Moving house shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is more dangerous than one would expect. It’s exhausting and includes heavy and sharp objects. When not planned properly, it can end up in serious injuries. Therefore, your very first option should be to hire professionals instead of taking on the task yourself. If you are still set on a do-it-yourself move, you should consider safety. Protect yourself just as much as you would protect your belongings.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during your move.
Be mindful when packing
Make sure to pack according to the weight limits of the boxes. They are built to hold only so much. Overpacking the boxes means the box is at risk of tearing or collapsing. Remember to secure it properly with tape! But overpacking also puts you in danger of carrying heavier loads.
Also, be sure to properly wrap and secure sharp objects. Knives, tools, and other sharp objects can cut you when packing and unpacking. A good idea would be to roll the wrapped item in a dish towel or similar, and secure it with a rubber band for extra protection.
Dress the part
You will be heavily active during the move and need to wear comfortable, breathable, and flexible clothes. Remember that “comfortable” does not mean baggy or too big – these can get snagged, hooked, or tripped on.
Make sure that the shoes you choose provide the best support – you’ll be on your feet all day, and you want to keep your feet firm on the ground. Stick to sneakers or boots that offer the support and grip you need.
A good tip is to check the weather on the day of the move and plan accordingly.
Lift properly
The moving process requires a lot of heavy lifting, which is why we recommend that you use professional movers with the experience and know-how.
Heavy lifting can cause major strain on your muscles and joints, particularly your back. Remember the safety principles of lifting: Keep your core strong and ensure your spine alignment is as neutral as possible. Remember to bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Carry heavy loads close to your body to maintain balance, and don’t twist your body lifting or carrying. If you have to twist or turn, do so with your hips first, not your feet. Remember to stretch properly in the morning to loosen up tight muscles once the day is done.
If you have any old injuries or health issues, we advise you to hire moving professionals or ask for help with any items that feel too heavy.
Use safety tools
Tools such as a dolly can make moving things from inside your home, outside, and onto the moving truck much easier. If you don’t own a dolly, you will generally be able to rent one from a local hardware store or moving company. This way, you prevent strain from constantly carrying heavy items back and forth.
Look after yourself
You must look after the most important asset during your move – your body.
Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated.
Many studies have shown that accidents occur more frequently when you are exhausted, so ensure you get enough rest. It might be enticing to keep rolling when things are moving smoothly with the packing or unpacking, but if it means you’re going to be tired in the morning, it’s not worth it.
Also, remember to take regular breaks to fuel your body with enough water and healthy snacks. Skipping mealtimes and pressing on puts yourself in danger of injuries due to weakness and exhaustion.
Keep the path clear
During the packing, transporting, or unpacking process, you constantly need to check that you are leaving a clear pathway where you can walk without tripping or falling. You will be moving through this pathway with heavy objects in your arms, so you need to make sure that there are no obstacles that you have to worry about.
Additionally, it would be a good idea to keep kids and pets occupied elsewhere during the move. Not only are they in danger between all the heavy lifting, but they themselves can become obstacles if they fall underfoot or leave things unattended in the path you’ve cleared.
Stay safe during your move by reading the tips above and then considering again whether you might need some professional help. The best and safest idea is still to hire a professional moving company. Kary Movers have vast experience with the process and can get it done quickly, efficiently, and, most importantly, safely. Contact us for more information.