15 Safety Tips for Your Next Move
Trying to plan a move can be a lot to keep track of no matter if you’re driving everything yourself or shipping it through a moving company. And one thing that many people forget to talk about is safety. While it may not seem like a huge deal, packing and moving come with a lot of potential safety risks.
It’s time to say goodbye to stubbed toes and back pain, here are 15 tips to help keep you safe during your next move!
Safety Tips Before Moving Day
Tidy Up
When you’re carrying boxes or furniture, it’s hard to watch your step. Set yourself up for success by keeping all walkways clear. You can do this by clearing out any trash, clutter, or unwanted items first. From there, make sure you pick up anything that could be a tripping hazard.
Come Up with a Plan
Instead of just trying to play it by ear, try to have some sort of gameplan before moving day. You can iron out the details like what time of day you’ll start moving, how you’ll load your truck/van/or container, and the route you’ll take to move everything out of the house.
Invest in the Right Materials
One thing that always comes back to bite you is cheapening out on your supplies. It’s time to ditch flimsy boxes and tape that doesn’t stick. It’s not only frustrating but can also pose a safety risk. Imagine trying to carry a heavy box of books, and everything comes spilling out. Ouch!
On top of boxes and tape, there are plenty of moving supplies that can help you with your move. For example, furniture pads are great for protecting your stuff, while also doubling as a floor protector. This way, you can drag furniture across the floor without damage.
A dolly is also a great tool for transporting multiple boxes at a time, or even just a really heavy piece of furniture that you don’t feel like carrying.
Pack Smart
Speaking of packing boxes, try to be strategic here! Don’t go throwing all your heaviest stuff in one box, sparse it out across multiple. That way, all your boxes will be easier to carry and no one will have to throw out their back. Be sure to add a double layer of tape to the bottom of your boxes for added security.
A great product that you’re sure to get a lot of use out of is bubble wrap. This can cover all sharp objects, protect all your glassware, and provide cushioning to your items in transit.
Get Moving Insurance
Hey, accidents happen. And while you can’t predict them, you prepare for them. Give yourself some added protection from potential collisions by investing in some moving insurance.
For example, the U-Haul SafeStor program offers multiple plans that fit your specific moving plans. With SafeStor, you can protect your U-Haul rental, the people riding inside it, and the cargo you’re carrying. If you plan to go with another company, be sure to check out their moving insurance programs to see if you can get some added coverage for an affordable price.
Consider Recruiting Help
Moving goes by a lot quicker when you have someone to help you out. Try recruiting some friends or family to help you out! You may owe them a hefty lunch after, but it will greatly decrease the stress on your own body.
Want the help of professionals without jumping through all the hoops moving companies put you through? Well, you’ll love Moving Help®, powered by U-Haul! This is a program where you can explore, connect with, and hire vetted moving help in your area.
When booking moving help, make sure to do it a few weeks before your scheduled moving date. This will give the movers plenty of time to schedule you in. If you wait too long, you may have to pay a higher rate, or be unable to book with them at all!
Safety Tips for Moving Day
Stay Hydrated
While moving, you are exerting a lot of energy and working up a sweat. Because of this, you need to make sure that you’re taking time to drink water and eat when you feel hungry. When it comes to hydration, studies suggest that you should be drinking 7-10 ounces (about one cup) of water for every 10-20 minutes of exercise and 17-20 ounces of water about two hours before exercise.
Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue and a loss of coordination. This means you’ll be at a much higher chance of hurting yourself during the move. We also know that the most popular time to move is during the summer, meaning that you’ll be at a higher risk of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Protect yourself, keep track of your water intake and stay ahead of dehydration.
Dress the Part
We trust that you don’t wear your Sunday best while moving, but here are some tips to help you stay cool and protected during your move:
- Wear sturdy athletic shoes
- Wear light, breathable clothing
- Wear something with pockets
- Avoid loose fabrics that can get caught on something
- Tie back long hair
Remember, check the weather before moving. This will give you the opportunity to dress appropriately for the conditions.
Stretch Beforehand
Just like before a workout, you should warm up before starting your move. Here are some ideas to get you started (do each stretch for 30 seconds each):
- Touch your toes
- Lunges
- Arm circles
- Hip circles
- Trunk Twists
This is a good place to get started, but don’t be afraid to follow a YouTube video to get more instruction. No matter what, don’t skip out on stretching, your body will thank you.
Keep Kids and Pets Out of the Way
We love our little helpers, but they surely don’t help much when you’re trying to lug a bunch of furniture. Try to arrange some childcare for any younger children and keep pets in a separate room with a closed door to avoid them getting out or getting in the way.
Clear Your Path
We all know that the house can quickly get chaotic during a move. In order to make everything run as quickly and safely as possible, clear a path for easy access. This way you can carry things in and out of the house without hassle.
Lift with Your Legs
You always hear this when it comes to lifting, but how do you do it exactly? Well, we got your back (literally):
- Keep your feet hip-width distance apart
- Keep your back straight
- Bend at the knees
- Keep the item close to your body
- Don’t twist your torso, turn with your feet first
- Take small steps
- Breathe!
Don’t Lift If You Have Preexisting Injuries
It can be hard to feel like you’re not participating as much as others, but if you have hurt your back or body before, do not lift any heavy objects. For your safety and the sake of your move, consider enlisting the help of others if you can.
Take Your Time
We all want our move to be quick and easy, but that doesn’t mean you should rush. Take slow, measured steps while carrying heavy items and take breaks when you need them.
Don’t Post About Your Move Online
This one might sound weird, but you also need to protect yourself online. While moving or even planning a move, keep the details to your close circle only. Don’t post any pictures of the front of your house or any specific moving plans you may have. This will help protect you from potential thieves and other bad actors that may take advantage of your move.
Have a First Aid Kit
Even if you’re being as careful as can be, you can still get minor injuries while moving. Having a first aid kit on hand will help you act quickly if you do receive an injury. You should try and have basic items like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers. There are also premade first aid kits that you can pick up at the store.
There's a lot to keep track of while you’re moving, but don’t forget to protect yourself. At U-Haul, we’re here to help you from start to finish, so you can focus on the more important things, like staying safe!