5 Tips for a Safe Household Move

If you’ve ever spent hours moving heavy objects around, you probably already know how tired you can get —  and how easy it is to get injured.

After all, in the average residential move, you’re bending, lifting, carrying over and over for hours on end. Then you have to do it all again in reverse when you reach your new home. Besides, moving is complicated, so you’ve probably got a million things on your mind, making it hard to pay attention to what you’re doing.

Add it together, and it’s a recipe for a safety disaster — especially if you’ve opted to do all the hard work yourself with a DIY move.

These five tips will help you put safety first during your next move.

1. Pack Properly

Though it can be tempting (and save time) to throw as many items as you can into each box, it’s not always the best idea for your back. As a general rule, packed boxes shouldn’t weigh more than 50 pounds. Anything heavier is asking for trouble, even if you do lift properly.

Instead, use smaller boxes to reduce the load. You can still use large and over-sized boxes. Just fill them with light objects, such as pillows or comforters, rather than books.

Bonus: Your items will be more secure when packed in smaller, properly packed boxes, too. When large, heavy boxes are over-packed, they’re more likely to be unbalanced and unstable. That increases the risk of breakage and damage.

2. Lift the Right Way

You’ve likely heard “lift with your legs, not your back” many times. But considering that back injuries can be painful and debilitating for a long time — proper lifting technique is key to a safe move.

If you must lift a box or object unassisted, follow these lifting best practices:

  • Start with your feet close to the base of the item
  • Bend your knees and squat
  • Keeping your back straight, slowly stand up, using your leg muscles

The safest way to lift a heavy object is to get help. Don’t attempt to lift heavy items on your own.

3. Choose Quality Packing Supplies

Reducing waste by reusing boxes is great for the earth — but it may not be the safest option for a move. Sometimes second-hand boxes are flimsy or broken down. They are more likely to tear, break or fall apart, to lead to a greater chance of injury or damage. 

Choose your moving supplies wisely. Make sure you check the integrity of your boxes. If they are not quality, invest in new, sturdy boxes and quality tape to keep them shut. Using packing paper and bubble wrap will help keep objects secure, so you can lift boxes and carry them in and out of a moving truck without incident.

4. Grab the Right Gear

Moving is tricky: You’re going to get hot, sweaty, and dirty. Protect yourself by gearing up with the right clothes and equipment.

  • Heavy-duty work gloves made from sweat-resistant, stretchable fabric
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Dollies or hand-trucks with solid straps to move heavy and oversized items securely
  • Furniture glides, so you can slide furniture rather than lift it

5. Ask for Help

Without question, the best way to move safely is by working with professional movers. They’ll have the experience, training, and expertise necessary to safely move even your bulky, heavy items.

Don’t take the risk of getting injured! If you need help, ask for it. Moving is a tremendous job, and there’s no need to go it alone.

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Are you planning your upcoming move? Connect with us for a free quote; we can safely get you and your family to your next home.

Things to Know About Relocating During Peak Moving Season

Since spring is the number one home-selling season, many Americans plan their relocation between May and September each year. This period is considered peak moving season

Like any industry, busy periods can cause delays and logistical challenges not experienced during slower times. If you think about this in simple terms, it’s a lot like trying to get through traffic during rush hour or ordering a coffee during the morning work commute. 

While moving may be more comfortable during the off-season, the driving reasons for relocating from May through September are unlikely to change. Given that everyday people will continue to move during peak months, these are things to consider that can make the process seamless.

Why Is This the Peak Moving Season?

Perhaps the primary reason families prefer to move during this period is summer vacation. Parents generally like their children to complete a school year and start fresh in a new system. Although curriculums may be similar, the learning differences and schedules can prove disruptive to a child’s academic year. Parents like to list homes in spring and close during the break.

Weather is another important factor. Northern states struggle with winter chills, snowfall, and other unenviable conditions. A sudden snowstorm can cause delays while trucks wait for roads to get plowed, among other logistical issues. Lastly, many apartment leases end in late spring and summer, prompting renters to find new digs.

How To Time Your Peak Season Moving

Let’s consider the analogy about rush hour traffic or getting a morning coffee in the context of peak moving season. Rush hour traffic generally occurs between 6-10 am and again from 3-7 pm and the morning coffee issues usually happen around 7-9 am. Roll the week to, say, Saturday or Sunday. The majority of people do not commute to work, and more families make coffee at home. This leaves the roads relatively vacant and coffee shop seating available. The point is that you can plan for peak season moving lulls as well. These include the following.

  • Weekdays: Many people try to schedule their move on weekends to avoid taking days off work. Consider planning yours on a slow day such as a Tuesday or Wednesday. These tend to rank among the quieter moving days.
  • Mid-Month Moves: The number of moves at the beginning and end of peak season months tends to be higher than the middle weeks. It may be easier to schedule a mid-month date with your preferred moving company.

By targeting the lulls during the peak season, you may be able to secure the services of a residential moving company of your choice.

Contact An Experienced Moving Company ASAP

The log-jam of moves during the peak season makes it increasingly difficult for people to secure the services of a high-quality mover. Industry-leading organizations often get booked months in advance. That’s why it’s vital to secure bids and vet companies as soon as you anticipate moving during the peak season. It’s essential to put your valued belongings and transition in the hands of people who you trust.

Contact us today for your free quote.