Avoiding Injuries on Moving Day

Moving day can be emotionally and physically stressful. The last thing you want to happen during a move is to sustain an injury. Even when you hire a full-service moving company, you need to ensure that your home is safety-proofed. 

Use the Right Equipment for the Moving Task 

By using the appropriate moving equipment, you will avoid straining your back as you move the heavier, bulkier items. A dolly or furniture skis will make moving couches, dining cabinets, and other items much safer. Use straps to secure stacked boxes and furniture to the dolly or to assist with moving larger items. 

Double Check for Potential Danger Spots 

Prior to moving day, double-check your old and new homes for any possible danger spots. These could be things like cracks in the sidewalk or walkways. If you have steps up to the front door, you may want to highlight them with sidewalk chalk for visibility. Other hazards can include poles, posts, low-hanging tree branches, or self-closing gates. Mark these with brightly colored ties or remove the obstacles altogether. 

Reasonable Box Weight  

Pack your moving boxes to be under 50 pounds. If you are unsure about the weight, try lifting the box, or keep a bathroom scale nearby to actually weigh the box. You should be able to easily lift the box without straining.  

Also, take into account whether that box must be carried up or down stairs. It is far better to make a few extra trips with lighter boxes than to fall down a flight of stairs with an overly packed box. Don’t underestimate gravity! In addition, remember to lift the box properly, which is to bend your knees and lift with your entire lower body. Avoid bending over from the waist and lifting with your upper body. 

Read more here for specific safety ideas for moving day. 

Moving Day Safety Tips 

• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes. Loose sleeves or shirttails can get caught or snagged. Your shoes should be supportive, durable footwear with a good grip, especially for wet surfaces. Avoid open-toed shoes. Sandals offer no protection from a dropped box, and you certainly don’t want broken toes on moving day. 
• Ensure the high-traffic areas are clear of boxes and other obstacles. If possible, separate the heavier boxes from the lighter boxes packed with fragile items. Have all items that need to be taken apart ready with their parts sealed in plastic bags and taped tightly to the item to avoid losing them. 
• If you have friends and family helping rather than professional movers, organize everyone and give each person a specific role. This will not only help with a smoother move; it will help avoid collisions. Assembly lines work well with one or two people at the truck to load as the boxes and furniture are brought out. 
• If you have young children, consider hiring a sitter to watch them and keep them out of the way. In addition, have a safe space for your pets, such as a bathroom with the door closed. Put several towels and familiar items in for them to keep them calm during the excitement. 
• Keep an emergency kit on hand with bandages, aspirin, and antibiotic ointment. Hopefully, you won’t have any serious accidents, but sometimes a blister can be very painful. A band-aid can go a long way in that situation. 

Lastly, keep a good sense of humor throughout the day and enjoy yourself as much as you can!