Safety is top priority on every home and business relocation conducted by Great Day Moving. When it comes to safety standards, it is important to adhere to proper lifting techniques when packing up your home or office, preparing for moving day, and even for the do-it-yourself move. Before lifting or moving any boxes or furniture items, you want to examine the environment in which you are moving. Look for sharp corners, slippery spots on the floors, or other potential tripping hazards. It is also important you know where you’re going to set the item down and that the path you’re taking is free of any obstructions.
Follow our list of proper lifting techniques to make your move preparations easier!
- Size up the load to carry.
- Squat to lift and lower, do not bend at the waist.
- Keep your lower back bowed in while bending over.
- Position yourself as close to the item or box as possible.
- Grasp opposite corners for better control.
- Bow your back in and rise up with your head first.
- If you must turn while lifting, be sure to turn with your feet, not your body.
- Never jerk or twist your body while lifting or carrying.
- Keep your feet apart, staggered if possible.
- Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
- Move feet and legs in the direction of travel.
- Put the weight down by keeping your low back bowed in.
Of course, there are times when you are moving and may need equipment, such as a dolly, to make the lifting easier on your body. When using a dolly, remember to push, not pull – so that you have more control and greater leverage. It also helps, and is much safer, if you can fasten the load (boxes, etc) to the dolly in case of sudden stops or vibrations that may cause the load to shift.
If you decide that the heavy lifting isn’t for you at all, give us a call and our professional movers can handle all the packing, heavy lifting, and even the unpacking for you as well. We can do as little or as much as you want! Hop on over to our Request Estimate page to get started!