you get the
best and most cost-effective moving deal.
Here
is a check list of items you would need to help you out with self moving:
Organize truck rental with a reputed company so that you get the most
cost-effective deal.
Ensure that you have a valid truck driving license without which you might fall
into various safety and legal implications.
Ensure that you have a co-driver who also carries a valid truck driving license.
Get familiar with the vehicle and get to know the various state traffic laws if
you are planning a inter-state relocation.
Ask for rented padding and dollies from the truck rental company. This would
help you with loading and unloading your goods on to the moving truck as well as
prevent damage to your goods during transit.
Pack one room at a time. After finishing packing label each box in such a way
that it is easier to identify them while unloading.
To help with your packing you need several
packing supplies, which include
Moving boxes of various sizes
Packing paper
Bubble and stretch wrap
Packing peanuts
Packing tape
Tape dispenser
Edge protectors.
Mattress covers, sofa and chair bags.
Here is a set of safety
precautions to be implemented when loading goods on to your truck:
-
Load the largest items first like furniture
and domestic appliances.
-
Heaviest of the moving boxes should be placed
at the bottom on top of which lighter boxes should be placed.
-
Mirrors, mattresses and other thin but large
items should be placed along the wall of the truck. Use enough padding and
cushioning to protect them from shifting during journey.
-
Carpets and rugs should be rolled, secured
with packing tape and placed on the floor of the truck.
-
Load one section of the truck at a time.
-
Make sure that there is balance in the
placement of loads. Both sides of the truck must have equal load.
-
Use the space from floor to ceiling of the
truck as tightly as possible, so that there is least shifting during transit.
Fill up all empty spaces with smaller boxes, padding and old linen, etc.
-
Load mirrors and picture frames in an upright
position. Use mattresses in between to prevent scratch or breakage.
-
Here
is a checklist of things to know before you drive the rented truck:
-
-When you rent the truck, check
its overall condition like steering wheels, brakes, tire condition, etc.
-
-Familiarize yourself with
gauges before you finalize the deal with the truck rental agency.
-
-Learn to check the fluid levels
and check it before and during the journey.
-
-Take turns while driving.
Drivers’ fatigue is dangerous.
-
-Drive slowly in inclement
weather.
-
-Never tailgate and use brake
well in advance.
-
-Use your mirrors regularly and
use signals when changing lanes.
-
-Never drive more than 8 hours a
day, with several breaks in between.
|
