Moving can expose you to different challenges. It’s not unusual to feel physically and psychologically weak after moving. But the best tip for having an easy time while relocating is partnering with providers of professional moving services such as Green Van Lines service areas around Plano, TX.
Some people opt for DIY moving, and although it’s a cost-cutting measure, it also has disadvantages. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran in DIY moving, the following are some of the things you need to know while driving a moving van.
1. Screen The Moving Van
Never assume that the truck is in excellent condition. You need to perform a basic screening of its exterior parts and make sure that the truck is healthy. In case you discover any type of damage, you need to report it to the company. You need to be aggressive about picking a quality truck and ensure that you know how to operate it 100%.
2. Use Correct Loading Techniques
The way that the moving van is loaded can influence whether your items are safe while driving. For instance, if you apply hasty brakes or take sharp corners, and your items are poorly loaded, they might crash between themselves or against the van, so you would incur losses if the items are fragile. If you’re inexperienced with packing items in a moving van, it’s better to hire someone.
3. Increase Speed Slowly
Driving a moving van is not the same as driving a sports car. A moving van is carrying tons of weight, and it cannot achieve a high speed within a short time. And so, if you’re looking to increase the speed, ensure that you do it slowly. But more importantly, don’t over speed.
4. Engage the Brakes Soon
A moving van is incredibly heavy, and once it gathers speed, it packs tremendous force. And so, applying sudden brakes isn’t recommended. By using sudden brakes, you risk not just harming your items in the back of the van but also losing control. If you need to slow ahead, you need to apply the brakes sooner, and gradually.
5. Avoid Tailgating
If you’re closely following the vehicle in front, then what happens if an emergency pops up, and yet the truck can’t be stopped at once? You need to put a liberal distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
6. Don’t Switch Lanes Or Pass Vehicles Haphazardly
You need to be careful when switching lanes, especially if your van doesn’t grant you a good view of the rear. When changing lanes, you need to ensure that the vehicle behind you is sufficiently distant, and you should avoid switching lanes or passing vehicles around corners or hilly terrains.
7. Be Familiar With The Route
One of the best tips for safe driving is ensuring that you’re aware of what the route to your destination is like. If you can, avoid hilly landscapes, or cities, and stick to spacious roads. Being familiar with the route means you know what’s ahead and it promotes safety.
8. Avoid Driving During Poor Weather Condition
Poor weather is one of the factors that affect safety on the road. If it’s raining heavily, and storms are roaring in the sky, it would be tough to control the moving van. If you can, prepare to drive when the weather is favorable. However, if you’re caught up by Mother Nature, put a great distance between you and the vehicle in front.
9. Take Breaks If You Have A Long Distance To Cover
Driving is an energy-intensive task, and it’s not like you’re a robot. And so, you need to take breaks and enjoy sufficient rest if you’re driving to a distant place. Ideally, never drive for more than 10 hours without taking a break.
10. Be Aware Of The Fuel Needs of the Moving Van
The worst thing that could happen is your moving van stalling before the journey is over. Different moving vans have different fuel needs. And so, ensure that your moving van is sufficiently fuelled. An important fuel conservation tip is to avoid speeding.
11. Be Careful When Parking
You’re not required to get a special license to become legal to drive a moving van, but you need to understand that handling a moving van is not the same as handling your private car. The moving van contains a lot of force. Ensure that you use proper parking techniques like applying the emergency brake and not backing up.
DIY moving can minimize costs, but ultimately, it has many downsides. For the best experience, you need the assistance of professional movers. Green Van Lines Moving Company – Dallas, is an affordable and professional moving service that you can rely on.