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How to Properly Unload a Moving Truck

Truck 'o' stuff
Moving can be a pain, especially if you’re doing it primarily on your own. Regardless of how organized, prepared and strong you think you are to handle a move, make sure you’ve gone through every logistic before you load up your moving truck. Often times, people can become extremely stressed throughout a moving process simply because they just don’t prepare properly. Lucky for you, today we have several tips to help you in this process. Here are some tips to properly unloading a moving truck.

Walk-through

It’s critical to know where things are going prior to actually moving anything. This is because if you do begin unloading your moving truck into your new space and don’t have your set-up figured out, you’re left scrambling trying to fit everything in appropriately. If this is the case, your entire home will be cluttered because let’s face it, by the end of the day you’ll be too tired to rearrange things. Before the move, take a walk through your new home and mentally plan where all the large and smaller items will go. This way, on moving day you’ll have a designated spot for all of your items!

Measure

While we’d all like to pretend that we can make things fit through small doorways if we angle appropriately, this is not true. Being realistic, it’s very important to visit your new space and measure each doorway you plan on moving furniture through. Some doorways might be too short or not wide enough for certain items like couches and dressers, so plan ahead. If necessary, many doors can be taken off to provide additional space in a doorway.

Take clothes boxes off first

During a move, having a hefty amount of clothing is only going to make the moving process more complicated. When you’re moving, the first thing you should start to do once you’ve arrived at your new home is to remove the clothes from the truck and start unpacking them. This will help you once your day is over and you can relax knowing that your clothes are where they need to be and your room is organized!

Store away equipment

After you’ve finished moving your items from the truck to your new home, it’s time to discard of the unwanted moving equipment. Whether you’ve collected several blanket pads, straps, or wrapping, sort through and decide what’s worth keeping and what’s worth pitching. Once you’ve determined what you don’t need, throw it out immediately. For anything that you’re keeping, find a safe place to store the equipment that can be easily accessed if you need to use these items in the future.

Unpack

The last step of the day when you’re making a move is of course, to unpack. Before even moving, you should have priorities set for yourself so you know where to start. While you should have already unpacked your clothes (see above), you should probably focus on the kitchen and bathroom. Since these two rooms have your every day necessities in them, it’s beneficial to have these rooms unpacked and set up before the end of the day.

Eric is the owner of J&L Moving Supplies. You can find him on , Facebook or Twitter, so be sure to connect with him!

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Maximizing the Storage Space in Your Warehouse

warehouse1If you own or operate or even work in a warehouse, you know just how important and, frankly, essential space can be in your day-to-day tasks. The last thing you want to work in is an over-crowded warehouse space where everything is impossible to find and/or reach, and those things that are accessible are no easy feat to get to.

With a well-organized warehouse, you’ll increase your overall work productivity as well as your storage space. So have you wondered yet just how to maximize all that space in the enormous warehouse you currently have? Read on…

Implement Some Technology

First and foremost, if you’re still managing the inventory of your warehouse the old manual way, then you’re already one step behind. Gone are the days in which someone hand logs all of the products that come in and out of your warehouse – technology has long since taken over and made it easier than ever to manage the products or equipment that you store. Make sure you have some sort of technology implemented in your warehouse that can digitally help you keep track of the items you’re storing in the building.

This way, even in a full warehouse, you’ll know that everything is easily accessible where you need it and when you need it.

warehouse2Analyze Extra Space

If it feels like you’re simply out of space as it is, take a look at the small areas that may be able to add up and create much more free space. For example, reassess the aisle width of each area of your warehouse, and analyze your vertical space again. A couple of inches here and there over an entire warehouse could essentially free up room for another whole aisle or row.

Limit the Shelving

Shelving can be great for organizing important papers and documents in an office space of your warehouse, but beyond that, they really won’t maximize your vertical space as much as you think they will. In fact, a typical shelving unit can only hold around 800 pounds of inventory, and shelves are limited in width. Instead, opt for using pallet racks. These can hold far more weight than a flimsy shelving unit and can often go up to 20 feet high, giving you much more vertical space to utilize.

warehouse3Take Advantage of Dock Door Space

Far too many warehouse owners and operators let the space above the dock doors go to waste. Don’t hesitate to utilize some pallet rack systems in this area, as well! This way, you’ll maximize all that extra storage space that so often gets neglected.

