How to Protect the Body and Mind When Moving in Florida
What some people fail to realize is that not only is moving stressful, it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing. Inexperienced homeowners are putting their own health and safety at risk, and that of their helpers, when they choose to move their possessions without professional help. Not to mention the mental toll that moving alone can have on you.
Of course the best way to stay out of harm’s way when moving is by having a local company do the job for you. Professional movers in Florida have the necessary brain and brawn power to get all of your belongings out of your old home and into the new. Yet if you are insistent on doing it yourself, at least follow these tips to try and ensure that you and your friends don’t end up bedridden afterwards:
- Pack to Move – A common mistake made by homeowners is to pack boxes to maximize space, without taking into consideration the weight. The average person cannot be expected to lift and carry boxes that weigh over 50 pounds, so plan accordingly. Use smaller boxes to pack heavy items, and leave the larger ones for things that don’t carry a lot of weight.
- Carry With Caution – The biggest risk of injury when moving is to your back, an area that once injured often takes years to recover from. Do some stretching exercises before you start to get the muscles prepared, bending in all directions to mimic the movements you will be making while moving. Never lift an item that is heavier than you can manage alone, and remember to bend from the knees to avoid putting additional strain on the back.
- Dress to Work – Comfortable clothing is important when moving to ensure your safety and keep the momentum. You don’t want to wear anything that is too tight as this will restrict your movement, but loose clothes can also get caught on protruding objects or in between boxes. Closed toe shoes are also important when moving, but choose a pair that protects your feet without being too heavy. Non-slip gloves are advised to help you keep a good grip on items and to protect your hands from splinters or blisters.
- Rent Helpers – A few friends is not going to be enough if you have a lot of heavy lifting to do on moving day. Dollies and furniture sliders can be invaluable tools for moving large boxes, furniture and heavy appliances. Make sure that you follow the directions carefully and use the provided straps to secure the items before transporting them. If you rent a truck, make sure that you are provided with a ramp. This will allow you to just roll the dolly right up into the truck for easy unloading and loading.
- Clear the Path – Carpet runners, doormats, outdoor hoses and low branches should all be cleared away before you begin moving. Walk the path from each room to the truck and make sure that they are clear of any obstacles that can cause you to trip or slide before you begin. All pictures and other wall décor should be removed and packed before you start moving items through your house and out the door.
- Send the Kids and Pets Packing – Small children and animals have no reason to be around on moving day. Let them spend the day with friends or family to avoid any accidents to them or you. Not only could a heavy item fall onto them, a small dog or cat can easily mistake your work for play and accidentally trip you up while you are walking with a heavy box. Only bring kids and pets back to the moving day fun when the lifting and carrying into your new house is all done.
- Choose the Right Truck – Your possessions are not insured if you are moving them in the back of your friend’s pick-up. They might not even be covered if you rent a van from a moving company. When transporting your items, you need to consider the possibility of loss, damage or theft, and what your recourses will be if the worst case scenario were to happen to all of your worldly possessions while in transit.
- Think Twice About that Moving Company – Orange Movers runs specials for local moving in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and all of southern Florida. When you weigh the cost of moving against the doctor bill for a sprained back, you will quickly understand why many homeowners go this route. Not only do professional movers do the heavy lifting, they can help pack your stuff so that it is safe and secure.
Heavy boxes are the least of your worries when planning to move by yourself. Some furniture will need to carefully manipulated to make it out one door and through another. Others pose a risk of tipping over if not handled correctly. And on top of all this, you have to logistically plan on having your helper friends in the right place at the right time, with enough time planned to help you see the job through. Protect your mental health along with your physical well-being by investing in a team of moving experts to do the job for you.