Moving Safely This Winter

Grace New Zealand Blog

Moving house can place wear and tear on your body. All the lifting and dragging can wreak havoc on your back while cuts and scratches are a common occurrence.

However, with these simple tips you can be sure the emergency department is not the first place you’ll visit in your new suburb.

1. Get the proper equipment

With the proper equipment, you’ll not only get the job done faster, you’re also less likely to injure yourself.

Hire a trolley or dolly to move large and bulky items as well as heavy boxes. A couple of straps will also come in handy for lifting heavy objects and loading the dolly with a few boxes.

Don’t forget to use a good, sturdy ladder if you are reaching up high into an attic or taking down window fixtures.

2. Channel your inner athlete

Don’t forget that moving house is like physical exercise. You would never begin a workout without a proper stretch and the same goes when you are moving. Take five minutes at the start of the move to do some proper stretching and your body will thank you in the morning.

3. Don’t break your back

Now is not the time to be a hero. Back strains can leave you in pain for years. Never lift anything that is too heavy without asking for assistance or using the trolley or dolly.

You may even want to consider getting some back support belts for extra security.

The best way to avoid a back injury is to lift correctly:

  • Bend your knees, not your back
  • Keep your back straight
  • Keep your head up
  • Carry the load close to your body

4. Watch where you’re walking

Moving in winter brings its own hazards by way of rain and snow in some parts of New Zealand. Prevent slipping by using sand or anti-slip mats.

It’s a good idea to do a walk-through and clear the path of any obstacles. Remember, when carrying a box it is hard to look down. Make sure children and pets are out of the way. Consider how far you will need to carry the box, whether you need someone to help open a door and whether the path is likely to contain stairs, curbs or other tricky surfaces.

5. Dress appropriately

What you wear is more important than you might think. If the weather is cold, make sure you dress in removable layers that you can take off once inside and unpacking.

Beware of loose fitting clothes that can catch on something and always wear suitable footwear, preferably with closed-toes and good grip.

6. Refuel

It might be cold but you’re still going to need to keep hydrated so make sure you have plenty of water at hand. Also, keep some snacks handy to give you energy throughout the day.

7. Be prepared

You don’t want to have to use it but it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit on site, even if you only need to for blisters and headache tablets.

Also make sure that everyone knows where the closest telephone is, just in case.

Of course, the best way to avoid an injury when moving house is to let the experts do it. Grace Removals can take care of your entire move from packing, loading, transit, delivery and unpacking so you don’t have to lift a finger.

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