Consider Temporary Outdoor Storage

Often times a warehouse will become too full with too much of the right product and too much of the wrong product all at the same time. As sales cycles shift throughout the year, you’ll find that you need to shift your inventory, as well. Rather than ridding your warehouse of excess inventory all together to make room for the newer, more in-demand products, consider implementing some temporary outdoor storage.

Look into some trailers to use as temporary outdoor storage, or even consider using a third-party storage space. Of course, both options have some monthly premium attached to them, so be careful how much space you’re actually in need of so as not to waste too much money. Sometimes, you just need a bit of extra space for a short amount of time, and these options may be perfect for you!

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How to Properly Use an Overhead Crane

CraningWhen you think of overhead cranes, most of you probably envision the enormous cranes that sit in a construction zone in a big city. If this is what you think of, you’re right on point. Besides helping to lift heavy objects from one area to another, cranes are also known for being extremely dangerous. In order to properly use cranes, follow these guidelines below!

Know the load capacity

This is one of the most important points to using a crane safely. By making sure of what your capacity is and not exceeding it, you will eliminate opportunity for danger. Before using the crane, also make sure to test hoist brakes and if they don’t hold properly, slowly lower the load and report the situation to the manufacturer of the crane. This can help to determine whether this issue has already been reported and if so, what the cause is.

Inspect equipment daily

Each day you’re using a crane, make it a routine to check the equipment for any potential problems with the machinery. Pneumatic and hydraulic parts should be dry and never leaking, and when operating, you should see nothing but smooth movement. Another key item to look for when inspecting is for any unusual sounds which could indicate a problem.

Remove loose materials

Before lifting a load, remove any loose materials or parts that shouldn’t be there. Sling and hoisting ropes should be completely free of slack and the lifting device should be right in the hook’s saddle and no where else.

Prepare for an emergency

Sure, it might sound a little dramatic to always be thinking about the worst case scenario, but when it comes to operating a piece of machinery like this, you should always be prepared. In case of an emergency, make sure all staff on duty is trained to handle an emergency situation whether it’s electrical, mechanical or a power failure.

Be aware of overhead power lines

While working outside, you have to be familiar with overhead power lines and the voltage of them. Before even starting the work, have the lines de-energized and erect insulated barriers to the lines. Also keep in mind that since the crane might bob or weave, be extremely cautious when moving on an uneven ground.

Switch “off”

This might be the most important tip when ending your day on-site. It’s easy to forget to turn things off, just like it is at home. Before you leave at the end of your shift, switch ALL controls to the off position, and always remove the load hanging from the crane’s hooks.

Eric is the owner of J&L Moving Supplies. You can find him on , Facebook or Twitter, so be sure to connect with him!

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Tips for Ultimate Spring Cleaning

flowers

With the spring season typically comes an overwhelming desire to clean for most people – whether that means gutting and cleaning the house, organizing and sanitizing an office space or working through clutter in any other space where you spend a significant amount of time. Maybe it’s the fresh beginnings that the spring signifies that causes people to feel the need for clean, or maybe it’s just that it’s habit in some families to clear out as the snow melts away.

Whatever your reason is for tackling spring cleaning, we here at J&L Moving Supplies have a few tips for you to make sure you don’t miss a single speck or spot in your springtime cleaning binge!

cleaningOrganize Your Supplies

Before you begin any major spring cleaning project, it’s important to know what you have to work with and know what you need. So start by going through your cleaning cabinet and organize the supplies that are already there, and make a list of things you know you need but don’t currently have.

For example, are you planning to clean the inside and outside of windows? You’ll need a glass cleaner. If you’re looking to sanitize a space, you’ll need some sort of bleach spray or product with anti-bacterial ingredients to kill all the harmful germs you’re looking to rid your space of. Tackling the carpets? Make sure you have a good carpet cleaner on hand, of course! It’s easier to assess what you have and what you need when everything is laid out and organized in front of you, so get to sorting and making your list of needed supplies first.

fanStart at the Top

The best, most effective approach to spring cleaning is to start at the top of a room and gradually work your way down. Work room by room of whatever space it is that you’re cleaning, and start at the top with things like ceiling fans, overhead light fixtures and on top of the curtain rods. Dust thoroughly and move down to windows, then check wall and baseboard cleanliness and finally move on to carpet cleaning.

