All the Right Moves: Stay Safe While Relocating

A residential move can be an anxious and trying experience. With all of the planning, managing, packing, and labeling, it seems that there are at least a hundred things still to check off on your to-do list.

While the moving process is a challenge to your mind, it can also be a challenge physically. Stay safe while conducting your move. Here are a few tips to help you avoid injury when relocating.

1. Choose The Right Time

Timing is everything, especially when moving. Consider more than your financial outlook and job status when making your plan. Determine the ideal timing for your move. Sometimes the circumstances dictate when you move but try to coordinate a move during the best season. In colder climates, avoid moving when snow and ice might play a negative factor. Or in warm temperatures, avoid peak summer days when scorching days can interfere.

Also, select the right time of day for your move. Avoid rush hour when heavy traffic might cause delays and stress.

2. Reach Out for Help

There’s nothing wrong with securing some help for your relocation. Consider asking friends or family, or better yet, a residential moving company will ensure a safe move.

Getting assistance helps ease your body’s physical stress and help avoid mishaps that can leave you injured.

3. Lift Properly

Even with the help of friends, family, and movers, there might be some boxes you still need to rearrange or move. Take care when moving these boxes. Make sure your packed boxes weigh less than 50 pounds. Lifting too much puts unnecessary strain on your body.

Use the proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Lift with your legs — not with your back. Do not bend, twist, or pull your body when you’re carrying heavy items.

4. Prevent Falls

Avoid falls when moving by taking extra precautions.

Inspect your home before moving day. Look for and remove protruding objects or trip hazards like rugs, moving supplies, tree branches, and hoses. Also, check for and make a note of uneven or cracked sidewalks. Make sure surfaces aren’t slippery on moving day.

Be aware of these potential obstacles for a safe and seamless move.

5. Dress Appropriately

You might not pre-plan your attire for moving day, but it’s essential. Dress appropriately to help prevent injury. Wear weather-appropriate clothes that cover your arms and legs. This will help prevent scratches. Avoid wearing anything that is too loose-fitting that could get caught on boxes or equipment.

Make sure you are outfitted with comfortable closed-toed shoes complete with good traction. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day, and not only do you want something comfortable, but shoes that protect your feet as well.

Consider having some glove available too. They might also come in handy.

Stay Safe When Moving

Moving shouldn’t be a pain! These suggestions will help you prepare for a safe moving experience.

Professional household movers can make your move even safer by handling your move for you.  Contact us today for a free quote.

How To Know You Have A Good Mover

A good mover is key to a successful move. Knowing the qualities of good movers is the first step to making sure you have one.

Reputation

Good movers come in all sizes — from big-name national companies to lesser-known regional movers. Ask friends for recommendations and use websites such as Yelp to see the average customer rating. 

Excellent movers will have satisfied customers who rate them well. They also can provide references. Ask movers you are considering the names of three people they have moved recently and contact each with specific questions.

Reliable movers will be easy to find on websites and transparent about their locations and policies. They also can present you with their Department of Transportation license numbers and professional certifications they have earned.

Before making a final decision, check with the Better Business Bureau. Good movers will be registered and have successfully resolved any complaints.

Inventory and Estimate

A good mover will inventory the items you wish to move. The estimator should be thorough, going through each room, closet, and cupboard, either virtually or in-person, asking detailed questions. The mover will provide an estimate based upon the weight and space required for your items.

The estimator also will answer any questions you have on the estimate thoroughly and frankly. You should always obtain estimates from several movers. Reliable companies generally will offer similar estimates for the same job. Avoid relying on estimates through websites that offer to find you a mover.

Expertise and Experience

Good movers have been in business for many years and have experience in moving companies or households locally or long-distance. Ask questions about how the company trains its employees and if they supplement their full-time staff with temporary movers.

Make sure your movers have the expertise and experience in the type of move you are making. Moving to a high-rise apartment is very different from moving to a country location. A good mover will be able to handle the kind of relocation you are making.

If you have unusual specialty items, such as pianos, large appliances, gym equipment, spas, or grandfather clocks, be sure the mover has specific experience moving them.

Also, a good mover will provide additional services like packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly, reassembly, and temporary storage.

Booking

Good movers also will confirm the time, date, and location of your move at booking, provide you with a signed order of service and a bill of lading. Bill of Lading includes the terms and conditions under which your property is moved, and it is also your receipt for the moving shipment.

Three P’s

Quality movers practice the three P’s — punctuality, precision, and professionalism. They value your time and possessions, pack and load your items carefully, and communicate with you professionally and courteously. They provide enough staff to do the job well.

Equipment

Reliable movers have up-to-date equipment such as heavy-duty hand trucks, dollies, lifts, and, in some cases, cranes. They also have a fleet of moving vans of various sizes. While some reliable movers rent their trucks, a mover who owns them may offer more flexibility with scheduling and accommodate last-minute changes more easily.

Have a Confident Move

These are some of the ways to identify good quality movers for your move. We can help answer more questions and provide you with a quote. Contact us today!

GET A FREE QUOTE