When you move yourself, either because of time or money constraints, try to take some time to evaluate what things you need to keep in mind as you prepare for your journey especially if you do not have much experience in the process of moving. This will save you the added stress an unplanned, chaotic move can bring and assure you of a safe journey to your destination.
1) Collect Items For A Truck Repair Kit: Buy some of your own windshield wiper fluid, anti-freeze or coolant, and oil. Gather together some tools that you may need such a screwdriver, flashlight, rope, duct tape, etc. and keep these items with your kit. Depending on how far you will be traveling, keep in mind that the truck you will be driving will be pulling a heavy load and it might need more than just gas to get there.
2) Take Note Of What Is In Working Order When You Rent Your Truck: If you are towing a vehicle behind your rental truck, make sure the trailer you are pulling has a working tow package. This means that the brake lights, tail lights, blinkers, and trailer brakes are all in working order. In addition, the truck rental company will usually conduct a walkaround by you and one of the rental company employees to discuss rental guidelines and review the condition of the truck. You will be held accountable for any damage that is not written on this sheet. So be sure to note every little flaw.
3) Make Sure You Review Your Driving Route: If you are traveling distances of more than a fifty miles, before you head out of your driveway, get your mind ready to be thinking about overpasses. This is a common problem with rental trucks as people are not used to looking for low clearance signage. If you go under a low clearance bridge that you will be unable to clear, it will destroy the truck (not to mention your possessions) and you will be left holding the bill. Make sure the truck you rent will be able to clear the bridges you need to travel through.
4) Realistically Plan Your Work Pace: It is a smart idea to compare the pricing difference if you kept the truck one extra day. People often underestimate how draining and stressful the whole moving process can be, and if you are hurrying all day so that you can return the truck by closing time (usually five o’clock) you will most likely take shortcuts and make extra work on yourself by not moving the right things to the right room. Find out what it would be worth to you to be able to take breaks, work at an unhurried pace, and take the truck back the next day. It could be such a nominal amount that it will be worth it to pay the fee for the extra time and enjoy a less stressful moving experience.
5) Plan The Packing and Loading & Unloading of Your Rental Truck: Pack the heavy stuff toward the front of the truck, i.e. the part of the truck closest to the cab. If you can, pack the items in such a way that what you want to come off first is put on last. Also put anything that you may need to get to quickly, like overnight gear, right inside the door. Often rental trucks have a pullout ramp for loading and unloading. This ramp is narrow and typically made of aluminum. Take care as you load and unload items and be careful that you don't fall off either side when carrying heavy objects. Keep in mind that these ramps can become very slick if they even get a little bit wet. Carpet scraps are great to minimize slipping. Make sure you use dollys or hand trucks to make your moving job easier.
6) Find Smart Ways To Secure The Rental Truck: If you are moving/traveling on multiple nights, make sure to park your truck in such a way to deter thieves. Find a wall or a tree or some otherwise immovable structure where you can back the truck right up close. Thieves will be less likely to break into your truck, as they won't be able to get many items out and they will have to work too hard to access it. Buy a lock so that you can secure the back door to the truck.
7) Make Sure You Are Fully Equipped to Listen To "Moving" Music: Many moving trucks are only equipped with the barest essentials, often without a tape deck or CD player, sometimes even without FM radio. Check your particular truck and decide if you can travel a long distance without some good tunes, your favorite talk radio programs or traffic reports. If you own a portable radio or CD player pack these in the truck, or consider buying a small portable radio.
Nef Cortez has been a licensed real estate broker and has held various positions in the real estate and mortgage industry for over 25 years. If you would like to read more of Nef's timely advice (with the latest FREE info on local foreclosures), visit his website at Chino Hills CA Real Estate or read his blog at A Slice of So Cal Real Estate
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