Moving Safety Tips

Moving Safety Tips

When planning and piecing together your move, it is vital to incorporate safety into the planning process. Moving can be an all consuming endeavor, and remembering to take care of yourself and others throughout the process, while at the same time being as prepared as you can be, for any hazards, is essential.

Whether you will be hiring a moving company to transport your belongings, or doing the move yourself, following a few simple tips could save you from becoming overly exhausted, or from injury occurring.

Boxes

You want to make sure your packed moving boxes do not exceed 50lbs in weight. Being able to lift boxes comfortably, and safely is the goal. If boxes are over packed, they could cause strain on the body, or come apart and cause an injury. Ensuring the boxes are taped properly could reduce the risk of them coming apart.

Wrap Sharp Objects

Sharp objects or utensils, such as kitchen knives and gardening tools should be wrapped and secured using packing paper or bubble wrap. For additional protection, they can also be wrapped in a dishtowel. Kitchen utensils and smaller objects could then be packed into a shoe box for easier packing. If sharp objects are packed loosely, they can cause damage to other items within the same box, or to the person handling the box.

The Clothing You Wear On Moving Day, Is Important

Above all, you need to be comfortable. There will be a lot of physical work taking place, even if you have hired a moving company. Your clothing should be close fitting, so that nothing can accidentally get caught, causing a potential accident. Any loose ends should be tucked in. Remember to wear seasonal appropriate clothing that is breathable. Ideally you will have multiple pockets, with zippers to house your personal items such as: wallet, keys and cell phone, as well as some small tools that are good to have on hand.

The shoes you wear are equally as important as your clothing choice, if not more. Your shoes need to be comfortable, have good traction and be fully enclosed, in case something heavy falls. Shoes with ankle support, such as work boots, hiking boots or sports shoes are advised.

Having a spare set of clothes and a few additional basics could come in handy should you or someone else need it.

Use Proper Equipment

There is equipment especially designed to make moving easier, use it! A dolly will help with large and heavier pieces as well as transporting boxes to the truck. Using a dolly can prevent physical strain from occurring. Renting a dolly or any other equipment is easy, and can be done at most truck rental moving companies.

Have A Clear Pathway

Make sure there is a clear pathway throughout the home to the truck. People carrying heavy furniture and boxes need to trust that there are no obstacles along the way.

First-Aid

Have a first aid kit available and include pain relief tablets, band-aids, antiseptic ointment, alcohol wipes, scissors, tweezers, bandages, gauze pads and medical tape. Either assign one person to be in charge of the first aid kit, or ensure everyone knows where it is located in the event it will be needed.

By following a few simple steps and creating a safe environment, the occurrence of injury is greatly reduced.

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