Moving House? Don’t Let an Injury Spoil the Big Day! Your Ultimate Safety Guide
Moving house should be an exciting new chapter, a fresh start filled with possibilities. Whether you’re hiring professional movers Perth for the big job or just moving down the road yourself, the last thing you want is for that excitement to be overshadowed by a pulled muscle, a strained back, or a nasty fall.
The reality is, moving is hard yakka. It’s a full-body workout you haven’t trained for, involving heavy lifting, awkward angles, and repetitive movements. But with a bit of planning and the right techniques, you can get through your move without a single wince.
This guide is your go-to resource for avoiding the most common moving day injuries. We’ll cover everything from smart preparation to proper lifting techniques, so you can focus on settling into your new home, not nursing a sore back.
The Usual Suspects: Common Moving Day Injuries
Before we dive into prevention, let’s look at what we’re up against. Understanding the risks is the first step to avoiding them.
- Back Strain & Sprains: The number one culprit. Lifting heavy boxes incorrectly, twisting while holding a load, or over-exerting yourself can lead to days, or even weeks, of pain.
- Cuts, Scrapes & Bruises: Easily happens when handling sharp objects, navigating tight corners with furniture, or catching your hand on a stray nail.
- Slipped Discs: A more serious back injury caused by sudden, intense pressure on the spine from improper lifting.
- Trips & Falls: With boxes, furniture, and packing materials everywhere, your home can quickly become an obstacle course.
- Muscle Pulls: Shoulders, legs, and arms are all at risk when you lift more than you’re used to.
- Hernias: Lifting something extremely heavy without proper support can cause a hernia, a serious condition requiring medical attention.
The good news? Nearly all of these are preventable.
Phase 1: Preparation is Your Best Defence
A safe move starts long before the moving truck arrives. What you do in the weeks leading up can make a massive difference.
1. Plan and Declutter
The less you have to move, the less you have to lift. Simple, right? Use your move as the perfect opportunity to declutter. Go through each room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or toss. Less stuff means less physical labour and a cleaner start in your new place.
2. Master the Art of Smart Packing
How you pack is directly linked to how you lift. A poorly packed box is an injury waiting to happen.
- Use Quality Boxes: Flimsy boxes can break, causing the contents (and your back) to suffer.
- Don’t Overpack: The golden rule is to keep boxes under 20kg. It’s better to have more, lighter boxes than a few back-breakers. Pack heavy items like books in small boxes and light items like linens in larger ones.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter ones on top for better stability.
- Label Everything Clearly: Label boxes not only with the room they belong to but also with “HEAVY” or “FRAGILE” warnings. This gives everyone a heads-up.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff? This is where professional help can be a lifesaver. Our expert packing services in Perth ensure everything is packed securely and logically, saving you time and physical strain. If you’re tackling it yourself, check out our guide on where to start and end when packing to move house to get organised.
3. Gear Up for Safety
You wouldn’t play footy without the right gear, and moving is no different. Invest in a few key items:
- Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes: Protect your feet from dropped items and provide good grip. No thongs or bare feet!
- Work Gloves: Improve your grip and protect your hands from splinters, cuts, and dirt.
- Moving Dolly or Trolley: This is non-negotiable for heavy items like fridges, washing machines, and large furniture. It takes the strain off your body.
Phase 2: Safe Practices on Moving Day
The big day is here. Your adrenaline is pumping, but it’s crucial to stay mindful and methodical.
1. Warm-Up Your Body
Treat moving day like a workout. Do a few minutes of light stretching to warm up your muscles, focusing on your back, legs, and shoulders. A few simple leg lunges, arm circles, and torso twists can make a huge difference.
2. The Golden Rule: Proper Lifting Technique
If you remember one thing from this article, let it be this. The “Lift with your legs, not your back” mantra is famous for a reason.
- Assess the Load: First, test the weight of the box. If it feels too heavy, don’t even try. Get help.
- Get a Solid Base: Stand close to the box with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend at Your Knees and Hips: Squat down, keeping your back straight, chest up, and shoulders back.
- Get a Firm Grip: Hold the box securely with both hands.
- Lift with Your Legs: Push up with your powerful leg muscles, keeping the load close to your body.
- Don’t Twist: Move your feet to turn. Twisting your torso while holding a heavy object is one of the fastest ways to injure your back.
3. Clear the Way
Before you lift a single box, walk the path from the house to the truck. Remove any trip hazards: toys, rugs, hoses, loose cables, and packing materials. Ensure doorways are propped open and the path is clear and dry.
4. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Moving is dehydrating work, especially in the Perth sun. Keep water bottles handy and drink regularly. Don’t try to be a hero and work for hours on end. Take short, frequent breaks to rest, stretch, and refuel with healthy snacks.
The Heavy Hitters: Tackling Furniture and Large Items
This is where the risk of injury skyrockets. While we have a guide on how to move heavy furniture by yourself, it should always be a last resort. The safest method is teamwork.
- Always have a partner: Lift and carry large items with at least one other person.
- Communicate: Plan your route and talk to each other. “Okay, lifting on three. One, two, THREE.”
- Use Sliders and Dollies: For heavy dressers and appliances, use furniture sliders on floors and a dolly for transport to the truck.
The Smartest Move: When to Call in the Professionals
Honestly, the most effective way to avoid moving injuries is to not do the heavy lifting at all. Hiring professional house movers in Perth is an investment in your health and wellbeing.
Think about it:
- Experience & Technique: Professional removalists do this every day. They have the training, technique, and teamwork down to a fine art.
- The Right Equipment: They arrive with all the necessary gear – heavy-duty dollies, ramps, moving blankets, and straps.
- Efficiency: A professional team can move an entire house in a fraction of the time it would take you and a few mates.
- Peace of Mind: You avoid the physical strain, the risk of injury, and the mental stress. It’s one of the 4 rules for a stress-free move.
Your Moving Day Safety Checklist
- Declutter your home before packing.
- Use proper packing techniques and don’t make boxes too heavy.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and gloves.
- Warm-up and stretch before you start lifting.
- Always lift with your legs, not your back.
- Clear pathways of any trip hazards.
- Use a dolly or trolley for heavy items.
- Stay hydrated and take regular breaks.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or call in the professionals.
Your health is the most valuable thing you’ll be moving. By following these safety tips, you can ensure you arrive at your new home happy, healthy, and ready to start your next adventure.
Ready to make your move safe and seamless? Let the experts handle the heavy lifting. Contact Best Movers Packers Perth today for a free, no-obligation quote and enjoy a worry-free move!
