Cleaning Out

There are many steps that you can take in order to get your home prepared for a move. One of the easiest ways to get ready to move is to clean out your home. Start with the big things first, such as old cars and other vehicles. Ask yourself if you will be using these things in the near future, and if the answer is no, then try to sell it. If the vehicle is not saleable, plenty of vocational schools and other programs that repair cars for the needy should be considered.

Next, move on to the smaller things in your home. Go through your closet and get rid of things that you have not worn in a specified period of time. Clean out the junk drawers, shelves, and closets. Look at things that you have not used recently, and ask yourself if you think that they will be used anytime soon. Make a pile or box in a common area of your home to keep things that you don’t plan on moving or keeping. Remember, the less you have to move, the easier and cheaper your move will be.

Getting it Out of There

There are many ways that you can get rid of the many different things that end up in this pile. One common way is to have a yard sale. Make sure to be flexible on your prices, because you really do want to get rid of these things. Keeping them will only give you more to move. Consider donating the leftovers to a local charity or simply giving them away through a group such as freecycle.

Classified ads or online auctions are another common way to get rid of your things. You can use these methods to clear out things that might have a higher or specific value to them. Make sure to do some research before you sell something online. Having a good idea of the value and the selling points of an item will help you successfully sell things online.

What’s Left

When you are done with these steps, you will find that a move is much easier to cope with. There will be fewer items to pack and load, which can make your moving costs lower than you might have expected. If you are using a moving truck rental, then you will have less to load and pack on your own, which means less work for you. When it is all said and done, cleaning out your home can be the one thing that makes your move stress-free and yes, even easy.

Choosing the Truck

Most truck rental companies will allow you to choose the size of truck that you think you need. There are usually four or five different sizes that range from a small pickup truck all the way to a truck nearly the size of a tractor trailer. Each size will come with a different fee, and you will be expected to know how to drive the truck. For those who have never driven a large truck, the smaller choices are usually the best.

Choosing the Supplies

If you visit your local Uhaul, Budget, or other truck rental company, you will probably find a lot more than just trucks. Many of these companies also offer self storage in the same building, and all of them offer packing and loading supplies. Boxes of all sizes and types will be set up around the building to show you an example of what they are used for and how large they are. Other supplies, such as furniture pads and hand trucks will be offered as well.

Keep in mind that loading the truck will be quite the task, so renting extra supplies like hand trucks can be a really good idea. Furniture pads can be used to preserve the finish on your furniture or protect it from damage as things shift in the truck. Straps and other supplies can be used to tack things down and keep them in place, so make sure that you get sufficient extras to make your move easy.

Choosing the Duration

Truck rentals can be reserved for a number of days. You can choose any length, from a single 24 hour period to an entire week. The timing is up to you. Just remember that you need to have enough time to load the truck, driving it to its destination, and then unload the truck again. Most people end up getting the truck rental for too short of a time and then stress about how they will get everything done. Err on the side of caution, and reserve the truck for longer than you expect in order for your move to be stress-free and easy!

No matter where you are moving, short or long distance, a truck rental can make your life simple. Just remember that there are still things that you have to choose, even if you are only moving down the street. Don’t forget the little things, because these things will make the difference between a hard move and an easy one.

Loading and Unloading

Perhaps one of the biggest things you will need to figure out when you get a truck rental is the fact of who will be loading the truck and who will be unloading the truck. This is where your friends and family come in, but you need to make sure that you will have enough help. There is generally quite a few heavy things in a home, and you need to make sure that you have enough help to lift and carry these things the distance that it takes.

At the same time, a person helping does not always mean that you will have the help you need. People who are in charge of lifting and carrying the heavy things need to be in good physical condition. People with back problems or other medical conditions can really hurt themselves if they try to lift something like a couch. You do not need or want to be responsible for an event or injury that could permanently damage someone’s body, so make sure that those who will be lifting the heavy things are in good shape.

Driving

Driving a truck rental can be a harrowing experience if you are not used to driving anything bigger than a small car. These trucks take skill to drive, and that skill can only come from practice. If you do not feel comfortable in driving such a vehicle, then maybe you should choose a different method of moving.

There are many different sized trucks out there, but you need to take into consideration how much you have to move. While you may be able to drive a slightly smaller truck, you may find that half of your things do not fit in it. Considering these things before the move will make the overall move much smoother.

Extras

Finally, when you are thinking about getting a truck rental for your move, you need to think about the extra costs that you will incur along the road. There are snacks, meals, fuel, motels, and other costs that are associated with this do it yourself method. Make sure that you think about all these costs, as well as the time commitment involved, before you sign a contract with a rental company. Being prepared is the best way to avoid stress and other problems.

