Moving and relocating can be an overwhelming task. The process can be difficult and frustrating. Whether it is moving to a small town or a big city, every U.S. destination has its safety troubles and concerns along the way in some shape or form. Although dealing with potential hazards and navigating unfamiliar areas and streets can be a difficult task, prioritizing the safety of you and your loved ones is essential. Here are the best tips to ensure that you or your family members can move safely to your new city when making that big move.
Research Dangerous Areas and Plan Your Route
Researching and planning your routes when moving to a new city is a very crucial step and is essential for a safe journey. Situations that arise unexpectedly, such as a car or truck breaking down, can be more easily manageable if the traveler is informed about which areas to avoid. Here are some tips to research and plan for dangerous roads effectively:
- Check Crime Rates: For cities with areas known for their higher crime rates and dangerous roads and intersections, such as Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit, use online tools and resources to determine which roads to avoid if possible.
- Have a plan for choosing alternate routes: Having backup routes to choose from is essential in case of unexpected traffic, road conditions, or delays due to construction.
- Review Traffic Accident Data: Search for traffic reports and accident statistics for major streets before and within your new city.
- Efficiently use Navigation Apps: Utilizing Waze and Google Maps provides real-time street updates regarding hazards, accidents, collisions, and closures.
- Avoid High-Crime Areas During the Night: If possible, avoid stopping, eating, fueling up, and traveling through streets and areas known for high crime as the risk of an attack, assault, robbery, and other forms of violence are greater during the night time.
- Look into Safe Parking Areas for Your Moving Truck: If you are moving to a city where it requires you to stop overnight, need a break from the long drive, or want to stop and look around for a short while, look into searching for safe parking structures for your moving truck. Your belongings are very valuable, and leaving them in a questionable or uncertain parking lot can increase the chance of your personal and essential items being stolen.
- Search for local advice on online blogs, communities, and forums: Using online community forums such as Reddit, Facebook groups, YouTube, and other moving sites and resources can be of great benefit. They will offer a more personal perspective regarding the area and what to avoid.
Researching and planning the surrounding areas is essential for you and your loved ones’ safety, and provides the best chance of safety for your overall moving experience.
Moving Safely During the Day Of
The anticipation is built, you are excited and nervous simultaneously, and you’re feeling bittersweet regarding your move. When the day has finally arrived and you are up and ready to make your big move, make sure you follow these tips:
- Keep Constant Communication with Loved Ones: Moving accidents, like car issues, construction and traffic issues, stopping at questionable areas for gas, food, to use the restroom, and unfavorable weather conditions can occur. Always remember to try and keep your loved ones updated regarding your move with your location.
- Pack an extra portable phone charger: Phones can run out of battery quickly, and it is important to have an extra phone charger in case it does. A charged phone helps with navigation apps, music or podcasts for the drive, and keeping communication with your loved ones. It makes the trip easier.
- Avoid Excessive Eating and/or Drinking: Stopping and using the bathroom due to excessive eating or drinking can increase the likelihood of theft or a violent crime. It can also cause sleepiness, drowsiness, and bloating which are not good when driving long distances.
- Start Early In The Day: Traffic is less during the early morning, roads are more visible, and you have greater energy for your drive when you start your day.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated allows for a clear mind, energized body, and prevents you from suffering from a heat stroke or a heat-related injury due to dehydration.
- Wear Comfortable and Protective Clothing: Wearing comfortable and protective clothing makes the overall moving experience easier and smoother, and prevents you from potential sunburn, cuts, and bruises during the process.
- Use Proper Moving Equipment, Lift With Care: Your personal belongings tend to get heavy with the amount of things you will be moving. Making sure you use hand trucks, furniture dollies, and knowing what you can and cannot lift will prevent any serious injury.
Making sure you follow these tips is crucial for your move and your safety during it. Performing and keeping these in mind will allow for the best experience possible.
Know the Traffic Laws of the State You Are Moving To
Understanding traffic laws in each state is critical for a safe journey. Traffic rules and regulations differ from state to state, and being unprepared can call for unexpected accidents or incidents. Some essential steps for gathering information about traffic laws in each state are:
Research State-Specific Laws
Visiting and researching each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles site will allow you to stay informed and perform the necessary actions needed when traveling to your respective state.
Read Online Travel Forums
Reading on travel forums such as travel blogs and videos from channels and other online community forums from other locals is of great help to know the legal do’s and don’ts of the state you move to.
Check the State’s Moving, Towing, and Trailer Rules
Moving is a big task, and sometimes using a car is not enough for your belongings. Renting a truck or a towing trailer would be the more viable option for you. Knowing the type of truck to rent for your belongings is essential too. Being aware of the state-specific truck and tow trailer laws, such as lane usage and weight limitations, for example, will be beneficial to avoid any accidental, legal, and physical trouble.
Being aware of the traffic laws in each state is critical to avoid any safety and legal complications regarding your move. It ensures a smoother and more convenient moving experience.
Ensure Your Move is Safe and Smooth
Following these tips are essential in ensuring the safest experience possible when moving to your new city for not just you, but for your loved ones as well. These will allow you and your loved ones the best way to prevent any dangerous injuries, accidents, or fatalities that could occur when traveling. They also protect your property and valuable belongings from theft. It is overall the best way to ensure your moving process and experience is safe and secure.
We hope you found this blog post on Best Safety Tips When You Move, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Navigating New Beginnings: Moving To a New City With Ease for more great tips!
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