Knowing how to safely lift and move heavy items can help avoid serious injury from happening on moving day. Common injuries that occur during the moving process include back and knee injuries, strained muscles, and broken bones in the hands and feet.
How should you avoid injuring yourself when lifting and moving? Firstly, know how to use your body correctly, so there is no strain. This means lifting with the legs, not the back, which generally takes all the weight, causing back injury. The right tools and equipment should be used, especially if you are doing a DIY move. If you’re hiring a moving company to transport your belongings, they will provide all equipment, and come with fully trained movers. Know your limits, and take breaks when needed. The risk of injury increases when tired.
What is the correct way to lift heavy objects? Start by bending at the hips and knees, so that you’re in a squatting position and are able to hold the item close to your body. Begin straightening your legs while lifting. It’s important not to lift heavy objects above shoulder level or twist your body while lifting and moving heavy objects. If you don’t have help, how do you move heavy objects by yourself? Use the same principals as already mentioned, correct use of the body when lifting, and moving equipment: furniture dollies, moving straps, and furniture sliders.
