Lifting heavy items, packing knives, running up and down stairs, carrying stuff through cluttered halls – all these activities are potential threats to the well-being of all those in the middle of cross-country moving. Here is how to move safely and avoid all the obstacles that could come your way! Simply follow our moving safety tips to keep you and your belonging safe while dealing with heavy and fragile things.
You’ve learned all the tips on how to protect items in storage units, but have you checked what you should do to protect yourself from potential injuries and other inconveniences? The whole relocation fuss can significantly increase anxiety about moving out and make us want to speed up the whole process. This is exactly the moment when some serious injuries can occur.
Back injuries, sprained ankles, knee or finger injuries, cuts – all these are some of the most common problems that haste and lack of attention can bring. Believe it or not, the best way to move efficiently is to slow down and prepare the space – and yourself – properly.
Improper packaging techniques are the most common cause of many serious injuries. Here is some advice that will help you stay away from typical relocation mistakes.
Putting too many items into one cardboard box is definitely not a good idea. Overfilled cardboard boxes can easily tear due to the weight they can not sustain. Once they become too heavy for lifting, not only will they have the potential to damage your stuff, but they can also cause problems with your back.
That’s why you should know the approximate weight each type of box can sustain:
Also, don’t skip learning what items are safe to pack in cardboard boxes. For example, boxing up hardcover books in a large cardboard box could easily tear it. That’s why the best solution is to box them up in smaller or even plastic containers – still, do not put too many books in because someone will have to carry them.
Another potential danger lurks from objects like knives, guns, or different types of tools. Also, all items made of glass, including mirrors, can be classified in this group. All these objects can cause some severe harm if not properly handled or packed. For that reason, learning how to pack kitchen items for relocating, how to pack mirrors, guns, or any other mentioned object is of utmost importance.
Another detail to be aware of when it comes to packing and safety is that many things won’t even be accepted on the truck due to their hazardous nature. All bottles under pressure, flammable substances and materials, oils, gasoline, alcohol, and similar stuff are not allowed on the trucks by law. You better get rid of them because those are considered items movers won’t move.
Carrying boxes or heavy furniture through the halls cluttered with packed cartons is a pretty good way to stumble and fall. This is why creating a packing zone is of essential importance.
Placing all packed items into designated areas is the only way to avoid a cluttered home full of boxes that might prevent you from moving around the place freely. Also, this is an obligatory step when preparing for movers because empty halls will help them move around the house and pack the truck much faster.
One of the biggest causes of back injuries is lifting heavy things incorrectly. In a hurry, people usually forget that approaching the load with a rounded back can easily cause you to pull a muscle or even hurt your spine. On the other hand, lifting heavy objects with your back straight is the only correct way to do it.
Another safe way to handle heavy objects is to use additional equipment like a dolly, lifting straps, or furniture sliders. These are some of the most effective pieces of equipment to help you move and lift heavy objects. When it comes to dollies, they are especially useful for transporting furniture or large appliances.
The good news is that all this equipment is pretty easy to find (and relatively affordable). While furniture sliders can be found at any dollar store, home improvement stores usually have dollies and straps.
If you’re not sure how to lift heavy objects, check out the video below.
Relocating in winter is great for your budget because this is the cheapest time of the year to move. However, the weather conditions may affect the whole relocation process. The first thing to take care of is to clear the pathway and driveway in front of your house because snow and ice can be pretty slippery.
Also, in case you decide to drive on your own instead of flying, ensure to check your car, too. Put on winter tires, get some antifreeze, and of course, get confirmation from your mechanic that everything is working properly.
Another crucial detail is related to the choice of clothes and shoes you’ll be wearing on the relocation day. Since you’ll be active all day, pick comfortable clothes and sneakers that will allow you to move quickly and safely throughout the day. Choosing sneakers that will keep your ankles safe is of the utmost importance because the risk for potential serious injury will significantly decrease.
Bonus tip: Pick a pair that has anti-slip protection. This will be especially useful during the final move-out cleaning that includes cleaning of bathroom and kitchen, whose floors can get pretty slippery from cleaning products.
In case you’re relocating with children, there is no doubt their safety will be your top priority. To keep them away from their curious little excursions throughout the house and packed boxes, find someone to take care of them on the big day. Ask your family or find a babysitter who will keep them entertained in their room or backyard to prevent them from running through the house while the cross-country movers are there.
One of the most common relocation mistakes is being so preoccupied with all obligations when moving across the country that we forget to eat or drink water. However, regular food and water intake are crucial to keep you ready for other upcoming tasks. Since it is most likely you won’t have enough time to cook a meal during the relocation day, prepare it in advance or order some pizza and treat yourself for all the hard work.
Don’t forget that, in case you miss your meal, your blood sugar may drop and cause dizziness, which is not only unpleasant but also unsafe. That’s why snack breaks are important during the relocation day. Furthermore, taking short breaks will boost your efficiency, so ensure to take at least one fifteen-minute break every two hours.
The safest way to avoid potential injuries is to let professional and highly trained cross-country movers deal with all the details and organize your move. Not only do they know all the techniques, but they also have all the equipment needed to handle your stuff and pack the relocation truck in a safe manner.
For example, if you want to move a piano, there is no better solution than scheduling cross-country moving services. And the same principle applies to all other bulky stuff. Just make sure to check if a relocation company is legitimate, research testimonials and reviews that confirm their service is high-quality, and look up their USDOT number. When you’re assured the company is reliable, book all their services in advance, and experiencing a stress-free move won’t be that unattainable at all!
Another way to ensure you’ve run into a reliable relocation team is to check whether they offer insurance policies and under what conditions. By law, all relocation specialists are required to provide mandatory coverage, while the best ones also offer an optional full-value policy. If you decide to get car shipping services, your vehicle will be insured, too.
Covid-19 has affected the way relocations are managed too. Regulations and safety measures are applicable in the relocation industry, too, and here are all new details you need to know about relocating during coronavirus:
Of course, if you have any other questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the relocation crew and ask your designated agent about all further details when it comes to covid-19 procedures.
Regardless of your reasons to move, one thing’s certain – safe relocation is a top priority in every aspect. Whether you’re trying to move furniture, a piano, or china cabinets, all those pieces require special attention and specific techniques. If you follow our relocation tips, there is no reason to worry about anything, so ensure to take all the needed steps and move without a fuss to the new place you’ll call home.
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