Being prepared on moving day doesn’t just mean having all your possessions packed up in boxes and ready to go. You also need to think about moving and lifting those boxes. If you hire a professional moving company, they’ll take care of that for you. For those who are moving themselves with the help of friends and family, you’ll want to observe some simple moving and lifting techniques.
Proper Moving and Lifting Techniques
First things first: the heavier the item, the smaller the box. Proper lifting beings with proper packing. Small heavy items like books should be packed in small boxes. Large but light objects like blankets and pillows can be packed in bigger boxes.
Secondly, clear a path. You don’t want to trip over stray objects littered about the floor on your way to and from the moving truck.
Lift with your knees, not with your back. Stand close to the box, try to keep your back straight as you lift, and rise slowly.
It’s all about teamwork. If the box you’re trying to lift is too large or heavy for just one person, work as a team. Have each person firmly grasp one side of the box and coordinate the lifting together.
Use proper equipment. Moving dolly’s are an important tool for moving boxes that are too heavy for one or two people to lift, or for lifting multiple boxes at the same time. They not only help save your back some strain, they help save time as well.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be minimizing the risks to yourself and your loved ones.
