How To Stay Safe When Packing, Moving and Unpacking During Home Relocation

In the context of busy home relocation, we often think of the word safety as protecting our fragile belongings and preserving the quality and quantity of our treasured antiques. While these are important considerations, there is one critical thing that many movers overlook and that’s their own personal safety. Packing, moving, and unpacking belongings can last for days and sometimes even weeks that it can be physically and emotionally demanding. 

Though hiring professional moving companies and courier drivers can absolutely help keep your possessions safe, it may not always guarantee the entire family’s protection throughout the relocation periods, especially when you have kids at home. Imagine packing heavy objects, moving them up and downstairs and then passing through narrow doorways where injuries can easily occur. If this is your first time relocating, please take the time and precautions to prepare your home and keep your family safe at all costs. 

Here are tips on how to put personal safety on top of your priorities every time you relocate. 

Keep exits and hallways clear. 

Many people make unsafe decisions when they rush things more often than not. In that case, it is very important to make a plan a few weeks ahead of your packing and moving schedules. 

First things first!

Remove all the cluttered pieces in exits and hallways to keep your way clear from hazardous objects that may block or interrupt your way while carrying several belongings. Walk along indoor hallways, doorways, and stairs while watching out for cluttered boxes, tapes, spills, and any other hazards. Make sure that the moving truck is parked in an open space with easy access to the main entrance of your house.  

Utilize the right equipment.

Manual lifting, handling, and carrying of heavy objects have risk factors that may result in body sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries. The best way to avoid heavy lifting is to hire a reputable moving company that will provide you with well-trained packers and movers to make the relocation a bit easier. Some people would rather lift on their own to save money. If that’s your case, make sure that you are using the right equipment that is in good shape and is easy to manoeuver. Make sure you have the following moving materials necessary to lift and move furniture and other heavy appliances: 

• A Furniture Dolly
• Furniture Sliders
• Moving Straps or Ropes
• Moving Blankets and Pads
• Protective Gloves
• Tool Box (Measuring Tape, Flashlight, Scissors, Box Cutter, Pliers, Screwdrivers)

Learn the proper lifting.

Once you have the right equipment, it’s time to learn proper lifting techniques not just to make the job a bit easier but also to ensure you’re not breaking a bone by doing it. When lifting too heavy objects, you must never lift from one side or from the back. Always make sure that the load is in front of you. You can also move a lot easier if you are dressed appropriately. Wear loose clothes and choose shoes with good support and soles that grip so you can stay comfortable in the entire moving process.  

Moreover, if you think you can’t move other heavy furniture and appliances on your own, remember to call your friends or other capable members of the family to help you out.  

Manage people (and pets). 

Fewer people participating in the moving process is actually better than including everyone in the family to work. If you are hiring a moving company, let them do what you do best and stay out of it. Taking your kids and pets away from home during the move is also an important safety rule to avoid potential injuries due to recklessness.