Whether you are planning to move, or you are doing it right now while you are reading this article, you will agree that moving can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. We get anxious about what we should do first, the overall organization, and most importantly – safety.
In the midst of changes and excitement, we often tend to forget certain safety precautions. This is why we created this list of tips that will hopefully stay in your head while you’re moving. It is always better to be safe than sorry after all.
Take care of packing
Since packing is the essential part of the relocation, you must pack everything adequately. The things will reach the destination safely if you packed them that way. Here are some important packing tips you should follow.
Use small boxes
This is the golden rule of packing. Why? Because the things in boxes will have no space to move around. In other words – nothing is going to break.
Never mix breakables with others
Since breakable items need to be handled very carefully, make sure you never mix them with things that could damage them.
Protect your furniture
If you want to transport your furniture safely, consider disassembling it.
Use packing supplies
There are many more supplies than just moving boxes. You need to be provided with packing tape, cushioning materials, padding supplies etc.
Clear the path
This is the lesson that dates all the way back from kindergarten: the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. If you carry something heavy between those two points, and that path is littered with debris, things can get really complicated.
If you are moving apartments, you have to establish pathways between your outside doors, interior room doors, rooms, and your moving truck.
If, on the other hand, you’re moving something from a store, take the time to scope out the path before lifting and carrying anything.
Transport small, awkward, sentimental and fragile items by yourself
You are probably aware of the fact that these are going to take extra time and costs because of securing and protecting. If a particular item is important to you, the only thing that makes sense is to transport it yourself. On the other hand, make sure to be clear with the movers on the importance of that item to you if you decide you want them to transport it. Depending on the situation, they might ask you to sign a release of liability.
If you are renting a truck, make sure the company provides you with blankets and tie downs
Renting a truck for moving is the best thing you can possibly do, no matter the distance.You should find the right truck hire company that will provide you with everything you need to protect your stuff;even though they may not be responsible for the damage, since you are driving the truck and not somebody from their team, they can rent you moving pads, tie-downs etc. so you won’t have to worry about damages.
Lock the door
In all that rush, you might forget to lock the door or just don’t do it because you will “come back in 5 minutes”. Don’t ever leave anything, whether it is your apartment or your car, unattended and unlocked, it is the oldest rule of them all.
Stretch!
You probably think we are joking, but you can’t overestimate your body. Simply, you are doing a physical activity your body isn’t used to doing, so the least you can do is prepare yourself for it the right way. Think of your muscles as rubber bands – will they work better if you stretched them out a little bit first, or if you kept them in your freezer?
So, in order to avoid dangerous injuries, do some simple stretches before lifting anything.
If something feels too heavy, it probably is
This also may sound ridiculous, but you wouldn’t believe how many people ignore the old rules of lifting safely. If something you lift (and need to carry from point A to point B) makes you feel a stretch of any kind, stop immediately – it’s not something that should be carried by one person.
Sure, this sounds obvious for larger items, but this same rule applies to boxes as well. They should be light enough for you to lift them and carry without any strain.
Eat and stay hydrated
Moving is a task that will take you a lot of energy and water. Even though coffee can be your short-term helper, there is nothing that can replace a big ol’ bottle of water, a good high-calorie meal and, of course, snack breaks. You mustn’t allow yourself to get tired. First of all, it is an awful feeling, and second of all, it can cause you to lose focus and make mistakes which can lead to serious injuries.
That would be it, take time, don’t rush anything and always remember: safety first!
