Moving to a new home is really a nightmare considering the tasks to be carried out. By careful planning and following some simple guidelines you can manage the moving event with unbelievable success. Here are those simple but yet very effective tips for painless moving.
Exchange Cell phone numbers
Exchange the cell phone numbers with the mover before the move so that you can be in touch during the trip. You may think of doing this later but may forget in the last minute. So do it first.
Confine your pets
Dogs tend to get frenzied on the moving day because of all the actions happening around. You better confine your pets away from the action so that they do not disturb the movers.
Refreshments
Give the movers refreshments and water during the whole day. If your friends are helping you, provide them lunch and dinner.
Don't trouble the neighbors
When moving, you have to be considerate to both old and new neighbors. Tell the movers not to walk on your neighbor's lawn. Don't block the sidewalk. Don't do the moving in the early morning or late night. Most importantly the moving truck should not block your neighbor's driveway.
Documents to be signed
Bill of lading, a government document and the inventory of the things moved are the 3 documents you would be signing. Read them carefully before signing.
You can tip the movers say $20 each. Also you can give a final round of refreshments and drinks to them.
Before finally leaving check that the old house is clean and tidy.
Planning the route
Important aspect of actually moving is the route of the trip. It needs detailed analysis and diligent planning. Trucks are heavily loaded so they may need a different route from the one you drive your car. Have a trial drive before hand if possible and note the time needed for the trip. You can always look into the maps available on websites like Mapblast and Mapquest and chart the truck route accordingly. Verify with the Department of Transportation that the charted route is all right.
If you are a member of AAA or Cross Country Automotive services you can enjoy the roadside assistance and the insurance coverage they offer. They provide you maps; suggest routes and alternate routes and also rest stop information.
Tips for driving the truck
If you are driving a rental truck by yourself the following list of tips would definitely help you.
Ã?â‚??Drive slower than you normally do.
Ã?â‚??Truck takes more time to stop. So decelerate and brake sooner.
Ã?â‚??Beware of truck height and watch out for tree branches and overhangs (especially those of filling station).
Ã?â‚??When turning, give yourself plenty of room.
Ã?â‚??When backing take extra care.
Ã?â‚??Don't go too close to the preceding vehicle.
Ã?â‚??Driving a loaded truck is a tiresome task. So take adequate rests in between.
Ã?â‚??When you stay overnight, park the truck in well lit place and secure it.
Professional Mover
At the new home, you would normally arrive before the mover. But you should, too, since if the mover is made to wait for you, you will be charged for that. Not nice, eh? But that's courtesy. It is always better to arrange someone else other than you to greet the movers at the new home.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
Ã?â‚??Dress your children in bright colored clothing so that you can easily spot them in a crowd.
Ã?â‚??In your time calculations give allowances for luggage retrieval, traffic, delayed flight and time to travel to airport.
Ã?â‚??Plan the day in half-hour increments. This will give you a feel that you are having some extra time.
