Even the fittest and most active people might feel the effects of moving day. How to avoid injuries when moving? It’s not unusual for do-it-yourselfers to suffer back injuries, shattered fingers, twisted joints, wounds, and bruises. Fortunately, by following these 10 safety measures, you may reduce your risk of harm during your next move.
Need Moving Services?
Allowing someone else to move sounds like a lot greater chore than you think you can do. Wowmover.com has a large network of trustworthy movers ready to assist you in packing and moving your entire home. Our network’s relocation companies are all certified and insured, so you can rest easy knowing your belongings are in good hands.
Plan Ahead
When you have to quit a property quickly to meet a deadline, injuries are common. You cut corners, push yourself to your limitations, and skip breaks in order to complete the task in the shortest amount of time possible. Worst of all, the rush can typically be avoided with advance planning.
Start making plans the day you put your house on the market. Early on in the process, gather boxes, declutter, hire a mover, and get a head start on packing. A head start can help you save a significant amount of time in the long run. Create a timeline after you’ve chosen a moving date to ensure that the big day goes as smoothly as possible. You’ll be more vigilant and prepared to avoid damage without the added stress.
Make sure your body is ready
Strengthening your core in the weeks leading up to moving day will help you avoid injury. Make it a habit to undertake exercises like sit-ups or planks on a regular basis. Free weight lifting can also aid in the development of the stomach and back muscles that you use when moving. When it comes to preparing your muscles ready for such a physically demanding day, even five minutes of stretching every morning can make a major difference.
Start your day with a quick walk or a light aerobic workout to get your heart rate up on moving days. To avoid injuries later in the day, rotate your joints, twist your body to loosen it up, and stretch.
The importance of nutrition cannot be overstated. Fuel up with a high-protein breakfast before you begin lifting. Eggs, cereal with fruit, avocado toast, and protein pancakes are all good choices. Remember to stay hydrated during the day and take a break for a balanced dinner and lunch.
Clear Path
When carrying huge goods, it’s common to lose sight of what’s directly in front of you. That’s why it’s crucial to clear a passage from your house to the moving van. Declutter early on in the moving process so you’ll have less to cope with on moving day. Then take a stroll around your house, checking for any hidden dangers such as extension wires that you could overlook or a step that needs to be highlighted.
Clear a path through your house before anyone starts moving boxes. Send your children to a friend’s or relative’s house, or confine them to a certain room in your home to keep them out of the way. Pets should be treated the same way. Recheck the route throughout the day to ensure it remains clear and safe.
Lifts should always be light
You’re well aware that lifting too much weight might result in injury. You can strain your back as well as drop a load on your toe or tumble when stumbling with a large burden. Overpacking your boxes, especially smaller ones, might cause injury. Your physical level will determine how much you can safely carry for a full day, but no more than 40 pounds per box is recommended. If you have a history of back or knee issues, consider losing 30 to 35 pounds.
Moving boxes isn’t the only thing you’ll be doing. Heavy furniture can also be taxing. If possible, break down large pieces of furniture into smaller loads. Simply place all screws and pieces in a compact bag and fasten it to the furniture so you can reassemble it at your new house.
Get the proper gear
Using equipment such as a furniture dolly, appliance dolly, stair dolly, furniture sliders, and moving straps to help you move is another option to decrease your load and avoid harm. These gadgets can absorb a lot of the weight, so you and your assistance are less likely to get hurt.
This type of equipment is available at most home improvement stores. Alternatively, you can frequently rent them from moving firms like as UHaul. Before moving day, read the instructions or watch internet videos to learn how to utilize the equipment. You can save your back by utilizing a furniture dolly, but if you don’t know how to use it properly, you risk injuring yourself just as badly.
Dress for the occasion
What you wear on moving day can have an impact on whether or not you get hurt. Pants, long sleeves, and gloves lessen the risk of being scratched or cut, while closed-toed shoes reduce the risk of smashed toes if a large object falls on your feet. Heavy-duty work boots can also provide additional support to prevent an ankle from twisting while moving.
Consider wearing additional safety gear, especially if you’ve been wounded before. A back brace can help support your back, while a knee brace can help stabilize an otherwise unstable knee. It’s preferable to take these extra precautions than to risk significant injury if you don’t.
Limitations
Obviously, attempting to lift more weight than you can safely lift with moderate effort can result in damage. Continuing to work after being physically weary, on the other hand, puts you at risk of damage. Based on your previous experience lifting and being active, determine how much you can lift and how long you can work to avoid injuries when moving. Then don’t push yourself past those boundaries.
Take regular breaks, even if you’re working inside that timeframe, to allow your body to recuperate and to ensure you’re not overextending muscles you don’t regularly utilize. You should also drink plenty of water and eat enough food. Maintain the energy required for the job by eating a balanced, protein-rich lunch and dinner.
Hire Experts
Of course to avoid injuries when moving, hiring professional movers and avoiding heavy lifting and physical exertion is the most effective approach to avoid accidents. On moving day, professional movers can pack your goods and load them into the truck for you. When you arrive at your new house, they’ll also assist you in unloading your boxes and arranging your furnishings. Because they’ll be performing most of the hard lifting, you’ll be able to focus on unpacking boxes and decorating, which should be considerably less physically demanding.
If that sounds appealing, take a look at our large network of renowned and trustworthy movers. You won’t have to do any of the work because these licensed and bonded specialists will do it for you.