877-412-1344 As if moving was not difficult enough, you can also get injured during the process! First, you have to come up with detailed plans on how to approach the packing process. Second, you must ensure your items are safe and will survive the journey. Thirdly, you have to handle the items and boxes and move them from your home to the moving truck. And on top of all of that – you need to try to avoid getting injured! With all that in mind, hiring one of the professionals from our National Moving Services database is the best way to ensure you feel the least stress during this period. This will also directly impact the probability that you will get injured and avoid injuries during relocation altogether. In most cases, having a helping hand or two is enough. Therefore, avoid moving and lifting all by yourself. Instead, rely on a professional moving company or help from your friends and family.
What are the risks?
Moving can be physically demanding, and without proper precautions, it’s easy to succumb to injuries. Some of the most common injuries include muscle strains, back injuries, cuts, and bruises, which often occur from lifting heavy items incorrectly, tripping over objects, or handling sharp edges and fragile materials without care. Additional injuries can involve joint dislocations, particularly in the shoulders and knees, which happen when moving awkward or overly heavy items without assistance. Fractures are another risk, especially in the fingers, toes, and feet, resulting from dropped items or mishaps while navigating cluttered spaces.
Herniated discs can also occur from improper lifting techniques, causing severe back pain and long-term mobility issues. Understanding and avoiding common moving injuries when relocating can ensure a smoother transition into your new home. Awareness, preparation, and appropriate physical support are your best defenses against these typical hazards, helping to mitigate the risks associated with the physical demands of moving.
How should you avoid injuries during relocation?
Yes, hiring professional movers might end up costing you more money than usual. However, the advantages one will gain from such services exceed the financial issues. Namely, hiring professional movers when moving from Miami to California, for example, helps you avoid lifting heavy and bulky items and furniture and transporting it across state borders. More importantly, not only will their services help you prevent hurting yourself, but they will also ensure your items are in safe hands.
When injuring yourself, there are two issues that will arise from that. The first one is that you will be unable to continue with the relocation process. The second one is that you will probably damage some of the items if you do continue. So, what should you do?
- Hire professional movers
- If you are lifting items, do it properly
- The heavier the object, the more help you will require
- Use adequate equipment
Hire professional movers
The first thing you can do is hire a professional moving company to help you move. Especially if you are moving expensive, fragile items like antiquities; additionally, if you plan on moving heavier objects, professional movers can help you ensure their safety. First of all, professional movers have a lot of experience with relocating different items. Secondly, they are most likely going to use adequate equipment to ensure the items do not hurt someone or cause damage. Thirdly, professional moving companies will rarely show up with a small workforce. This means that, after evaluating the items you have to move, as well as their complexity, they will show up with the right amount of movers. Furthermore, if you still worry about the safety of your items, you can always sign an insurance policy with the company. Doing a DIY moving method is not always worth it.
Do not underestimate the weight of certain items
Items like furniture, appliances, or specialty items like pianos or pool tables are quite heavy – every residential moving service provider will agree with this. In most cases, one or two people will rarely be able to lift and carry those items to the moving truck. Therefore, you should never underestimate the weight of such items. The bigger the item you are moving is, the higher the chances are you will hurt yourself. For example, a standard upright piano can weigh anywhere between 300 to 500 pounds, while a large refrigerator might tip the scales at about 300 pounds. A sectional sofa can also be cumbersome, often weighing in at 200 to 350 pounds. Even a queen-sized bed frame and mattress can reach up to 150 pounds. These weights make it clear why proper lifting techniques and equipment are essential for safely handling such items during a move, reducing the risk of personal injury and property damage.
If you decide to do it yourself and want to avoid injuries during relocation, ask for help. Call your friends or family to come and help you slowly and carefully carry those items. Additionally, in most cases, these bulky and heavy items can be disassembled. This means that you can break the item down into smaller pieces and safely move them to where you want. Disassembling those items is the fastest and safest way to relocate them.
Use safety gear for a safe move
To prevent injuries while moving heavy items during relocation, wearing the right safety gear is critical. Special services require special gear – so if you hire movers, expect them to use tools made for moving heavy furniture. Durable gloves protect your hands from sharp edges and improve grip on boxes and furniture. Sturdy, non-slip footwear prevents falls, especially when carrying heavy loads. For those with prior back issues or when tackling particularly heavy items, consider using a back brace to avoid back injuries when moving house. This gear acts as essential armor against the physical challenges of moving day.
How to properly lift items to avoid injuries during relocation?
