Tips For Moving House In The Dark

Whether your unconventional work schedule means you have to move after dark or whether you're moving long distance and have to cram as many traveling hours into the day as possible,  you could find yourself in the middle of the moving process after nightfall or before daybreak. Here are some tips to help you navigate the challenges that can come with this situation.

1. Pack Your Lights Last

First of all, don't accidentally pack all your portable lights. If you end up loading the moving van after dark, you'll need a lot of lights to help you accomplish this efficiently and safely. The better you can light up the pathway from your door to the moving van, the easier you'll find it to avoid trips and falls. If you have outdoor floodlights, they can be very helpful.

You'll also want to keep out any camping lights such as lanterns, any headlamps, and of course normal flashlights to help you light your way as you stack things up inside the moving truck. You'll also want to keep these lights at hand as you travel, so pack some of them in the front of the truck or car you're driving.

2. Plan and Map Stops in Advance

If you're making an overnight stop at a motel, stopping for food or fuel somewhere after dark, or even just making a pit stop along the route, you'll want to have it planned out in advance. After dark, finding these types of facilities without a plan can be difficult. Make sure you have a physical copy of the directions as well.

Especially if you're out in the country, roads may not always be well-lit, so watching the road while looking for a motel can even be hazardous.

3. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Backup plans are a great thing for any move, but if you're planning to arrive at your new home late at night, your backup plans are especially critical. For example, you'll want to have not only an emergency kit in your car in case of a breakdown, but also alternate plans for meals and overnight stops in case you experience a delay or the plans fall through.

These backup plans can be especially critical if you experience a breakdown on a chilly night in the middle of nowhere, or if you find that your original reservation has fallen through when you arrive in the middle of the night and no other businesses are open.

As you can see, you'll have to think of a few extra considerations if any of your next move is likely to happen during the hours of darkness. And remember, the more loading help you have, the sooner you'll be able to get on the road. Get in touch with your local residential moving company today to learn more about the packing and loading services they offer.