Moving is hard work. It’s a lot more physical than most people give it credit for. And that means that there is always a risk of suffering an injury. Poor lifting techniques, exhaustion, and getting in too much of a hurry are the biggest culprits of injury. And the most common injuries include back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems. These injuries are not only painful, but they can lay you up for weeks or months. And we’re guessing you probably can’t afford the unplanned time off work. So here are a few tips from our Massachusetts long-distance movers to prevent injuries during moving.
Pay Attention to Your Health
Start things off right by making sure that you’re in good shape on moving day. That doesn’t mean that you need to join a gym and finally drop the 30 pounds you’ve been carrying around but getting your steps and doing some stretching in the weeks leading up to your move can be a good start.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated before, during, and after the hard work. Get a good night’s sleep before you begin moving and plan your day with enough help so that you can accomplish the heavy lifting in a span of eight hours or less.
Remember to Lift with Your Legs (Not Your Back)
Those Occupational Safety and Health posters from your jobsite will come in handy when you need to move. You’ll be a doing a lot of lifting, standing, walking, and hauling. Trying to brute force your way through the workload is a surefire way to pull a muscle in your back. Keep these tips in mind for safe lifting.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Stand close to objects when lifting.
- Bend at the knees.
- Lift slowly.
Use the Right Tools
Move as much as you can with a hand truck and rely on straps for heavier items. As you pack, put heavier items in smaller boxes. And use the smallest boxes available for books. The weight really adds up. Have plenty of help and work at a slow, diligent pace. Most injuries occur when we get into too much of a hurry.
The Bottom Line on Safe Moving Practices
Treat your move like a marathon workout. Stretch before and after, stay hydrated, and work at a slow, steady pace. It might seem like these safety reminders are a hassle, but they can keep you on your feet and out of bed so they’re worth another look. Not to mention the extra labor you’ll have to hire after you hurt yourself.
ABC Moving & Storage is a reputable residential and commercial moving company with years of experience in safely moving households of all sizes. We’re a trusted member of Allied Van Lines, providing nationwide coverage to and from the East Coast. Our residential movers in Massachusetts can help get your move done quickly and efficiently. Call for a free moving estimate today.
