--- title: Moving Alone: What to Hand Off and What to Do Yourself url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-alone/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Moving by yourself: what to hand off # Moving alone When you move by yourself, the number to respect is 51 pounds, the NIOSH recommended weight limit for lifting under ideal conditions, and a loaded moving box on a staircase is not ideal conditions. Pack the small things yourself and hand the furniture, appliances and anything over that weight to a crew. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) 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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/) page explains how an O'Brien's crew handles a home, and the [specialty moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/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](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/partial-packing/) or the [full versus partial packing](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/full-service-vs-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. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [CDC NIOSH, Applications Manual for the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/94-110/default.html) - [USAGov, How to change your address](https://www.usa.gov/change-address) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving on a budget (without cutting corners)](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-on-a-budget/) - [Partial packing and box-packing-only service](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/packing/partial-packing/) - [Local moving in Reno, Sparks and Carson City](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/) - [How to pack a moving box properly](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-a-moving-box/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Moving to a new state checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-a-new-state-checklist/) - [Packing checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/packing-checklist/) - [Moving-day checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-checklist/) - [First-week-in-your-new-home checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/new-home-checklist/) - [Apartment moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/apartment-moving-checklist/) - [Hiring movers vs renting a truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/hiring-movers-vs-renting-a-truck/) - [Moving container vs moving truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-container-vs-moving-truck/) - [Full packing vs packing it yourself](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/full-service-vs-partial-packing/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### How much weight is safe to lift alone? NIOSH's recommended limit is 51 pounds under ideal conditions. Real moves rarely have ideal conditions, so keep boxes lighter. ### Can I move a mattress alone? It is awkward and easy to damage. A mattress is a two-person job. ### What if I only need help with furniture? Tell the estimator which pieces you want moved. The estimate lists only the work you ask for. ### How should I plan the packing? Pack one room a night, starting with the rooms you use least. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) C Christy R. March 25, 2023 All of the above! Have used o'briens several times in the past and always had great timely service! ### Owner's reply Christy thank you so much, not just for the 5 star review but also for continuing to stay a O'Brien's Customer. We appreciate your repeat business and you know we love talking with you anytime! You know where to find us when you need us! J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070