Test Driving

Before you leave the companies property, get used to the truck. Make sure to find out the location of any controls, switches, or important items such as flares or safety triangles. When you feel confident that you are aware of everything important, take the truck around the parking lot, or a nearby empty one, to get a feel for the truck and its handling. This will go a long way in getting you used to the idea of driving a truck.

Looking Out

A moving truck rental is a lot bigger than the vehicles that most people are used to driving. These trucks are not only wider, but taller as well. You need to keep a sharp eye on what is around you when you rent a truck. There are many low lying branches, bridges, or poles that could pose a problem for you and your truck. You need to be aware of how tall your truck is and how short the things around you are. You might even want to bring a friend along to keep an eye out for things that you might run into while driving.

Getting Ready to Drive

Driving a moving truck rental is not easy, and it is likely to take you a while as well. Driving your car over a long distance is a difficult task, but driving an unfamiliar vehicle over a long distance can be really difficult for you. Make sure to plan ahead and take precautions before you get into the drivers seat. That means that you need to make sure to get a good night’s sleep before you leave on the trip. You also need to practice backing up and set up a timetable for the move. taking all of these steps can help you save time and stress while you are actually on the road driving.

There are a few things that you need to pack with you in order to be totally ready to drive. Keep this small box of items with you in the cab of the truck so that you don’t have to stop to find them along the way. Include items like sunglasses, important documents pertaining to driving the truck or insurance coverage, medication, extra cash, a cellular phone, and a first aid kit. All of these items are important to the safety of you and your items as you drive to your new home.

Other Thoughts

For longer trips, it may be a good idea to keep a log of when you left and how long you drove. In the event that you do get into an accident, this information can help you prove that you were not tired or distracted. Make sure that you do know the emergency procedures for your truck before you get on the road. Have any emergency numbers available and keep water on hand in case you break down and have to wait for a tow truck to show up.

Following these simple tips can help you avoid problems when you are moving with a truck rental. Driving one of these big vehicles is not always easy, so it is important to take the right precautions before you get on the road.

Do It Yourself

There are plenty of benefits to moving yourself. These benefits can include money savings, the ability to control every aspect of your move, and the ability to plan a move around your busy schedule. For many people, completing a move on their own means that they will be getting a truck rental.

Taking this route can give you plenty of benefits, but you need to look at the drawbacks as well. Obtaining a rental truck will still cost a chunk of cash, but it is a much smaller chunk than hiring a professional moving company. Taking this route also means that you need to find some way of loading and unloading everything that you own, including the heavy stuff. Since no one person can possibly lift and carry everything in their home on their own, it is important that you enact a plan to get help. Some people enlist the aid of friends and family. Others hire a professional loading company. No matter what you do, you must remember to take both the time and monetary costs into account.

Hiring Professionals

Hiring a professional mover can save you alot of time and stress. They will come into your home and assess your personal situation. They can pack you up, if you choose to pay the fee. They will load everything into their truck and drive it to your new home. Once there, they will unload the truck into your new home, and in some cases, they will even unpack your stuff as well. This sounds like a great solution to your move, but beware of the drawbacks behind this route.

Handing the control of your move over to a professional moving company means that you cannot make sure that your things get to where they are going in one piece. Once you hire a company, you are handing over complete control to them. If you have done enough research, then you have probably chosen a company who is forthright and honest, so you do not need to worry about a scam. Too many people, however, think that they have found a company like this, but in the end, they get taken for a ride.

The other downfall to hiring a company is the huge costs that are involved. Professionals charge a different fee for all kinds of things. If your old or new home has steps, then there is a fee. If you choose to use their packing service, then there is a fee. If they have to walk an extra distance from the truck to your home, there is a fee. Because of all of these fees, you need to make sure that you read all of the fine print before you agree to or sign anything.

Making the Choice for You

As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to both options. The best thing that you can do is weight the options, and all that is involved with them, before you make a choice. Make sure to get pricing quotes and speak to customer service before you pick any company. In the end, whether you choose to use a professional company or a truck rental, you need to make sure that you are going to be happy with your choice.

Glassware and Dishes

Packing breakable and fragile items can be a harrowing experience. You want to make sure to pack these items so that they don’t break when the box is shifted or moved while you are relocating. In order to do this, you need to get special boxes that protect these items. Dish boxes are made from very thick cardboard, so they are less prone to damage and crushing. You need to get plain newsprint to wrap the dishes individually so that they do not get scratched.

