Introduction
There comes a time when all of us move house, apartments or update our furniture and electronics such as ovens fridges and at those times moving heavy objects becomes a necessity. Following safety tips moving heavy items, will ensure not only our personal safety but limit the damage that can happen to the items being moved. The safety tips listed below should help make moving heavy furniture less unsafe.
Prior planning
Proper planning before the actual move will make a huge difference in the whole moving experience. Make a checklist of the heavy items that need moving and then map out the exit and route to be taken to the transport vehicle. You may think it is simple enough but when you actually do the walk you will find areas that may cause problems when carrying heavy loads. Once you note any potential problematic areas, do your best to smooth out the path, moving obstacles, so that on the actual day you do not have to deal with it.
If you are planning on having friends and family help with the move, then you will have to schedule the heavy items removal day for one suitable to all involved.
Use the right tools
To reduce the strain and stress make sure you have the correct lifting tools. You can hire items such as a heavy duty appliance dolly and while you might think it an unnecessary cost, it will make the whole process more convenient and safer. Attempting to take shortcuts such as using PVC pipes or golf balls to move heavy loads is not an advisable move. Hire the right tools and you will save yourself from loads of stress, potential back pains and damage to your items.
Another good step to take is to dismantle any furniture that can be dismantled making it easier to carry and transport.
Ensure that boxes/containers are properly sealed
The heavy items you opted to move on your own should be packed and wrapped securely for transport to avoid damage during the journey. Pack everything snugly, but not too tightly as to cause damage. Anything lose or unwrapped can get damaged.
Correct body posture when lifting heavy goods
If not done correctly, when you move heavy items, you can cause yourself serious physical damage. Especially if this is not something you normally do or have experience in, then it is essential that you take care. Always bend and lift with your knees instead of bending from your back to lift heavy objects. Get as close as you can, crouch down and then lift as you rise, taking it nice and slow. This is where gloves with grips and sturdy shoes will come in useful.
If you have cleared a path as suggested before, then you can move the item without worry of bumping into anything and hurting yourself or damaging the item. This is also where you will appreciate having a dolly to help you with the heavy moving.
Wear suitable shoes/boots and protective clothing
Have gloves, thick plastic sheeting, comfortable work clothes and shoes ready. Thick, waterproof non-slip shoes are the best for such a task, as are clothes that while comfortable fit well and do not flap about, to avoid getting entangled while you are moving and lifting heavy items. If necessary, include goggles for added protection.
Clear a path
It cannot be stressed enough, a clear path, will make the whole moving process so much more convenient. Another advisable step to take is to ensure that small children and pets are not at home on the day you are moving heavy items, so they do not get underfoot and potentially hurt.
Hiring a moving service
If you really want to enjoy a smooth moving experience, then hiring a moving service is your best option. Not only do they have experience in these matters, but they will have the proper equipment and manpower to handle the whole operation. They have the correct vehicles and packaging materials needed. Most moving services are flexible and will schedule the moves at times convenient to you.
Conclusion
Follow these tips and you should experience a relatively hassle free experience moving your heavy times. Always do what is best for you and those helping you and with proper planning you can ensure this.
