Once you've signed on the dotted line of that new lease or closing agreement, it's time to move everything you own to your new place. But all the repetitive bending and lifting of moving takes an unnecessary toll on your body. Protect yourself from injury by following this simple relocation advice.
Back injuries are the most common moving-related mishap, so take care to avoid causing unnecessary harm to yourself by following these steps:
- Make sure you have appropriate equipment on hand, literally. Safety gloves will protect your skin and keep items from slipping out of your grasp.
- Whenever possible, use a hand truck or dolly to transport boxes and furniture, especially if items are on the floor and require a low body bend. Too much lifting or bending over, even if done correctly, can stress your back or knees.
- Use moving tools like furniture glides, forklift straps, stair rollers and flat dollies to make large furniture and bulky items easier to move.
- Ideally, pick up boxes that are at least at your waist level. It's not always possible, but stacking as many boxes as possible on folding tables, for instance, instead of the floor, is a great start.
- Take care of yourself throughout the day. Stay hydrated, take meal, snack and rest breaks, and pay attention to your body's physical cues.
- Stretch throughout the day and at the end of the move to keep your muscles warm.
If you must bend over to lift things from the floor:
- Keep your back straight and bend at the knees.
- Lift with your legs in a steady motion, and don't jerk or twist.
- Walk slowly and carefully, holding the item close to your center of gravity.
- Do not attempt to carry more than one item at a time.
- Don't lift items that are too heavy for you to comfortably manage. Leave those for a fellow mover who can handle the weight, or lift with a partner.
Don't get careless once all of your possessions are in place at your new home. You might be excited to get settled, but just be careful when you're unpacking and arranging your furniture.
- If you must move boxes from room to room while you're unpacking, continue practicing good lifting skills. If a box is too heavy, wait until someone can help you.
- Don't try to move or rearrange furniture alone. You can strain your back lifting a heavy sofa or chest of drawers all by yourself.
- Use a stepstool or ladder when putting away items on shelves or in cabinets that are out of your reach.
- And finally, at the end of your day, do some basic stretching exercises. These should include at the very least stretches of your calf muscles, hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, shoulders, and neck.