How to Avoid Injuries and Move Safely Like a Pro

Prepare for Every Step of the Relocation

Every relocation should start with a checklist of tasks that need to be done. This way, you’ll know what every task on a to-do list requires of you, which will allow you to prepare for it. All of this is especially important before relocating any heavy object.

Carrying, protecting, disassembling, and assembling bulky furniture is not a piece of cake, and if it is not done properly, it can be a cause of some serious injuries. That’s why before you tackle that big and heavy king-sized bed you have, gather all the necessary supplies and equipment.

Grab a pen, and write down our simple yet effective tips and tricks, and you just might finish the move without hurting yourself or anybody involved in the process. We’ll lead you every step of the way.

Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Really Need

When relocating to a new home, take with you only the things you’ll use. There’s no point in bringing junk that will only pile in the corners of your home, making a mess. That’s why one of the most asked questions during the relocation process is what to get rid of before the move and, most importantly, how?

There are many different ways to declutter before a move. One way is to go through each room and take everything out that doesn’t belong in that room. Although this can be a lot of work, it’s a great way to get rid of a lot of stuff quickly. Another way is to go through your belongings and separate them into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. This is a slower method, but it can be more effective if you have a lot of stuff to get rid of. Finally, you can also use a combination of the two methods.

Try avoiding one of the most common relocation mistakes – the skipping decluttering process. If you do, you’ll be left with many unnecessary items to pack, and with that much stuff to go through, you are bound to lose concentration and hurt yourself. Finally, getting rid of unnecessary items will lower your overall cost of the move. The fewer items you have, the lower the prices of professional movers will be (or if you are relocating on your own, the prices of materials will be lower).

Gather All the Necessary Supplies

When you get rid of unnecessary items, it is time to think about how to pack for the move. Start by gathering all the necessary supplies. Know that there are a few different ways that a person can gather packing supplies for their upcoming move.

One way is to go to local stores and purchase boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Another option is to search for free packing supplies online. Many websites offer free boxes and other packing materials.

The only downside to this option is that the supplies may not be as high-quality as those you would purchase from a store (or the ones professional packers would bring). No matter where you get your packing supplies, it is important to use them correctly in order to avoid damaging your belongings.

Start Wrapping Everything up on Time

When relocating to a new home, you’ll want to bring some of your belongings along and keep them in one piece while doing so. That being said, to avoid damage, each item should be wrapped and packed accordingly. However, this is a lot of work for one person, so it is advisable to start boxing up everything on time. When you are not in a rush, you’ll have enough time to ensure all of your belongings are safe.

There are a few different packing and wrapping techniques that you can use to ensure your valuables’ safety. If you are, for example, packing fragile items, one technique is to use packing peanuts or foam padding to protect your belongings.

You can also use blankets to keep items from getting scratched or damaged, and this is especially important when packing kitchen items or other big pieces such as beds and couches. Furthermore, use sturdy boxes when packing shoes and other sensitive items. Finally, make sure to label all of your boxes with the name of the room they belong in. Because one of the things you’ll do after the move is to unpack. That will be so much easier if you know which box goes into which room.

Don’t Overfill the Boxes if You Want to Move Safely

We went over the best and safest ways to protect your belongings. Now let’s talk about stacking boxes. Remember, it is important not to overload crates. Because if you do, it can lead to them breaking and your belongings being damaged. Also, lifting overfilled boxes would not be good for your back.

That’s why no matter if you are packing dishes or you are boxing up clothes, be sure to distribute the weight evenly among the boxes. If a box feels too heavy, put some of the items in a different box. Because lifting a box that is too heavy for you is asking for trouble.

Following the Lifting Protocols Will Save You From the Pain

Data from the website GoodBody shows that almost 5% of people that suffer back injury that condition will become chronic. If living with permanent pain can be avoided, why not do it? That’s why when handling heavy objects, it’s important to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Take your time and use the correct muscles to lift. Make sure you’re breathing properly. Holding your breath can lead to dizziness and even a blackout. When lifting, exhale as you lift and inhale as you lower the heavy item. This will help keep you focused and safe.

Finally, always take your time. Lifting is not a race. If you rush through the process, you’re more likely to make mistakes and hurt yourself. So take it slow and easy, and focus on avoiding injuries.

