How to Avoid Moving Injuries
With everything that goes into moving a family from one house to another, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There’s so much to do, and it’s easy to feel pressured into rushing. But if you take shortcuts, don’t prepare, and hurry too much, you can easily end up injuring yourself in the process. It’s important to plan ahead and take precautions to avoid this result. Here are some of the most common moving injuries and how to avoid them:
Back Pain
You can hurt your back by sleeping funny, so you can imagine how easy it is to injure it while moving. You’ve probably heard to phrase, “lift with your legs, not your back.” This is actually very important advice. If you lift heavy boxes by bending over at the waist, you put a lot of strain on your back and spine. Instead, squat down, grab the item, and use your legs to push yourself back up. Also be aware of your limits. Don’t attempt to pick up items that are too heavy alone. Get some help from a friend or family member.
Knee Pain
While you’re lifting with your knees to avoid hurting your back, you may run into another problem: knee pain! Although it’s safer to lift with your legs, your knees can quickly tire out and start to become sore or even damaged. To avoid this, try wearing knee braces and knee pads for protection. Another way to save your knees is to avoid lifting heavy objects in the first place by using tools that let you slide them along the ground instead, such as furniture sliders.
Sprains
Sprained ankles happen all the time when people are rushing around. This is especially true when the place is filled with boxes and your furniture and belongings are being moved around. Keep pathways clear so nobody trips on stuff in the middle of the floor or stairs. Stay aware of your changing surroundings, and be very careful when carrying items up and down stairs or through a messy room. Take your time and wear proper shoes. Work boots or tennis shoes are best, especially ones that have good support for your feet.
Broken Bones
It’s definitely possible to break some bones while moving if done improperly. Fingers and toes are the most susceptible to breaking while moving heavy things around. Heavy objects can be dropped onto toes and fingers can be smashed when moving items through a narrow passageway. Make sure you clearly communicate with everyone around you throughout the process to keep these accidents from happening.
Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises
Although it’s difficult to avoid any kind of minor injury while moving, you can do your best to minimize the impact on your body. While moving your belongings around, sharp and rough items can easily hurt your skin. Wear gloves, closed-toe shoes, and multiple layers of clothing for protection. Jeans offer decent protection for your legs. The more skin you cover up, the less chance there is for a cut or scrape.
Keep in mind that some jobs are best left to the professionals. For especially heavy things like the washing machine and dryer, consider getting movers to help. Good movers will have the equipment, skill, and strength necessary to move these items through your house safely. They can also usually get the job done faster and with less effort.
If you have more questions about moving, check out Porta-Stor’s other blogssuch as this one that goes over how to properly wrap up fragile belongings like dishes.