By working in this manner, you’ll be sure to hit every inch of dirty space that seems to be overlooked throughout the rest of the year.

mattressTackle Mattresses and Linens

Believe it or not, your mattress can build up a ton of dust and skin cells that can cause allergens and an overall “heavy” mattress, making the air in a bedroom feel thicker and less fresh. These tiny particles spend an entire year piling up on an overlooked mattress until finally you have a chance to clean them during your spring cleaning routine. Take a powerful vacuum cleaner and get into all the little nooks and crannies of your mattress to rid yourself of these dangerous allergens. You’ll be breathing fresher air in your bedrooms in no time.
The same holds true for the linens in any given room – the tops of curtains and things like pillow shams and covers have a tendency to collect large amounts of dust over time. By ridding your space of all of these dust particles, you’ll be able to start breathing fresher, lighter air than ever, so make sure things like this don’t get overlooked.

lightsDon’t Forget the Details

In the midst of all of the cleaning madness, make sure you’re not surpassing all of the details of the space you’re working with. It’s really the clean details that will set your clean space apart from others – light bulbs should be dusted, lighting fixtures should be dusted and polished, furniture should be pulled out of corners and vacuumed behind, blinds should be dusted and cleaned between each prong, etc. The more little details you can find to clean, the cleaner your space will be overall!

And while you’re at it, replace all of the batteries across your home or office. Put new batteries in things like wall mounted or desktop clocks, remote controls of any sort, appliances and anything else that requires battery power. Replacing them all at once, at least once every year, will ensure that everything is always working for you!

Don’t Be Afraid to Make a Change

One of the greatest things to experience is that awesome feeling after your spring cleaning is complete and your home or work space feels lighter, cleaner and somehow cheerier just because it’s spotless. Maximize on this great feeling of having made a noticeable difference in your space by making other changes that will cheer you up, too!

Purchase a new piece of furniture for your home and enjoy arranging it in your favorite room, or pick up some new office decor and enjoy placing it in your work space. Making a small, or even a large, change can make that awesome feeling of a fresh space feel even that much better!

Find some products that can help you in your next spring cleaning adventure on J&LMovingSupplies.com!

Eric is the owner of J&L Moving Supplies. You can find him on , Facebook or Twitter, so be sure to connect with him!

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Proper Lifting Etiquette For Heavy Objects

Improperly lifting heavy objects like boxes and furniture can result in back, leg and arm pain. More important, poor lifting technique can cause both acute and chronic effects. Learning the how to lift the right way can help you to avoid unnecessary injury. Here are five tips to proper lifting etiquette:

Have a plan01 (276)

Before you lift any object, have a plan. Where is this object going? Can you lift the object on your own? Start by clearing a path to the object’s final destination. If you need help from another person, make sure he or she understands the plan too. Knowing what you’re doing and where you’re going will help reduce risk of injury.

Lift close to your body

You are stronger and more stable when you hold an object close to your body. And holding heavy objects at the end of your reach can place strain on your arms and back. Instead, try to keep your body balanced and have a firm grip on the object.

Feet shoulder width apart

A solid base is important when lifting heavy objects. If your feet are too close together they will hinder movement. Your feet are most stable when they are shoulder width apart. Also, if an object is too heavy or an awkward shape, get help. Do not try to lift it by yourself.

Bend at your knees

To reduce your chances of hurting your back, you should always lift with your legs. Practice good lifting posture by keeping your spine straight and lowering yourself to the ground by bending your knees. Tightening your abdominal muscles will also hold your back in good lifting position.

Wear a back belt

If you have a long day of lifting ahead of you, it might be a good idea to get a back belt. Wearing a back belt will support your spine and prevent a back injury. It will also help you to maintain a better lifting posture. You can get back belt at your local CVS or Walgreens.

Lifting heavy objects can be extremely dangerous for your body. Following these simple steps to proper lifting etiquette will ensure the safety of you and those around you. Good luck, and happy moving day!