You’ve heard the success and horror stories, you’ve seen it in the movies, you’ve helped when it’s happened to a friend but now it’s your turn…your first move. Whether you are a minimalist or a collector, traveling near or far, your first move needs the right support and preparation. Here a few thoughts from someone in the know.
What size moving vehicle do I need?
Be realistic about the amount of stuff you own. Do NOT show up to your own moving day with your compact car believing that it will accommodate your belongings. You may not think that you need a large moving truck to move yourself from point A to point B, and that could be true. Consider your options:
- A cargo van is perfect for a first move if you do not have a lot of furniture or just plan to move a few boxes of clothes. You will get better gas mileage with a cargo van than you would with a larger moving vehicle. Not sure if your stuff will fit inside a cargo van? U-Haul has the exact dimensions on their website.
- If you do have items that are wider or taller than a cargo van can accommodate, a U-Haul pickup truck could be a great solution. I used a pickup truck for my first move and it was so easy to drive and maneuver through the apartment complex and very easy to unload. Also, the same gas mileage rules apply to a pickup truck too.
With either option, make sure you grab some ropes or tie downs from the U-Haul center to secure your goods!
Schedule your cargo van or pick up truck in advance
Don’t wait to schedule your moving vehicle at the last minute. Also, know that summer is a busy moving season! Nothing is worse than reaching crunch time and realizing that you don’t have a way to transport your belongings. Be sure you have the most efficient form of transportation and that you plan in advance. You don’t have to reserve in person; you can call U-Haul at 1-800-GO-UHAUL or go online to secure a rental truck.
Additional help and supplies
The old adage, “it’s better to be safe than sorry” never rang as true as it does when moving. Here are a couple of things to add to your list, if you haven’t already.
- Dollies- Rent a utility dolly and a furniture dolly for your heavier items. Consider that you will be loading your stuff into a truck via a ramp, so extra hands, arms and proper assistance (such as dollies) are good to have around. Even if you don’t think you will need them before you move, you will probably thank yourself later.
- Child care-If you have kids, ask a friend to watch them for the day or have someone there who can be on “kid duty” so you can be free to load or answer questions for friends who are helping.
- Boxes, boxes, and more boxes-You can always “wing it” with your packing and cram in things that don’t fit into random boxes, but I highly recommend having extra boxes on hand and grabbing some specialty boxes for your belongings. U-Haul has boxes that were literally made for your possessions and will make your move easier. If you don’t use all of your boxes, U-Haul will buy back your boxes!
Do you remember your first move? Share your experience and any tips you can give to a first-time mover in the comment’s section below!
