If you have ever moved, you know how hard it can be. Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon to have accidents or incur injuries during this time because we tend to try to get through it as quickly as possible. Take a look at eight of our safety tips to ensure your move is made safely and injury-free.
1. Wear proper shoes: Moving day is not the day for flip-flops or sandals. You want to wear shoes that offer proper support and have a good non-slip sole. You should be able to walk on different surfaces without slipping around.
2. Don’t overload boxes: When packing your boxes, test the weight before using packing tape to seal them up. Items like books, papers, and even clothes can quickly get very heavy. Lifting and moving boxes that are too heavy can cause back strain and even injury.
3. Use a dolly: You can likely borrow one or even rent one if you don’t own a dolly. Using a dolly will allow you to move heavier items with less strain on your body. You will be able to stack two or three boxes and use little effort to get them outside to your mobile storage unit. For furniture and heavier appliances, a dolly is a must!
4. Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask nearby family, friends, or neighbors for assistance in moving things that are too heavy to move by yourself. If your budget allows, you can hire a local moving company to get all your packed boxes, furniture, and heavy items out to your unit.
5. Use proper lifting techniques: Back injuries are one of the most common injuries when moving. When lifting something from the ground, you should keep your back straight, bending at the knees. You should also be careful not to twist your back when turning with the item but carefully move your feet first in the direction you want to move. Hold the heavy item near your waist. If something doesn’t feel right, carefully set the object down and try again after taking a break.
6. Secure cords: Another common mistake that can lead to injuries is not securing the cords to devices like the television or refrigerator when moving them. Cords are major tripping hazards, so be sure to wrap them up and secure them using a little packing tape or zip ties.
7. Keep pathways clear: Stuff can quickly start to pile up on moving day but be sure that the walkways through the house and to the mobile storage unit are kept clear. When you are moving more oversized items, you don’t always have a clear view of your pathway. Making sure those walkways are kept clear will help keep tripping hazards to a minimum.
8. Stay hydrated and take breaks: It’s easy to get dehydrated when packing and moving because you are expending a lot of energy, and you may even be sweating and losing fluids. Be sure to take breaks to refuel your body with nutritious foods and clear fluids like water or Gatorade.
We hope these safety tips are helpful to you as you get ready for moving day. Moving in a hurry can cause stress and possible hazards to occur, which is why you need a moving partner that gives you as much time as you need to pack. 1-800-PACK-RAT can drop off a portable storage container at your home where you can pack at your pace. When you are ready, give us a call and we will deliver it locally, long-distance, or store it at one of our nationwide facilities until you are ready. Let us make moving and storage simple for you and your family today!