The average moving day usually passes by without incident or injury, but moving can be more physically challenging than most people realize. Protecting yourself and everyone involved with your move should be a top priority on moving day, especially if you have opted for a do-it-yourself move.
On moving day, protecting yourself and your loved ones is even more important than protecting your belongings. There is a risk of severe back injury any time you lift a heavy item without the proper form, and the last thing you need to worry about during your local or long-distance move is an injury. Save yourself time and pain by following 1-800-PACK-RAT’s moving tips on lifting and moving heavy items properly.
The first rule is not to overpack your boxes with heavy items. Generally, smaller boxes should be used for heavier items such as books. Larger boxes should be used for bulkier items, not necessarily heavier items. Each box should not be packed to exceed over 50 lbs.
To pack and move successfully, you need to know the basics of moving heavy furniture and other items down before the big day. Here’s how to properly lift heavy objects and how to lift heavy furniture and other items while keeping your safety and belongings in mind.
Lifting Heavy Items and Furniture
When it comes to lifting anything, utilizing proper lifting techniques can be the difference between your move going off without a hitch and having an injury complicating matters. Here’s a quick guide on how to properly lift some of those heavier items.
Plan Your Lift
Before lifting a heavy item, ensure you have a clear route and enough space to maneuver your body and the heavy item to the final destination. Also, check to make sure you are wearing appropriate, non-slip footwear. Depending on the weight of the item you are trying to lift, be sure to have someone spot it or help you carry it wherever it needs to be.
Have the Right Posture
Stand close to the item you will be picking up with your feet placed shoulder-width apart. Keep your head facing forward, and do not bend your neck.
Squat With Your Legs
Keep your back straight as you tighten your abdominal muscles and bend your knees and hips to squat. Do not bend at the waist, as this will cause you to try and pick up the item using your back instead of your legs which can result in serious injury. Keep your head upright, looking straight ahead.
Pick Up
Place your arms around the object and get a good grip, then while keeping it close to your body, slowly lift with your legs by pushing up and straightening your knees. You must maintain a straight back to eliminate strain and pressure on your back.
Set Down Gently
When the object is ready to be put down, return to the squatting position by bending at the knees. You must keep the item close to you and maintain a straight back.
Moving Heavy Items and Furniture
Moving heavy stuff doesn’t always mean doing it with just sheer muscle power. Here’s how to lift heavy objects with simple tools, where you might be able to get them, and how they can be used to help make your packing job easier!
Furniture Sliders
Furniture sliders are an excellent investment for moving all types of large furniture. Place a slider underneath each corner of the item, with the smooth edge facing the floor. Push from the lower portion of the furniture to glide it smoothly across the floor.
Furniture sliders are available for both hard surfaces and carpeted floors. They are made of plastic, felt, or a combination of both. You can find them at most hardware and home improvement stores, like Lowes Home Improvement®.
We've also partnered with Lowe's to provide our customers with all of the moving supplies you will need, from boxes and packing tape, bubble wrap, furniture padding, mattress bags, moving blankets, locks, moisture absorbers, furniture dollies, hand trucks, moving straps, and much more. Learn more about what kinds of moving supplies you might need, how to use it, and where you can get them from today.
Cardboard, Towels, and More
If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, several household items can be used to reduce the friction between your furniture and the flooring. Cut out small sections of cardboard to use under the corners of your furniture to move it easily across the carpet. If you need to move furniture along hardwood, try using old towels. If you have a (clean) yard tarp, these can also be used to move large objects around your home with more ease. So long as the tool you are using is strong enough and won’t damage your floors, it can help make moving these heavier items much easier.
Blankets
Another option to make moving furniture easier is to use blankets. Lift a corner of your furniture and place an old padded blanket beneath it. Be sure to pull an ample amount under the furniture to ensure you have extra to cover the other end.
Once you have the blanket under one side of the furniture, go to the other end and lift a corner to pull the sheet to that side. After the blanket is underneath all corners, grab one end and slide the furniture where you need it to go.
Lifting and Moving Items With Assistance
There are plenty of tools out there you can purchase or borrow to make moving larger items easier to manage. If the pros use them to make moving easier and go faster, why not use them yourself?
Moving Furniture and Appliance Straps
Moving or lifting straps make it easier to move and maneuver heavy items and odd-shaped objects that are hard to grip, such as large appliances or overstuffed recliners. Slide the polypropylene or nylon straps around each piece of furniture and use your hands and arms to lift and guide the items through your home and into your portable moving container. Moving appliance straps can also be utilized to move items safely and carefully, such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, and more, in and out of your home.
Moving Dollies Make it Easier
Furniture dollies are invaluable moving tools with wheels that can help you easily move heavy objects. They are best for furniture or large items you can fully lift but need assistance moving. Wrap your furniture in pads before securing it to the dolly. This will prevent scratches on wooden furniture and stains or tears on upholstered furniture.
Tie or tape up loose items such as hoses, plugs, and wires to avoid tripping over them or getting them tangled in the dolly wheels. Make sure that the dolly is big enough to hold the item you want to move, then load and secure the piece on the dolly and give it a push. A furniture dolly can usually handle up to 1,000 lbs, and it has a tight turning radius for hallways and elevators, but it can't be used on stairs.
Utilize Moving Hand Trucks
A hand truck is similar to a dolly as you place the furniture on a wheeled platform, but the shape is slightly different. It is an L-shaped platform that uses only two wheels and a handle. By sliding the lower shelf of the dolly under the item, you can tilt it back to lift and move it wherever you need it to go. It is ideal for moving several boxes or small furniture and appliances.
Some hand trucks also allow you to switch the handle to use it vertically or horizontally. This feature enables you to move both tall and wide objects. Always use the straps to secure your items to the hand truck's frame.
Hiring Professional Movers and Labor Assistance
If you would prefer the assistance of professionals to help you move your heavy items, we can recommend trusted third-party companies. We have partnered with trusted third-party professional labor service providers, so you can easily find professional packers and movers to help make your move easier. By working with a professional labor company, you will not only save time and energy, but you can be confident that your stuff will be loaded and unloaded into your container efficiently and safely.
Use 1-800-PACK-RAT to Make Your Move As Easy As Possible
Make your move as simple and stress-free as possible by letting someone with experience handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on other aspects of your move. 1-800-PACK-RAT is the perfect solution for those looking to make their move easier and give them all the time they need to pack their stuff at their own pace safely!
Give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call today if you are planning a local or long-distance move. Our all-steel, weatherproof portable storage containers are perfect for any move size, and we can even store your items for as long as you need during the process at any one of our 65+ locations across the continental United States. Call us or go online for a free quote today and see how we can make moving and storage simple for you!