Sacramento Movers Explain How To Move Your Home Without Breaking Your Back

It’s important to prepare physically before moving the contents of your home. Poor posture when lifting heavy furniture or boxes, dehydration or exceeding your limit when lifting can all lead to fatigue, aches pains and even injury. Drink plenty of water prior to and during a move. Also make sure to stretch before lifting the first box. Then when the move is complete, stretch again. Also be sure to observe a few safety precautions throughout the move.

Proper Lifting Techniques. There is not one simple method for lifting an item, but there are techniques that will reduce the amount of strain placed on the body. The following is a list of 8 guidelines for lifting furniture and boxes to reduce the risk of injury:

1    .       Begin with assessing the weight of the item and determining safe places where you might grip the piece. Avoid sharp edges or weak areas on the piece.

2    .       Clear a path of travel including opening doorways and clearing obstacles off the ground.

3    .       Establish good footing placing your feet shoulder width apart.

4    .       Bend at the knees to grasp the weight, being careful to keep the back straight.

5    .       Position yourself as close to the item as possible, and before you being to lift, look in a slightly upward direction. This technique helps keep the back in alignment.

6    .       Get a firm hold of the item and slowly lift, keeping the back straight and gradually straightening the legs.

7    .       If the lift is too heavy or bulky for you to lift comfortably carefully put the item back down and get help.

8    .       When putting the load down, reverse the lift procedure.

Working As A Team. Whenever two or more people prepare to lift a large or heavy item, it is important that everyone discusses the strategy for moving the piece. This includes determining who will lift each side, what route will be taken and how to overcome any obstacles such as a tight doorway or a switchback stair case. Try to think through any possible problems or difficult areas along the route and discuss how to handle these with your helpers before attempting to lift the piece. Communicate every move to your partners, so they can be prepared to react. Lift and lower the piece in unison. If at any time you need to adjust your hold of an item or re-grip, communicate this information to your helpers before you do it.

Observing proper safety techniques when lifting and preparing your body for a strenuous day is the best way to prevent injury when moving the contents of your home. Accidents can still happen no matter what, but it’s wise to take a few precautions to avoid as much discomfort as possible.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Sacramento employs a staff of over 40 Full-Time Movers and Drivers, with a fleet of 10 trucks. We have performed home and business moving services in and around the Greater Sacramento area for almost 10 years. Our award winning services include full service moving and packing services and we also sells boxes and packing supplies.

With comments or questions contact Carolyn Durkee, Marketing Coordinator at the Sacramento office of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® at 916-852-7411 or contact us here.