Entrances

If you are going to move yourself, an important consideration is the main or front entrance and how that is set up.

Front entry doors must be three feet wide and the back entry is narrower, about thirty two inches. Self moving rental vans usually have a ramp to facilitate loading and unloading. The angle of the extended ramp from the back of the truck to the front entrance should not be too steep. That can be dangerous when trying to unload something heavy, like a refrigerator with a dolly. When it starts to roll, you may lose control.

You should avoid homes with entrances that have a ninety degree turn. It can be difficult or impossible to take in large items like a long sofa or a piano. I saw a house where the front entrance had a tall porch with steel railings in the front with the steps off to the side and the back entrance had a ninety degree turn four feet inside. Since my dad had a piano and I was moving him, this house was rejected. Even if you are not doing the move yourself, awkwardly designed entrances may be a detriment in the future. What if you wanted to get a pool table next winter?

The entrance should be sheltered with a roof of some kind. You will want to be protected from a driving rain while fumbling with your house keys. It also may be bad luck to open or close an umbrella in the house.