Are you thinking about handling the majority of your upcoming move on your own? Then it’s incredibly important you understand how to remain safe throughout the process of packing, loading, and transporting your belongings to your new home.
Although move safety might seem like common sense knowledge, it’s really not. There are plenty of things that can go wrong during a move, and some of them could end up leaving you mildly or even seriously injured.
What should you know to keep yourself safe and injury free throughout your moving process? We’re sharing a few must-know safety tips below.
Consider Hiring Professional Movers and Packers
You may be planning to do all your relocation-related work yourself, but have you even looked into hiring help? Working with professional movers and packers can take a massive load off your shoulders, and having the pros on your side is the most effective way to keep your move safe.
Full packing services from a moving company include packing, loading, and unloading, which means you’ll completely avoid heavy-lifting-related injuries (the most common kind). If you haven’t yet contacted any moving companies for estimates, it never hurts to make a few phone calls to get some ballpark figures.
At the very least, you’ll know how much it might cost to hire full packing services. If the expense is something you can afford, it’s definitely in your best interest to shell out a little extra cash to keep yourself, your family, and your belongings as safe as possible.
Always Wrap Sharp Objects Adequately
If you’re packing items that are inherently sharp — knives, scissors, etc. — make sure you insulate them with plenty of protective material. You should also wrap all items that have the potential to break into sharp shards. Adequate wrapping will help prevent injuries during the unpacking process, and it will also help prevent excessive jostling and breakage during transport.
Try Not to Overpack Boxes
It might be tempting to cram as much stuff as you possibly can into each moving box, but do your best to refrain from doing that. If you fill each box completely full with weighty items, you could set yourself up for damage to your belongings or worse, an injury.
Unsure how much weight you can safely pack in a moving box? Here are the general guidelines you should follow:
● A 1.5 cubic foot box can safely hold up to 60 pounds.
● A 3.0 cubic foot box can safely hold up to 65 pounds.
● A 4.5 cubic foot box can safely hold up to 65 pounds.
● A 6.0 cubic foot box can safely hold up to 70 pounds.
Generally speaking, the smaller the box, the more weight it can safely hold. If you’re packing in larger boxes, try to pack items that are bulky but not weighty. The larger the box, the more likely it may be to split at the bottom when holding considerable weight. Worse, the more likely you are to sustain a lifting injury with a box that’s both large and heavy.
Be sure to securely tape each box shut, too. Consider using a couple of layers of tape that slightly overlap one another just to make sure the box won’t split open while you’re carrying it.
Arrange Move-Day Care for Children and Pets
Moving day can be complete chaos, and that’s especially true if you’re handling the loading and transport process on your own. That’s why it’s imperative that you ensure children and pets are not underfoot while you’re engaging in work.
To prevent injuries, it’s best to set up childcare or pet care rather than allowing kids and animals to remain on the property on the day of your move. Try to arrange care at least a few weeks in advance of your move day to ensure you can secure a spot on your caregiver’s schedule.
Wear Appropriate Footwear and Clothing
On the day of your move, make sure you wear comfortable, breathable clothing and footwear! Avoid wearing loose clothing that can easily catch on objects while you’re working, and if own them, don non-slip shoes as well.
Always Use Proper Lifting Techniques
When you lift items — regardless of their weight — be sure to use proper lifting techniques! Many lower body and back injuries occur on move day due to improper lifting practices. And it’s important to keep in mind that those injuries aren’t always caused by lifting heavy objects.
Since move day is physically taxing, your muscles will be fatigued, which means even a relatively light item could cause strain simply because your body is tired. Always lift with your legs, not your back, and make sure you carry items as close to your body as possible to avoid strain.
Protect Your Safety With Full Moving & Packing Services From Ace Moving & Warehousing
Getting ready to plan a move within the Minneapolis/St. Paul area? Perhaps you’re moving out of town or to a completely different state? No matter how far you plan to move, our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing can help ensure you and your things remain as safe as possible. Our professional movers and packers are highly trained, industry experts and we offer a comprehensive collection of moving services to make your move as easy as possible.
To learn more about how we can help you or get a preliminary moving estimate, feel free to call our Minneapolis office today at 763-755-2045 or request a fast quote online. Questions or concerns? Send us a message, and we’ll get back to you promptly!