Stretching Will Help Your Body Prepare for the Lifting

Before lifting any heavy objects, it is important to stretch your muscles. This will help prevent injuries and ensure that you can lift the object safely. There are a few basic stretches that you can do before lifting:

• Hamstring stretch – Stand with one foot in front of the other, and bend forward at the waist. Reach for your toes, and hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
• Calf stretch – Place one foot in front of the other, with your back heel on the ground. Bend your front knee, and lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf muscle. Hold for 30 seconds.
• Quadriceps stretch – Standing upright, hold on to something for balance. Bend one knee, and bring your heel up toward your buttock. Use your other hand to grab your ankle and pull it closer to your body. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds.
• Lower back stretch – Lie on your back on the ground, with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place your hands on your lower back, and slowly arch your back off of the ground. Hold for 30 seconds.

When lifting the object, be sure to use the proper form, as we mentioned before. Bend at the knees, and keep your back straight. Use your legs to lift the object, and avoid using your back. Check out the video below for some additional tips on how to lift heavy boxes when you start packing up the moving truck.

Use a Dolly When Moving Heavy Objects

Some items should not be lifted without proper equipment. One way to move heavy objects safely is by using a dolly. A dolly is a small cart that can be used to move furniture or other large items. It has four wheels and can be easily pushed or pulled. When using a dolly, place the item on the platform and make sure it is secure. Then, push or pull the dolly to where you need to go. Be careful not to run into walls or other obstacles.

Another way to move bulky items is by using a furniture sling. A furniture sling is a piece of fabric that is placed under an item and then lifted with the help of another person. To use a furniture sling, place the fabric under the item and then have someone lift the fabric from the other end. Once the item is lifted, you can then move it to where you need to go.

These tactics will save you from back injuries. However, dolly and furniture sling are not commonly used tools. So you should ask for help if there are really bulky items that require carrying with the help of additional equipment. That’s where hiring professional long-distance movers can be a perfect solution!

Following Good Practices and Take Care of Yourself

Whether you are in a hurry because you are relocating at the last minute or you are just really dedicated to the process, it’s a recipe for disaster to ignore the signs telling you to slow down. It’s been said before, but it bears repeating – your body will tell you what it needs right now, and it’s critical that you listen.

If you’re experiencing tension, discomfort, or weariness, don’t ignore it and keep going. Some of these might be due to anxiety about moving out, but most are indicators that you are overdoing it. It’s fine to take a break or seek assistance if necessary. Trying to do more than you’re capable of is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make when it comes to safety. If you need to take a break, do so. It beats heaving to recover from a serious injury.

Sleep and Eat Regularly

There is no move without preaching the need of eating well and drinking plenty of water. Remember, failure to perform either of these things can result in tiredness, weakness, and a foggy mind, all of which increase your risk of injury and accidents.

Keep nutritious, high-energy snacks available, such as almonds, protein bars, and whole-grain crackers, and take breaks for entire meals. Also, even if you’re not thirsty, drink water regularly. Sure, you’ll take more toilet breaks, but that’s better than suffering from dehydration’s dangerous side effects, such as a reduction in brain function and cardiovascular stress.

Clear the Pathway Before You Start the Move

Whether you’re packing, unpacking, or loading and unloading the truck, it’s critical that there is a clear path through the house. Trips and falls can be dangerous on their own, but they’re even more so when the space is cluttered, and you’re carrying something heavy.

Making safety a top priority during the move means avoiding adding to the already-existing concerns, so make sure to identify and keep a clear path both inside and outdoors. This should also be applied if you are preparing the house for the movers or relocating on your own.

Find a Distraction for Your Kids and Pets

It’s never a good idea to have too many figurative cooks in the kitchen, especially if those cooks are prone to mishaps. If you are relocating with pets or kids, the best thing you can do for them and yourself is to keep them occupied and contained in a designated room.

If the space is already crammed enough, have a friend or family member look after them outside of your home. Any small animal, two-legged or four-legged, running under your feet adds a new level of danger that should be avoided if at all possible.

Furthermore, those relocating with cats should know that they are usually not too fond of unknown people in their space. So, you should avoid giving them additional stress by locking them in one room.

Hire Long Distance Movers to Do the Heavy Lifting

As we already established, when you’re in the process of relocation, there’s a lot to think about and plan for, and injuries can happen at any given moment. That’s why one of the most important decisions you’ll make is hiring a cross-country moving company to assist you.

A reputable and experienced long-distance moving company will not only handle your belongings with care but will do all the heavy lifting as well. That being said, by using long-distance moving services, you’ll be covered through every step of the move, from packing to car shipping.

Not only that you won’t have to lift a finger while cross country movers are packing and wrapping the objects in your home, but you also won’t have to think about loading and unloading heavy boxes. So, if you want the safest way to tackle the move, start by researching “long distance movers near me,” hire the best ones, sit back, relax, and let the experts take care of everything. Your long-distance move will be smooth and injure-free.