Moving day can be stressful. You might be concerned about protecting your stuff during the move, but are you taking any steps to protect yourself?
Between lifting heavy furniture and moving boxes brimming with stuff, the potential for injury is everywhere — especially if you are doing all of the work yourself. Find out a few simple steps you can take to avoiding injuring yourself during the big move.
Pack Mindfully
One of the best ways to avoid injury while moving is to pack smart. Just because a box can fit a lot things doesn’t mean that it should be packed to the brim. For example, instead of stuffing a large box with heavy items like books, place only a few heavy items in a box at a time and fill with lighter objects. Heavy boxes aren’t just difficult to lift but are also at a higher risk of breaking and causing injury. In addition to considering box weight, be sure to wrap sharp or pointed objects in packing paper to reduce the risk of cutting yourself.
Use Proper Form
There’s no doubt about it: Moving can be stressful for your back. Luckily, using proper lifting techniques can help you avoid soreness and prevent injury. Be mindful to lift heavy items with your legs instead of your back. Keep your spine as straight as possible and engage your core as you move. Allowing stronger muscle groups to do most of the work will preserve your back health. You should also utilize tools like dollies and rolling carts to reduce your load when possible.
Dress for the Occasion
The ideal clothing for moving day should be flexible, fitted, and comfortable. While it’s important to have free range of motion during the move, avoid wearing anything that is too big. Baggy clothing can get caught on nearby objects or cause you to trip. Wearing comfortable footwear that provides ample support will keep your feet from feeling sore at the end of the day. Be sure to avoid shoes with open toes or shoes with heels, which can leave your feet open to injury.
Consider Existing Injuries
If you have a preexisting injury that could be aggravated by the move, talk to your doctor about what kind of movements and activities to avoid. You should also consider recruiting some friends or family members to help or hire a professional moving crew.
Listen to Your Body
Lifting something that feels too heavy for you? Don’t test your strength. Feeling pain or exhaustion? Don’t keep pushing yourself. When your body is in pain, it is trying to tell you something. Knowing how to listen to your body is an essential skill to have, but it is especially important when participating in a physical activity like moving. Never be afraid to take a breather or ask for help when needed.
