Loading the Moving Truck

Loading a moving truck does take some planning since items in the truck will move around during the trip. If you have not hired movers, you should begin by loading boxes and heavy furniture into the truck first. Use straps that are provided to tie down items that could shift during the move. Wait to pack all fragile items until last.

After securing all heavy pieces in place, add more boxes. Fill in with bags, lamps and other items that are not as big. Clothing and others items can be added at this point. Make sure all boxes are secure. After you finish loading the truck check to make sure that nothing will fall out when you open the truck later on. Close the truck and lock it so items do not fall out during the trip. When unloading the truck, open the door carefully so you aren't injured by loose items.

Cleaning Your Home before Moving

It is a good idea to clean your home before moving because many times those buying it will want to do one final walk-through on closing day. Buy extra cleaning supplies and wait until the last minute to pack your vacuum. While you don't have to do a thorough job, the home should be ready to receive its new owners. It is a courtesy and a sign of respect.

The two areas you should concentrate on the most are the kitchen and bathrooms. If you discover any mildew or mold, you should wash the area down with a mixture of bleach and water. This will kill any mold spores and make the room safe to use. While it is not uncommon for mold to be found underneath the sink or in the shower, new homebuyers may become suspicious. Showing a clean home will make everyone feel more at ease.

The Correct Way to Move Heavy Boxes

Injuring your back, shoulders, or neck before relocating is never a good idea. In order to reduce the stress placed on your body, you should lift boxes by bending at the knee so the strain is places on your legs instead of your back. Don't not try to lift heavy furniture or boxes by yourself. If boxes are too heavy, you may need to unpack some of the items to lighten the load.

Hiring movers if you are relocating by yourself is a good idea if you don't have friends or family who can help. Movers will arrive with dollies, blankets, and other tools used to move large pieces of furniture. During the move, take the time to stretch frequently and take breaks when you need them. This will allow your body to remain limber. Drink plenty of water and rest during the evening.

Asking Friends for Help

When relocating, the costs of moving can be very high. One way to offset these costs is to ask friends and family for help. Having a few extra people to help pack, load, and unload a moving truck can save hundreds of dollars in labor. While asking for help is not always the easiest thing to do, chances are you have helped other people move before, so asking to return the favor is not that hard.

After you assemble a few friends to help you move, assign tasks so everyone has a job to do. This will make the process along and allow people to work on more than one task at a time if necessary. When friends and family are done helping, you should thank them by buying them lunch, dinner, or something else that shows your gratitude for helping.

Which Rooms to Pack First

When packing, you need to develop a plan so you can utilize your time wisely. Begin packing up rooms that are the least used. This could be a guestroom, office, basement, or attic. After tackling these rooms, then you should move on to bedrooms, closets, and other living areas. If have large furniture to move, you should leave it until the movers come.

The rooms you should pack last are the bathrooms and the kitchen. This is because these rooms have everyday items that you may need. You can remove extra towels, decorations, and equipment you may not need, but wait until your moving day to pack the essentials.

After packing, you should go through each room in your home to see if you missed anything. The same goes for closets, crawlspaces, and cabinets to make sure you didn't forget any items.

Transporting Your Car

Depending on the length of your move, you may need to have your car transported on a truck by a moving company. But before you hand your car over, you should take pictures of it from different angles, note any dents, scratches, and other markings, and remove all belongings from the car. Usually the car will be inspected by an agent before it will be allowed to be transported.

The amount of time it takes to move a car from one location to another depends on the weather and the distance. When your car arrives, you may need to pick it up at one of the car transport company's offices. Go over the car again to make sure there are no new dents or scratches. File a claim with the company and your insurance company if you see any significant damage to the vehicle.

Getting Pets Ready for a Move

If you have lived in your current home for most of your pet's lives, they may be very attached to it and will not be eager to move. Buying pet crates is the best way to contain pets while on the road. You can use the ones you have already, or you can buy larger versions for cross-country moves. Most pets will be a little moody after a long trip, so be sure to have plenty of food and water available when you arrive.

At first, your pet may be anxious about leaving the crate and exploring. Let your pet explore your new home when it is ready. Once pets begin, they will want to find every corner in the home in order to claim their territory. Resume your regular feeding, grooming, and walking routine after a day or so. Your pet will need the structure.