Cell kits partition a box into various smaller spaces. Use a cell kit to pack each glass individually. Make sure to wrap each item individually before placing it in the cell kit. This will ensure the upmost protection for each one of your items in the box. Some cell kits come with foam pouches that you can place valuables in. If wrapping glasses and other breakables is a concern, then make sure to get a kit that includes foam pouches.

Heavy Items and Clothes

Packing heavy items can be difficult because of the size and weight behind them. You also need to make sure that you have boxes that will withstand the crushing force of anything stacked on top of them. Whether you are getting a truck rental or hiring professional movers, most of your boxes will have something stacked on top of them.

Make sure that you limit the weight of these heavy boxes. Using many smaller boxes is usually a lot better than using one or two big boxes. This will save you and any moving help from getting lifting related injuries. Get special clothing boxes to pack your clothing so that you can limit the weight and make sure that your wardrobe makes it to your destination neatly. There are hanging wardrobe and flat clothing boxes on the market today.

A Variety of Other Boxes

There are many other types of boxes that have been specifically developed to meet your needs. You can choose to use any number of small, medium, large, or extra large boxes to pack normal household items. You can use electronic boxes to handle your DVD player or other things, and you can find file boxes that allow you to transport your hanging files in a hanging manner. Mirror boxes are specially designed to protect a mirror or glass framed picture. These two part boxes are unique in design and can save your mirrors and pictures from breakage.

Getting Boxes

You will not find many of these boxes at a local store. While getting boxes from retailers can save you money, you will not find specialty boxes in this group. In order to get these specially designed boxes, you need to visit your local moving and storage store. Many truck rental places also have a variety of different box types for you to choose from. Many of these stores also have trained employees that can help you decide on what boxes you need and how many of them you need to get. All in all, getting the right boxes can really help make your move an easier one.

Get Ready…

As soon as you know you are going to move, you need to start getting organized. If you have pets, this includes getting them checked out by a veterinarian. Every pet needs to have a check up before you transport them to another place. They need to have all of their shots and you need to get a copy of their records so that you can take them to a new veterinarian when you reach your destination.

Make sure that you pack a special box to carry with you at all times for your pet. Include things like food and water bowls, leashes, favorite toys, and other needed items in this box. Pack the box ahead of time so that you are sure that nothing is missing. Make sure to pack the pet’s records with you as well in case you need them at some point in your journey.

Get Set…

On the day of the move, make sure to confine your pet to an empty room with only a few favorite things. Always provide food and water unless you plan on transporting your pet by plane. Keep the door to this room closed so that the smells of the movers and other helpers do not stress your pet out. Make sure to label the door so that no one tries to go in there.

Remember that pets can turn aggressive out of fear. It is best to keep your pet totally confined until the last possible moment. Consider placing them in a crate early so that you do not need to fight with them when it is finally time to go. Go over the things in your pet box once more to make sure that you did not leave anything out.

Go!

Remember to never transport your pets in a moving van or truck rental. These places can get very hot and prove fatal for most animals. Give your pet ample time to adjust to the new things around them. Make sure to provide the same schedule as much as you can while the move is occurring. This will help keep your pet under control.

Moving with your pets is possible. Don’t leave them behind because it will be difficult. Your pets are counting on you to provide them with a stable, forever home. A move is no reason to give them away.

]]> http://www.westerntruckrental.com/2008/09/23/moving-with-your-pets/feed/ http://www.westerntruckrental.com/2008/09/15/the-importance-of-open-me-first-boxes/ http://www.westerntruckrental.com/2008/09/15/the-importance-of-open-me-first-boxes/#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:31:34 +0000 missie http://www.westerntruckrental.com/?p=26 Moving is hectic, and many things can get lost quickly. Chances are, when you arrive at your new home, you are going to be exhausted. It is not easy to drive a truck rental for any distance, and the longer your drive was, the harder it will be for you to get up and start unloading as soon as you reach your destination. This is why it is recommended that you pack at least one open me first box.

What is it?

An open me first box is simply the first box that you will unpack. Depending on the size of your home, there may be a need to have more than one of these boxes. For big families, you may want to assign each person one of these boxes. They will include things that cannot be lived without once you reach your new home, or things that you must have to function. When these containers are fully packed, make sure that they are labeled clearly and they are loaded last. You want these packages to be the very first things that you unload from the truck rental when you arrive at your new home.

