Moving Master Class: How to Lift Heavy Objects Without Getting Hurt
Moving
When you’re in the throes of moving, the couch, bed, armoire, and kitchen table are likely the last things you want to lift and haul out of the house.
In addition to being bulky and awkward, these items are also heavy, and unless you pick them up correctly, they can pose a serious injury risk.
Luckily, today’s article includes some professional moving tips for heavy objects. Whether this is your fifth move in as many years or you’ve been in the same place for decades, these tips can help you move your heavy items without injury.
Read on.
5 Smart Tricks for Moving Heavy Objects
When you’re faced with a big, bulky item that’s not going to move on its own, put these five tips into action:
1. Lift with your legs rather than your back
This one is an oldie but a goodie, and if you do it faithfully, you can stay safer and more comfortable throughout your move.
Because lifting with your legs puts the weight of the heavy item on big muscles like your hamstrings and glutes rather than the delicate discs of your spine, it’s a method that allows you to bear the weight more efficiently, and reduce the risk of injury.
If you face an item you can’t lift on your own (such as a large armoire or desk), have someone else help you. Squat down (bending at the knees) to pick the item up from the bottom. Once you’ve done this, press up with the legs, keeping your back straight the entire time.
2. Turn with your feet (not your body)
One of the most common ways people get injured lifting heavy objects is by losing their balance. To ensure you stay safe and on your feet, originate all turns you need to make from your feet rather than your hips or backs.
This helps you stay balanced with the weight of the object and will contribute to ensuring that you don’t take a nasty fall.
3. Clear the area around your moving zone
The last thing you want is to lift that massive antique dresser in the bedroom, take two steps, and fall backward over a lone box.
To stay safe and reduce the risk of injury while moving, clear the space around any heavy objects you intend to lift. Doing away with tripping or fall hazards will help you move more efficiently while also keeping you safe.
4. Use moving tools to make lifting easier
If you’re confronted with the task of moving very heavy items, look into moving tools like straps and wheeled dollies. These tools make moving large items much simpler, and can go a long way toward preventing injuries and making a move more streamlined.
5. Know (and respect) your limits
Knowing your limits is the ultimate safety step in moving, and it’s essential to keep them in mind at all times. When you lift items that are heavier than you can handle, you increase your risk of injury and make the entire moving process that much more challenging.
Safe, Smart Moving with These Five Tips
Moving doesn’t have to be painful or dangerous. These five tips help you stay safe and have a productive, efficient move.
