Don’t Get Hurt On Your Moving Day

Don’t Get Hurt On Your Moving Day

Moving requires a lot of heavy lifting and hauling of furniture. On top of that, the Emotions of Moving and not knowing how to correctly lift or move items, could lead to injuries. Here are some common injuries that happen when moving, and tips on how to prevent injuries from occurring.

Back Injuries

One of the most common injuries when moving is hurting your back. We’re not used to lifting heavy items on a daily basis, so when moving day arrives, and if lifting is not done correctly, strain is often put on the back, causing some type of back injury. To avoid any type of back injury:

• Lift with the legs, not the back. You’ll also have more energy when lifting with your legs.
• Make sure there are enough people to help with the heavy lifting. This could be friends, family, hired help or a professional moving company.
• Use the right tools. Furniture dolly’s and sliders are great for heavy items. Professional movers use them, so no crew member gets injured.
• Wear a back brace if needed. They provide support and emphasize proper lifting.
• Know what you can and cannot do. If you feel tired, take a break. If you’re not able to lift a certain piece of furniture or box, find someone who can.

Heavy lifting has been known to cause a hernia. A hernia also referred to, as inguinal hernia is increased abdominal pressure, which can also be caused by couching or sneezing. To avoid hernias:

• Avoid lifting or carrying any heavy items or furniture.
• Use proper moving equipment. Furniture dolly’s and sliders will hold most of the weight.
• A protective belt can be worn as a precaution.

Knee Injuries

With the knees doing a lot of work during a move, it's no wonder they can get bruised a bit. To avoid knee injury:

• Wear knee braces or pads. This way knees will be protected when potentially being banged by furniture, or bumping into furniture.
• The use of furniture dolly’s and sliders can eliminate knee injury.

Hands And Feet

Another common injury is broken bones, in both the fingers and toes. There is a lot of stuff being carried, boxes to and from vehicles, the continuous opening and closing of doors. Or heavy boxes being dropped on feet. If you become tired, you might trip or twist an ankle. Hands can easily get cuts and scrapes throughout the packing and moving process. To avoid hand and feet injury:

• Wear protective gloves that also have a grip.
• Protect your feet with closed toe shoes or boots. Boots will provide extra support for your ankles.

Strained Muscles

Moving day presents a lot of physical work. There will be lifting, carrying, and the maneuvering of furniture and boxes. Muscle strain can easily occur on any part of the body. To avoid strained muscles:

• Before lifting any heavy objects, begin with some basic warm up exercises. If needed, stop for a stretch throughout the day. This will keep your muscles warm and more flexible.
• Use appropriate moving equipment.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Take breaks when needed.

When planning your move, it’s extremely important to think about, and insist that precautions are taken to prevent moving injuries. In addition to the above tips, make sure to have a first aid kit on hand, plenty of water so everyone stays hydrated, all obstacles removed for easy entry and exit, and enough breaks so people are not tiring themselves. And remember, if needed, you can always ask for help or hire a professional moving company.