Moving day is a busy and exciting time, but getting injured during the process, especially when it is easily avoidable, can put a damper on the process. The way you approach lifting heavy boxes and other household items can quickly cause unwanted pain in your neck, back, and shoulders. Matco’s home movers have the equipment and techniques to safely move any item in a home, no matter the size or weight. Instead of risking the possibility of long-term damage, continue reading this blog to learn about proper lifting techniques if you decide to move on your own.
1. Do You Know What’s In The Box?
It’s very important to know the contents of a box prior to picking it up. A sealed brown box of exercise weights can look just like a sealed brown box of pillows, but it’s clear that they will need to be treated differently.
While packing, ensure all the boxes are properly labelled to speed up the moving process. This will also help with unpacking after the home move.
2. Can You Make Two Trips? Or Three… or Four…
Don’t carry more than you can handle. A quick home moving process is quickly derailed by injury, and the long-term pain isn’t worth a few minutes saved. If possible, break up heavy boxes and take your time.
Having the proper equipment also helps; using a dolly will allow you to move multiple boxes at a time with limited risk to yourself. Home movers will have specialized tools for moving large or heavy items like pianos or mattresses – consider hiring help if you’re unprepared to do this yourself.
3. Are You Physically Capable of Lifting It?
To avoid unwarranted injury moving homes, make sure you know and listen to your body. If you are alone and unable to lift a box – do not lift it. There is no shame in recognizing your boundaries and protecting your physical well-being.
Consider asking family or friends to help you or hire home movers. Matco’s professional movers can safely move all the items in a home including appliances, bedroom sets, dining room furniture, and more.
Proper Lifting Techniques for Home Moving
If you must lift a heavy object, ensure you take care and follow these steps to avoid compressing your spinal discs and straining your body:
Stretch Prior to Lifting: If you are unsure how to properly stretch, check out online resources like Healthy Living to find great information on the best stretches to do prior to lifting heavy objects. Stretching will warm up your muscles and prevent strain or injury.
Use Karate Stance: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other.
Squat: Bend at the knees and hips only, keep your back straight.
Posture is Key: Good moving posture is eyes ahead, back straight, chest out, and shoulders back.
Slowly Lift: Lift with your legs, not your back. Slowly straighten your legs and knees, ensuring you keep your back straight.
Object Positioning: Hold the object close to your body at the level of your belly button.
Use Your Feet: Change direction and take small steps with your feet instead of twisting and stretching your upper body.
Lead with your Hips: Keep your shoulders in line with your hips when you move and change direction, this is called staying ‘square’.
Set Object Down: The same way you picked up the box, squatting with your knees and hips only, place the box back down. Congrats on making progress in your home move!
Remember to ask yourself the right questions and keep in mind the proper lifting techniques when moving heavy objects. Using the correct lifting techniques will greatly increase your chances of having a positive and successful home moving experience. Not sure if you can handle the heavy stuff yourself? Professional home movers have the tools for the job and the industry knowledge to make your home move a breeze.
Looking For Help With Your Home Move? Leave The Heavy Lifting to Matco!
Moving down the street, to another province, or to another country? Matco Moving Solutions is a full-service home moving company with over 55 years of industry experience. Our skilled home movers can handle your move from start to finish while delivering a stress-free experience.
Contact us today for a free home moving quote and to learn how Matco can help you with your next move.