Planning an upcoming move by yourself?
The overwhelming planning and endless tasks moving requires makes tackling it alone difficult and exhausting.
However, moving alone can also be unsafe.
If you're packing up and hitting the road solo, read on for tips to protect yourself during your trip.
Use Proper Packing Methods
Improperly packing your belongings into boxes can actually cause painful injury.
Make sure not to over-pack your boxes, and mix heavy items with lighter ones to keep weight manageable.
You should be able to lift all boxes without straining.
So, don't pack anything too heavy for you to handle alone.
Always remember to follow proper lifting and carrying methods for heavy boxes and items.
Bend at the knees, not the waist, and keep the object you are carrying close to your body at all times.
Get Moving Help
No matter how strong you think you are, moving heavy furniture and appliances requires a little assistance.
If you have no friends or family available to give you a hand, you should hire movers to handle the weight.
Even if you don't want to hire full-service movers, moving labor can help you with the heavy stuff and load everything into your rental truck for you.
However, when moving alone, it's certainly ideal to have full-service movers load and drive for you while you drive your personal vehicle, especially for a long-distance move.
Driving a Rental Truck?
While moving in a rental truck by yourself, you need to be very cautious and always drive slowly.
Be cautious about the weight and height restrictions while driving.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is the obvious visibility of the trucks at gasoline stations, rest areas, and hotel sites.
Always keep the truck securely locked to prevent theft.
Ensure Your Car is Serviced
Also, if your move requires using your own vehicle, some car maintenance should be performed prior to the move, such as inspecting your windshield wipers and fluid levels, an oil change, and tune-up.
This also includes inspecting the tire tread and air, battery condition, as well as filling your gas tank with gas before your move begins.
Finally, all necessary materials should be packed inside your car, starting with road flares and an ice scraper if your move will occur during the winter months.
Route Planning
Plot your course before you leave, and go over it ahead of time so you will be familiar with it.
Travel on major roads and interstates when at all possible.
If you have a GPS or one on your smartphone-use it-but also always have a printed copy of directions in your vehicle.
Establish a driving time-line and map out planned stops for food, rest times, and fuel stops. Avoid rest stops that are particularly desolate, especially after dark.
Hide Your Valuables
Whether you are moving in your personal vehicle or a rental truck, make sure to keep valuables tucked neatly out of sight.
Don't leave your laptop, tablet, or jewelry case in plain view on the passenger seat.
Keep these items disguised in a case, concealed under other items (such as clothing), and stowed away in the backseat, out of sight for anyone outside the vehicle, peering in the window.
Drive During the Day
Hit the road first thing in the morning to get as much driving done as possible during daylight hours.
It is safer to be on the road during the day because visibility is better, and gas stations and rest stops are more populated.
Stop for dinner and check into your hotel before dark, and get back on the road as soon as the sun comes up the next day.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Being self-aware is often the best protection when traveling alone.
Always scan your surroundings before getting out of your vehicle, and never text or talk on the phone after getting out and walking to the rest stop, hotel or service station.
Keep in contact with a friend or family member on the road, and notify him or her of your whereabouts each time you stop.
Don't Leave Your Door Open When Moving in or Out
Once you arrive at your new home, park your vehicle as close as possible to the front door.
When unloading your belongings, avoid leaving your door open as you trek in and out.
If possible, you should move in during the daylight hours, and get some pals or movers to help you with the task.
Conclusion
It is entirely possible to move by yourself in safety if you just think about your plans in advance and remain alert at every turn.
To pack correctly in order to avoid injuries, enlist assistance with lifting, and secure your moving route by driving in the daytime, making smart stops, and hiding your valuables, when you get to your new location, unloading should be done with utmost care and not with your door left entirely open when moving in.
For faster, easier, and stress-free moving by yourself, consider hiring moving help.
Need help with your solo move?
Get connected with pre-screened moving companies in your area.
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