If moving by yourself, you have to know how to approach the items you are moving. In most cases, people injure themselves due to a lack of experience in lifting heavy objects. Again, if you lack proper expertise, your best solution is to hire professional movers. Especially if you plan on moving sensitive equipment, how you carry and work with these items will determine how safe you and the items are. Before you start moving, make sure you can tackle each of these issues. If you start moving and you cannot lift a certain item, you will likely make a mistake and end up injured or with a broken item.
Lift with your legs, not with your back
Many people make the mistake of lifting items with their back muscles. If you think you are not one of them, try lifting a heavy object and see which muscle is the most active. When lifting a heavier object, your spine needs to have a little curve. Next, your head needs to look forward, not downwards. After you grasp the item, lift it with your legs. This way, you can avoid serious back or abdomen injuries. Lifting heavy objects in a proper manner is the best safety precaution. During the whole process of lifting, your back has to have a natural curve to it. This way, you reduce the stress from your back and prevent your back injury.
Take it slow
We understand that you might be in a rush. Furthermore, we understand that you want this process to be over with as soon as possible. However, bear in mind that you are dealing with bulky furniture and other heavy items. Therefore, the slower you work, the safer you and your items are. Being in a rush, especially when carrying a heavy item, is not a good way to avoid injuries during relocation.
Furthermore, this will likely cause an injury. If that happens while you are carrying an item, chances are that the item will suffer damage as well. For that reason, you should take things slow. Do not hurry and think about the safety of yourself, as well as the item, the whole time.
Moving large furniture – steps and precautions
Handling heavy furniture is one of the most daunting aspects of moving. In order to lift and move heavy furniture safely during a move, it’s vital to use specific techniques and specialized tools. Begin by assessing the furniture’s weight and complexity. For lifting, always squat low by bending your knees and using your legs for power, keeping your back straight to prevent strain. Utilize tools such as furniture sliders and moving dollies to glide heavy pieces across the floor with minimal lifting, reducing the risk of injury and damage to the flooring.
When navigating tight spaces or doorways, consider removing doors or disassembling furniture if feasible. Taking apart larger items like bed frames or wardrobes can drastically reduce their bulk and weight, making them easier to handle. Wrap individual components in moving blankets to protect them during the move. For extra-heavy items like solid wood dressers or large bookcases, enlist additional help to ensure there are enough hands to distribute the weight evenly. Use lifting straps or harnesses that can help distribute the item’s weight more evenly across your body, easing the load and helping maintain your balance. These careful preparations and techniques are not only essential for making the move smoother but are critical in preventing injuries while handling heavy furniture.
Child and pet safety during a move
During a move, the chaos and disruption can easily lead to injuries for unsupervised children and pets. So, to ensure their safety, have children and pets stay with relatives or friends on a moving day. If this option is unavailable, it is crucial to create a secure area away from the activity where they can safely play and relax. For pets, particularly when you need to prepare your pet for moving long distances, ensure they have access to a comfortable kennel or a secure room away from any paths of heavy moving activities. Moving introduces unfamiliar sights and sounds that can be highly stressful and disorienting for both children and pets. The sudden change in their environment can disrupt their routines, leading to anxiety and erratic behavior. This may manifest as increased clinginess or emotional outbursts in children, while pets may display signs of stress through whining, pacing, or even aggression. Proper preparation and a calm environment are key to minimizing this stress and keeping them safe during the move.
Hydration and nutrition are important on a moving day
Staying hydrated and maintaining good nutrition on a moving day is crucial to maintaining your stamina and strength, helping to prevent muscle strains and injuries when relocating. Dehydration and low blood sugar can lead to dizziness, reduced concentration, and a higher risk of physical injuries. Keep water bottles accessible throughout the day, and plan for light, nutritious meals and snacks that provide energy without weighing you down. Foods rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, like nuts, yogurt, and whole-grain sandwiches, are excellent for sustaining energy levels.
Take care of your body after the move
After the physical exertion of a move, no matter if you managed to avoid injuries during relocation, take time to recover. Your body has been through a lot, and similar to recovering from a workout, it needs time to heal. Engage in gentle stretching exercises to alleviate muscle tightness, focusing particularly on your back, shoulders, and legs. Consider a warm bath with Epsom salts to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. If possible, scheduling a professional massage a few days after the move can significantly help alleviate pain, improve circulation, and speed up your recovery process.
Avoid injuries during relocation so that you can enjoy your new home
Wouldn’t it be amazing to enjoy your new space without back pain or any other discomfort? If you manage to avoid injuries during relocation, you will spend a great, pain-free time making your new house or apartment feel like home. All you have to do is get help, get some tools, and learn how to lift properly.
