Executing a household move can have its exciting aspects, such as spending your first night in your new home, meeting neighbors, and exploring places around your neighborhood. But before all that can happen, you need to complete all the packing and loading of your belongings. The packing and transporting phases of a household relocation can present many safety hazards that homeowners should be aware of, and can easily be avoided if necessary precautions are taken.
Plan Ahead So You Can Take Your Time
One of the best tips we have for avoiding unwanted back pain or other injuries while preparing for a move is to begin packing early if you can. Are you moving this summer? Throw all your winter gear into boxes that you won't be needing again until after your relocation, or go into your attic or crawl space and begin sorting through items that you no longer need or don't use daily.
Starting this packing process well in advance will help you to avoid running around and throwing things into boxes last minute, which always comes with a higher risk of injury.
Pack Boxes Strategically
Another way to avoid injury down the line while loading and unloading boxes is to make sure you packed your belongings strategically. Don't throw all your heavy items into one box, even if they fit. Instead space them out over several different boxes, adding lighter items to each as well for a more balanced weight distribution.
If you find many boxes are still on the heavier side even if you've attempted to even out the weight, label these boxes so that anyone who goes to lift it knows what to expect, and can ask for help if needed or make sure they are engaging their legs when they move it.
Make Sure You Are Physically Ready for Moving Day
A household relocation can require a significant amount of physicality, which is why one of the best ways to avoid any serious accidents or injuries during your move is to be prepared. Try and get a full night of sleep the night before, and make sure you're in good condition to be lifting heavy objects and constantly on the move.
A general rule of thumb would be to prep yourself and your body as you would for any physical activity by doing things like:
- Stretch Beforehand
- Wear Proper Clothing
- Drink Water
Make Arrangements for Kids and Pets
Young children and furry friends could be susceptible to sustaining an injury if they're running around underfoot on moving day. Multiple boxes stacked on top of each other could present risks to toddlers or puppies, and household supplies such as scissors and sharp knives that are typically kept out of reach may be lying around and catch their interest.
Ask family and friends if they can watch your young kids and pets while you move houses, or check with local daycare centers or doggy daycares if they have availability on your scheduled moving day.
Consider Enlisting Help
The best way to avoid any accidents during a household relocation is to have extra hands on deck to help out. Call in favors with friends and family so that you have less work to do yourself, which will greatly reduce the chances of unwanted injuries occurring.
If you're moving over 100 miles, professional help from experienced long-distance movers is the most surefire way to make sure your move is safe from beginning to end. Movers have access to equipment that can easily transport your heavy items for you, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
First Class Moving Systems, Inc. is an experienced moving and storage company operating out of the Tampa area, and is part of the international North American Van Lines network, which gives us priority access to the industry's leading resources and technology. Along with this, each of our professional residential movers have been trained on industry best practices and knows the proper methods for lifting anything by hand.
Call First Class Moving today for a free, competitively-priced cost estimate on any of our local, long-distance, residential and commercial moving services and let us ensure that your relocation is seamless and stress-free!
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