Moving alone means no second pair of hands for the couch, the mattress or the dresser, and nobody to watch the truck while you carry. That is a solvable problem, and it begins with a plain list of what one person can do safely.
What one person can safely do
The NIOSH lifting equation, published by the CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, starts from a recommended weight limit of 51 pounds for a healthy worker in an ideal position: close to the body, between knuckle and shoulder height, with a good grip and no twisting. Move away from any of those conditions and the safe weight drops.
That is why small boxes are a better friend than large ones. A box of books should stay light enough to carry without stopping. Pack heavy items in small boxes and light items in large ones.
Two-person jobs
Some jobs need two people, no matter how strong you are: mattresses, sofas, dressers, refrigerators, washers, and anything with glass. Trying them alone is how backs, walls and doorframes are damaged. A crew brings dollies, ramps, straps and pads and finishes quickly.
Ask for just those pieces to be moved if that is all you need. The local moving page explains how an O'Brien's crew handles a home, and the specialty moving page covers items such as pianos and pool tables.
A plan for the days before
Spread the packing across weeks, not one weekend. A room a night is a sensible pace for one person. Work from the least used rooms toward the kitchen and bathroom, and keep a bag packed for the last night.
Set up your helpers' jobs in advance. A friend who carries boxes to the truck needs different instructions from a friend who watches the door.
- Take photos of cabling behind the TV and computer before you unplug.
- Tape drawers shut or remove them, and pad sharp corners.
- Clear a path from each room to the door before the crew arrives.
- Keep keys, phone, wallet, medicine and chargers in one bag that stays with you.
Safety when nobody is watching
Tell someone your move day plan, keep your phone charged, and do not climb on boxes or furniture to reach a high shelf. Ladders and stairs are the common places people get hurt when they are alone. If a piece is too heavy to lift without a plan, stop and hand it off.
Hand off the right parts
Many people who move alone choose partial packing: the crew packs the kitchen and the fragile rooms, and the owner handles clothing and books. See partial packing or the full versus partial packing guide to compare. The in-home estimate is free, and the 10 free heavy-duty boxes help you start. Call 775-359-6683 to book the visit.