Things to Include

Each person and family will have a different opinion on what things should go into the open first boxes. If you have assigned each family member a box, let them choose what to put in theirs, but make sure that they each include at least two or three changes of clothes. There is no way to tell when the rest of the clothing will be unloaded or unpacked. Some other very important things that you can include are:

· Paper supplies – Paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper, plastic utensils, and paper cups will all enable you to get your life back to a normal state as quickly as possible. Having each of these on hand will allow you to eat, clean, and live in your new home from the very moment that you get there.

· Coffee pot, tea pot, or pitcher along with the appropriate drink mix. Depending on your needs and tastes, having these things packed in the open me first box will enable you to have a great first morning in your new home as well as providing some semblance of normality to your destination.

· Common tools, paper and pens, pots or pans, dishcloths, and dish soap. These items will allow you to get right into things. You will be able to assemble things without having to wait on the tools box to be unloaded. You can start cooking some stuff on the stove, and you will be able to clean the dishes that you do make. The pen and paper will allow you to keep the kids busy or help you keep track of things.

· Medications and personal hygiene items. These things are vital to daily life, especially if you plan on working with any other people. Make sure that you have enough medication to last until you have a chance to establish yourself with a new doctor.

Now you can see why having an open me first box is so important. Just remember, when packing these boxes make sure to keep them separate from any other boxes, especially if you have any help loading, unloading or packing your things. This will prevent them, and their very important contents, from becoming lost.

Truck Rentals

Moving with a truck rental is by far the easiest way to move when you have kids. The benefits to moving with a truck rental are enormous compared to other moving methods. Perhaps the most prevalent benefit to parents when moving is the fact that you can create a very flexible schedule that fits around the things that you are already doing on a day to day basis.

Obtaining a rental will allow you to schedule your move over as many or as few days as you would like. You will find that this is a necessity when you have kids. Children take more time to do things and adjust to changes than adults do. In order to make your move a smooth one, then you should give your kids as much time as they need to adjust to what is going on around them.

Making it Exciting

When you have children, you want to take every chance you get to educate them. When you are driving across the country or over a few states, you can make your move into a very exciting journey. You can plan a vacation while you are moving, and create educational stops along the way. Many tourist attractions are located on main roads throughout the country, so you might even plan a stop at one of these.

Getting There

Having a truck rental will allow you lots of time to spend with your kids along the way. You can really spend some quality time and open the lines of communication while you are on the road. It can be amazing what you learn from your children along the way. Don’t hesitate to stop and chat or have lunch either. Consider the extra time and money well spent on your children.

Overall a Good Time

Despite the stress of a move, you can really make this time in your family’s life a good one. You can also take the chance to teach your children about different states or cities that you run into along the way. There is no reason to be totally stressed out when you move, but you need to make sure that your kids are given the time they need to adjust.

What’s First?

With so many different things, it may be hard for you to find a starting place. Some movers suggest that you load the large and bulky items into the truck rental first, but it simply makes more sense to load your boxes first. This does not mean that you should pack all of your boxes in the front of the truck, but a good majority of them should go there. You will be building a wall inside of the truck as you give yourself more room to maneuver inside your home. This way, when it comes time to move your appliances and furniture, you will have more area to shift things around in.

Loading the Big Stuff

It is important to remember that a truck has a center of gravity just like anything else. Due to this fact, it is important that you make sure to balance the weight within the truck. If you have a lot of heavy appliances or half of your boxes are full of books, you need to make sure to space things out on both sides. When you load your appliances, make sure that you protect buttons and knobs with empty boxes or extra padding. Use your mattresses to pad glass or other breakable mirrors. If it is possible, make sure that you load things along the trucks walls so that you can strap things down as they are loaded. In order to protect a couch, consider placing it on end within the truck so that you can avoid stacking boxes on top of it as well as making good use of the space within the truck.

Fragile Things

Anything delicate or fragile should be loaded on the top of any stacks of boxes. Plants or other boxes that contain breakables should never have anything stacked on top of them. Remember that you can use your existing linens and other pieces of furniture to protect things that may shift and become damaged. Mirrors should be placed between a wall and a mattress. Chairs should be stacked and wrapped in linens or furniture padding to prevent scratches. Heavy and odd shaped items can be loaded between or under furniture as needed. Make sure that you use the best of the space that you have to work with.

Final Considerations

No matter how much you are moving, or how big of a truck you are loading, making use of all of the space you have will always be the most cost effective method of moving. Make sure that you take a test drive of the truck rental before you decide to start your trip, as the truck may feel vastly different loaded to the hilt than it did when it was empty. Take your time and make sure to follow all of the safety requirements and suggestions. If you take all of this into account, then you will be sure to have a easy and stress free move.