Moving Safety: 5 Things You Should Know Before Moving Day

While every move is different, one thing's for sure: Moving day involves many moving parts. In all the commotion, it's easy to get exhausted and overwhelmed — and that's a recipe for accidents.

Fortunately, you can take steps to stay safe during the moving process. These moving safety tips can help you achieve a smooth (and safe) move from lifting heavy items to wrapping sharp objects.

1. Pack Boxes Correctly

Safe moving starts during the packing process. Though it can seem like a time-saver, don't be tempted to throw as much stuff as you can into each box. When you overfill a large container, it's more likely to break in transit and be challenging to lift.

Instead, regulate box weight. As a general rule, don't load a box to more than 50 pounds. Less weight is easier on your back, and the box is less likely to break open and spill contents.

That means packing books and other heavy items into smaller, shallow boxes and double-taping the bottom of each. (So what are those large boxes for? They're perfect for lighter stuff, like pillows and blankets.)

2. Proper Lifting Technique

You will need to move the cartons around as you prepare them for relocation as you pack. Again, correct lifting techniques can help you avoid injury and strain. After all, you don't want to throw your back out or end up with sore, strained muscles at this vital time.

Lifting and bending the right way is critical. For example, when lifting a heavy object:

• Spread feet to form a stable base

• Stand close to the item you're lifting

• Bend only knees, not the back or waist

• Tighten your abdominal muscles

• Hold the object close

• Straighten up using only your leg muscles

• Squat using only leg muscles when setting an item down

• Keep your back straight during the entire process

3. Wrap Sharp Objects Securely

When moving sharp objects such as knives, take extra care while packing to prevent injury. Start by spreading several layers of packing paper on a flat surface. Next, spread smaller knives in a row, with some space in between each, then roll the smaller knives into the paper.

If you're packing one large knife, wrap it carefully. Then, add a bubble or foam wrap layer and secure the roll with packing tape.

Place the bundle in a small box. Label the box so you and your moving team know it contains sharp objects.

4. Keep Kids and Pets Secure

On moving day, large objects will be shuttled back and forth, people will go in and out, and doors will undoubtedly be unlocked (or even left open). So it's not exactly a safe environment for little ones, like children and pets.

Keep your precious family members safe by keeping away from the action. This may mean setting up a room where they can safely stay while movers work. Better yet, enlist the help of trusted family or friends to watch kids and pets off-site during the move.

5. Work With Professional Movers

Of course, the safest way to move anything — weighty objects like furniture and appliances — is to get help from professionals.

That's where a moving company comes in handy. They have the training and know-how to lift heavy items safely, sparing your back, and how to pack a truck, ensuring a smooth move securely.

Smooth Move

We can do the packing and heavy lifting for your move. Contact us for a free quote.