Feb
13

Tips for Preventing Moving Day Injuries and Incidents

Yes, we all know that moving represents many things! It is both a sad and exciting occasion, and above all, it is time, energy and money consuming project. It is a daunting task that sometimes can be very dangerous and the people who end up hurt the most, both physically and emotionally, are the ones who opt for a do it yourself (DIY) kind of move unprepared. So, be smart about your upcoming move, and look for help and guidance before you say goodbye to your old home. Here we share some tips and tricks on how to prevent moving day injuries and incidents.

Hire a Professional Moving Company

Professional movers represent a group of people who have the right knowledge and possess the right skills necessary to get the job done safely and properly. Moreover, they have years of experience and will know how to adequately relocate all your belongings to your new address in one piece. These professional movers will ensure not only your safety but the safety of your belongings as well. So yes, the only way to prevent all the possible moving injuries and incidents is if you leave the movers in charge of your relocation. Hiring professional moves will prove to be the right decision if you want to protect yourself from moving-related injuries.

Remove the Clutter and Keep a Clear Pathway

Unfortunately, this is a step that most people forget to do. They usually think about it once it is too late. Yes, removing the clutter from pathways is of key importance and it is the number one safety tip everyone should know. Just imagine carrying a large and heavy box and then tripping and falling onto some sharp piece of furniture. You will damage your belongings, but most importantly, you will hurt yourself. Thus, before you start doing anything moving-related, make sure you have a clear path. Remove all the clutter, mess or chaos that is lying around, both inside your home and out. Moreover, chaos does not only imply things but also people. Try to organize this move with as few hands on deck as possible. And, by all means, keep the children and pets occupied somewhere far from the action while you are preparing for a long-distance move or any move for that matter.

Follow all the Lifting Protocols

Most moving injuries actually occur because people like to play Hulk. But, those usually end up with some of the most common moving injuries like muscle sprains, cuts or bruises. Luckily, there is an easy way to prevent them. And no, it is not to hire somebody to do it for you. You can handle any relocation perfectly, if you, as previously mentioned, plan well and do your homework. Thus, what you need to bear in mind when we say lifting protocols is the following:

1. Lift from your knees, not your back;
2. Always keep your feet shoulder-width apart for support;
3. Keep your spine as neutral as possible;
4. Carry heavy boxes closer to your body in order not to lose your balance;
5. Do not twist your body when doing the heavy lifting. If you must, never twist with your feet, only with your waist;
6. When lifting, do it slowly;
7. Never lift anything heavy above your shoulder level;
8. Do not lift heavy objects alone, call friends (do not forget to thank your friends for helping you move).

Use a Dolly

Once again, if your budget does not allow it and you cannot hire a professional moving company, then you have to turn to your friends, especially when heavy lifting is involved. However, if you are in a position where none of your friends can help you out, do not worry, there is a third solution - using a dolly! A dolly can be a lifesaver when it comes to moving heavy and bulky items. It will enable you to relocate everything from your home to the moving truck (and vice versa) in a faster, safer and easier manner. If you do not have one, you can rent it at a very affordable price. Your local truck rental company should be a good place to start.

Take Care of Your Body

Taking care of your body does not only mean that you should follow all the previously mentioned lifting protocols. It also means eating and sleeping well and doing some exercise. Yes, you are probably wondering how this can help you prevent injuries and incidents. Well, it is easy. If you do not eat well, your health will be compromised. And, if you do not sleep well, you will not have the energy to tackle any type of activity.

You should also do lots of stretching, since doing these exercises will condition your body and prepare it for more of the heavy lifting involved in a DIY moving. Again, put your health first - eat, sleep and stretch before anything else.

Pack Your Items Properly

And, the last but certainly not least on our list of things to do in order to prevent moving injuries and incidents is packing your items properly. That means that you cannot simply throw whatever you can inside the box and seal it with a tape. If you overfill it, it may break while you are carrying it, and all the stuff inside may fall onto your legs. Here are a few hacks to make your packing easier and safer.

So, rule number one is never to overfill the boxes, and rule number two is to use proper moving materials. Only with adequate supplies and materials will you be able to ensure the safety of yourself and your belongings. Head to your local hardware store or self-storage facility and buy the following: cardboard boxes, plastic containers, plastic wrap, packing paper, packing peanuts, duct tape, scissors, and permanent markers.

Conclusion

We all know that moving can be dangerous if you are not careful enough, you might hurt yourself or people around you, and not to mention that you might damage some of your possessions. So, to save yourself from all the possible moving day injuries and incidents, hire professional movers if you can afford them. However, if that is not an option just make sure you pay attention to all the preventing measures mentioned above. That is, pack your items properly and be sure to follow all the heavy lifting protocols when transporting your belongings. If something is too heavy, use a dolly! Lastly, keep your pathways clear, avoid heaving a lot of people around during the heavy lifting and, by all means, take care of your body.

By: Mandy Gilmore
Mandy is a freelance copywriter who lives in Florida with her husband and two kids. After many years of experience, she specializes in moving and real estate topics. When she is not spending time with the family she likes to paint and fish.