5 Ways to Keep from Getting Hurt While Moving

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5 Ways to Keep from Getting Hurt While Moving to Huntington Beach

Moving is a stressful process, even if you’re hiring the best Huntington Beach moving company to do the majority of the work. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when injuries are common. All that rushing, packing, and heavy lifting can come with a price if you aren’t careful.

It’s especially important to think about possible injuries for any volunteers who are helping you move. That’s because you could be held liable for any injuries that occur on your property. Workers hired by a moving company are most likely covered by some sort of workmen’s compensation package, though, so you don’t have to worry as much about those guys.

So what can you do to keep you or your helpers from being injured during the packing and moving process? Check out these five tips from the pros:

 

1.Work slowly.

It’s easy to get into rushing mode leading up to moving day. After all, there’s just so much to do! But working too quickly can cause mistakes that lead to injury. For instance, it’s much easier to break a fragile item – exposing finger-cutting edges – when you’re rushing to pack. And it’s easier to strain your back when you’re not paying attention to how your body is moving while picking up heavy items.

So the single best thing you can do to prevent injury while packing and moving is to work slowly. Professionals say you should leave about four weeks – maybe even six – if you’re DIY packing everything in your home. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to work through your to-do list without making careless, injury-causing mistakes.

2.Learn about proper body mechanics.

The second most common reason for injury during the packing and moving process is using improper body mechanics. Your lower back is very open to strain when lifting heavy objects – or even lifting lightweight objects repeatedly. So it’s important to learn to transfer the weight to your legs, rather than to your lower back. Your legs are much more equipped to handle the strain.

Not sure how to use good body mechanics when lifting heavy objects? Talk with a physical therapist or a doctor about some techniques you can use. If you already have back problems, be sure to take extra precautions and give yourself plenty of rest as needed.

3.Use gloves.

Have a pair of thick work gloves nearby for cleaning up messes and moving furniture. When broken items have sharp edges, gloves can make picking them up easier and safer. And furniture often has tacks, small nails, and sharp edges in unexpected places. Having gloves on can protect your hands from these hazards. Remember to keep extra gloves handy for people who are helping with your house, as well.

4.Keep pathways clear.

When you’re packing up all your household goods, things usually get messy. Really messy. This isn’t something to be afraid of, but you should be careful to keep clear pathways, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s easy to stack up boxes and piles that you need to walk around to get to the bathroom or the kitchen, but this is dangerous. It’s best to take your time stacking packed boxes to the side, where they’ll stay out of the way.

And be extra sure to keep narrow hallways clear of debris and boxes. It’s too easy to trip in the middle of the night when you’re not expecting it!

5.Have movers move the largest items.

The best Huntington Beach moving companies will let you customize your moving package, taking care of only the items you don’t want to deal with yourself. This could allow you to have the movers carry only the heaviest items in your home. This can help you stick to your budget without throwing out your back. Even if a full-service move isn’t in the budget, you might be surprised at how flexible and accommodating a partial package can be!

When it comes to your health, it’s just not worth risking too much when moving. If you’re pressed for time or having back problems already, it may be time to call in the professionals. But if a DIY move is right up your alley, just take these five health-preserving tips, and you’ll be in great shape for your upcoming move.