Moving into a new home or rearranging furniture can be an exciting adventure, but when it comes to moving heavy pieces, the thrill can quickly turn into a challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or a first-timer, attempting to wrestle with a heavy couch or a bulky wardrobe can be a back-breaking experience – literally!
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people suffer from furniture-related injuries each year.
The last thing you want is to be surprised by your furniture not fitting properly through doorways, stairwells, or elevators. That’s why measuring is such an important step before any move. It can save you time, money, and headache in the long run.
Assessing and measuring your furniture is not just about checking the size and weight of your items, it is also about assessing your surroundings. Taking into account the location of your new home, the distance between the parking area and your front door, and any tight corners or obstacles, can prevent unwanted surprises on moving day.
Furthermore, disassembling your furniture, if possible, will make your move easier and safer. Pieces that are too bulky or heavy can be taken apart, making them more manageable and reducing the risk of injury during the move.
When you take the time to measure and assess your furniture, you are taking a proactive step towards avoiding potential surprises and delays on moving day. It gives you the peace of mind that your items will fit through all necessary spaces and can be safely transported to your new home.
Whether you’ve inherited heirloom furniture or have spent years curating an enviable collection of antiques, ensuring that your precious possessions arrive at your new home in the same condition as you left them is essential.
One of the most important steps to take is to gather all of the necessary protective gear. This includes furniture blankets, moving straps, and bubble wrap. With these items on hand, you’ll be able to secure your belongings and avoid scratches and dents during transit.
Another crucial aspect is learning the proper blanketing techniques for furniture. This is typically done by wrapping the furniture in multiple layers of protective material, then using furniture moving straps to keep it secure during transport. By doing this, you’ll reduce the risk of damage to your items from any potential bumps or jostles during the moving process.
For more delicate or fragile items such as glass or antique pieces, it’s important to take extra care. This may include using specialized packing and unpacking materials, wrapping items individually, and providing extra cushioning for added protection. Don’t hesitate to research specific packaging methods for these types of items to ensure safe transport.
There are techniques that can help you lift with ease and avoid any injuries. Enlisting your friends or family members to share the lifting load is an excellent option. You’ll feel like a team and get the job done much faster and safer.
One of the most critical aspects of lifting heavy items is maintaining good posture. Always keep your back straight, your feet shoulder-width apart, and your knees bent. Try to avoid any twisting motions as they can put unnecessary strain on your back. Instead, turn your whole body to face the direction in which you’re moving the item.
Another helpful tip is to lift with your legs, not your back. Bend at the knees and use your leg muscles to push yourself up while keeping the item close to your body. This will distribute the weight evenly and reduce the strain on your back muscles.
Furniture sliders and dollies are also fantastic tools that can help you move heavy items with minimal effort. Furniture sliders are small, flat discs that you can place under the item’s legs, allowing you to slide it across a smooth surface effortlessly. Dollies, on the other hand, are flat platforms on wheels that you can use to move large or heavy items, such as refrigerators, washing machines, or even furniture.
Moving can be an exhausting experience- both physically and mentally. While it’s important to get everything packed up and transported to your new home, it’s even more important to prioritize your safety throughout the process.
One of the most common injuries that occur during a move is straining or hurting your back. This is most likely to happen when attempting to move extremely heavy items without professional assistance. Don’t let your pride get in the way of your safety- it’s okay to admit that you can’t do everything by yourself. Professional movers are trained to handle these kinds of items safely and efficiently. By hiring them, you’ll be avoiding the risk of injuring yourself and causing long-lasting damage.
Another important aspect of preventing injuries while moving is taking regular rest breaks. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of packing and transporting, but your body needs time to rest and recuperate. Set a timer for yourself and take short breaks every hour or so. During these breaks, take the time to stretch and hydrate. Just a few minutes of rest can make a world of difference and help prevent exhaustion.
It’s crucial to avoid rushing during the moving process. We’ve all been there- trying to hurry through a task and ending up making a mistake. When it comes to moving, rushing can lead to accidents and mishaps. Take your time and be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t try to carry too much at once, and be aware of any potential hazards, such as stairs or narrow pathways. It may take longer to get everything done, but it’s worth it in the long run to prioritize your safety.
As with most things in life, there are certain things you just shouldn’t do. To avoid damage to your belongings and injuries to yourself, it’s important to be mindful of what NOT to do when moving furniture.
Let’s talk about overloading boxes. It can be tempting to cram everything into one box to save time and effort, but trust us when we say this is a big no-no. Overloaded boxes not only increase the risk of damage to your belongings, but they can also cause injury to yourself and anyone helping you move. Keep box weights manageable and avoid any unnecessary strain on your body.
Another thing to avoid when moving furniture is dragging. While it may seem like the easiest way to get that heavy couch from one room to another, it can actually cause damage to both your furniture and flooring. Dragging can scratch and dent your furniture, as well as leave unsightly marks on hardwood floors. Instead, lift your furniture and carry it to its new location.
And let’s not forget about clearance. It’s important to be mindful of the height and width of your furniture when navigating doorways and hallways. Ignoring clearance can lead to accidental damage to both your furniture and your home. So, take a moment to measure your furniture and make sure it can safely pass through any tight spaces.
