Unloading

You've arrived at your new home and it's time to unload. There are several things to consider.

Do you have any helpers? It's typically easy to find friends to help with loading, but it may require a little boldness on your part for unloading. With luck, the neighbors will at least come over to meet you and may volunteer to help. If you have a sponsor from your new unit, they might also be willing to help. Whoever helps, make sure you offer them snacks, drinks, etc. to show that you appreciate their efforts.

Make sure you have all of the necessary equipment available: ramps, dollies, gloves, ladders, etc. Remember that it is just as easy to injure yourself when unloading as it is when loading.

Be aware that the load may have shifted during transit. If it looks like taking out that box might cause an avalanche, then get some help and don't proceed until you feel certain that it is safe.

Open your truck with care. Sometimes items can shift against the door, making it tricky and even hazardous to open. Go slowly and get help if necessary.

If there is a bulkhead installed behind your goods, try to look over it with a ladder before just yanking it down. If one or more items have shifted up against the bulkhead, you may be able to devise a plan to best deal with the issue. It's best to remove bulkheads slowly with the help of several people.

When placing boxes and other items in your new home, remember that you may very well be living with those boxes for weeks before they are unpacked. Try to arrange them so that you can still get around. Position them so that the labels are easily seen. Think safety when stacking items.

If you're unloading into a storage unit, some of the concerns of packing a truck will be minimized. In particular, the storage unit alleviates the concern of movement. Items will not be constantly experiencing the slight movement of driving that can cause rubbing and abrasion.

Helpful Hints:

• Injuries can occur just as easily while unloading as loading. Keep safety in mind. Get help when needed and don't rush.
• If it's too dark to continue, wait until the next day.
• Plan two days to unload. If you finish in one, you'll just be ahead of schedule.
• Locks are essential to secure your goods overnight in the truck.
• Make sure everybody understands the plan for unloading. Label rooms if necessary.
• Don't forget about the children and pets. They need to be both safe and entertained.
• Depending on the amount of space in your new home, you may be able to set up a staging area from which to select boxes to unpack. Garages and basements work well for this.