6 Ways To Prevent Injury When Moving Home
Moving home can be a very exhausting task, both mentally and physically. It’s something that most people dread having to do. It’s inevitable to be tiring and a long labour intensive day. That means it’s easy to lose focus, especially when unpacking at your new home.
Suppose you don’t pay careful attention to every one of your movements. In that case, you can likely cause a serious physical injury to yourself or your family.
How To Stay Safe While Moving
By following these guidelines from our professional removalists atOptimove, you can ensure you prevent any injuries during the moving process.
1. Plan Your Move-In Advance
While it may seem obvious, planning ensures you have a good moving strategy. It also means that you can take your time with the move instead of rushing while leaving everything to the last minute. Doing so is one of the best ways to prevent any accidental injury from occurring.
2. Don’t Pack Too Much In Moving Boxes
Be careful not to overpack moving boxes with heavy items. They should be able to be lifted without any difficulty. Make sure that all boxes weigh under 20 kg. Also, don’t pack too many heavy items together, such as books.
3. Lift Boxes Correctly
Once you’ve packed your boxes, it’s super important to know the correct lifting techniques. Always remember, when lifting a box, do not bend over it. Instead, keep your back straight while using your lower body to lift the box instead. This will prevent any back injuries from occurring.
Other techniques which will reduce the risk of injury from occurring include:
- Walking slowly and taking small steps while carrying large, bulky, or heavy items.
- Do not lift boxes above your head.
- Turn with your feet, not your hips.
- Don’t carry boxes on your head or shoulders. Instead, carry them close to your body.
- Don’t stack boxes. Only carry one at a time. It is better to make multiple trips than to risk injuring yourself.
4. Use The Right Moving Equipment
If you’ve decided to move DIY, then it’s crucial to use the right moving equipment. Tools such as dollies and straps will make moving heavy equipment easy. A dolly lets you efficiently move bulky and heavy furniture like large boxes, kitchen appliances, and washing machines.
Doing so will also prevent any back strain from occurring. Another essential item is a safety ramp to load and unload any heavy items into and out of the moving truck.
5. Clear Any Pathways
One of the most common causes of injuries when moving is from tripping over when carrying heavy boxes. Be sure to clear any walkways inside the home, as well as any paths outside.
If there are any steps, make sure they are clearly visible. Don’t leave any moving boxes, plants, or clutter lying around. Also, remove any obstacles from paths outside. If you are moving during wet weather, use mats at the home entrance to prevent them from becoming slippery.
6. Hire Professional Removalists
The best way to prevent injury when moving is to enlist the help of professional removalists. Movers can help with packing and unpacking and handle all the heavy lifting for you. Relax, knowing that your family is safe from any injury. Have peace of mind, and leave the lifting to professionals who follow WorkSafe practices to minimise any risk of injury.
At Optimove, all our removalists have undergone extensive training. We make sure to handle and move your belongings safely and with care. For a free quote, call 1300 400 874 or contact us.
