10 Moving Day Safety Tips

Moving Day Safety

Moving into a new residence has its challenges. And, the process can also present you with hazards. Time and money are important. Still, you want to take steps to ensure the health and safety of your family members. It’s imperative to stay safe when relocating to a new home, so we have compiled our favorite moving safety tips to help you out.

1. Ask for assistance

Don’t try to lift and carry very heavy boxes and furniture on your own. Instead, get a partner whether it’s a family member or a friend to help with the heavy lifting. In general, the more helpers you have available on moving day, the safer it will be for everyone involved in the process.

2. Plan your moving day in advance

Plan out your moving day in advance to minimize risks. This includes prioritizing which rooms to move first, assigning boxes and furniture to specific people, and determining the best methods to move heavy items. For instance, you may want to use furniture sliders or even hire professionals to move certain items like your large appliances.

3. Use good moving boxes

Use sturdy moving boxes that are strong enough to hold the weight of the items packed inside. Double check all sides of the boxes especially if you are using second-hand moving boxes. The boxes should be dry and have no signs of damage. Be careful about potential infestations if you are using older boxes that have been stored away.

4. Don’t make the boxes too heavy

Avoid accidents by not over-packing your boxes and making them too heavy to lift comfortable. In general, a moving box should be under 40 pounds. Anything heavier increases the risks of accidents considerably for the person carrying the box. You don’t need to weigh them. Instead, try lifting the box yourself as you pack. If you can do that without straining, then the box should be within a safe limit.

5. Use proper moving equipment

Use the correct moving equipment to lower the risks of straining your muscles while moving heavy items like bulky appliances, large furniture, and big moving boxes. Have furniture sliders and dollies handy if you decide not to hire professional movers. Typically, you can rent the equipment from your local moving company.

6. Protect your back

Use the proper method when lifting heavy items to protect your back. Do not bend or arch your back when lifting. Back injuries occur on moving day fairly frequently, such as strains, pinched nerves, and herniated disks. Prevention is the best medicine. So, use your legs by squatting down to reach the box. Then lift it by straightening your legs keeping your back straight while doing so. This is how:

Use the power of your legs when lifting heavyweight items. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and use the strongest muscles in your body (the leg muscles) as the hoisting device. Also, keep a stable base with your feet – they should be shoulder-width apart and one of your feet needs to be slightly forward.

Keep in mind that personal injuries during the action-packed Moving day can happen in the blink of an eye, so you must be extremely careful when handling heavy things.

7. Get a good grip

Make sure your grip is secure before lifting and carrying to prevent personal injuries of any kind or property damage. Wear high-quality work gloves that will give you a better grip on items and protect your hands as well. Use box handles or side openings when carrying heavy boxes. If none are available, use both hands and get your fingers underneath the box bottom for a secure grip.

8. Clear the pathways

Ensure all pathways and hallways are clear of every obstacle. Clear away all random moving boxes and clutter to prevent trips and falls. One misstep or an accidental slip could easily ruin your house move. Randomly scattered stuff along the exit paths pose a real trip hazard.

9. Secure outside areas

Be prepared and secure the outside areas as well. The path that leads to the moving vehicle should be clean and free of excessive dust, mud, water, snow, or ice. Remove any debris from the ground, no matter how harmless it may look. In addition, consider trimming overgrown shrubs or protruding tree branches that may hurt someone during the house moving process.

10. Hire licensed movers

The best way to minimize the risks of injuries or property damage during a move is to hire professionals. They have the skills, experience, and equipment to move your household items safely and efficiently. You may want to save your money and do it yourself. But, weigh the expense of doctor bills and replacing valuable items. Then give Alliance Relocation Services a call for a complimentary estimate. We look forward to hearing from you!