5 PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN LIFTING BOXES ON MOVING DAY

When you’re buying moving supplies for a move, it can be tempting to purchase the largest boxes available so you can fit more in them and have fewer containers to track. While they’re fine for lighter items like comforters or toys, it’s preferable to pack heavy items like books in smaller boxes for easy lifting.  It’s also a good idea to use new rigid undamaged boxes. Place the heaviest items on the bottom and fill the empty spaces with towels, clothes or bubble wrap to ensure the contents don’t shift when lifted. Fill them right to the top so they don’t sag when stacked in a pile.

Just like when you’re bending to pick up a pen off the floor or do housework, there are right and wrong ways to lift boxes. The money you save on a do-it-yourself move can be wasted if you put your back out, slip on stairs or drop a box on your toes. You should also take lost time and wages and breakages into consideration. Often, it’s better to spend a bit more and employ professional movers. A quality company like All Jersey Moving & Storage can be surprisingly affordable. Our staff are fully trained with experience in lifting everything from boxes to pianos. Contact at least three movers for a moving quote to establish what their rates are before attempting a move yourself.

We’ve been moving loads of all sizes since 1956 and have accumulated many useful tips. Here are 5 precautions to take when lifting boxes:

1. Don’t attempt to lift heavy items alone. Doing so can put excessive pressure on your spine and lower back. Use a partner and/or equipment like a dolly.  Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level.
2. Use your legs and not your waist.
   • Utilize your powerful leg and buttock muscles when lifting items rather than your weaker lower back muscles.
   • Bend your knees while keeping your feet a shoulder width apart, your head and back straight and your abdominal muscles tight.
   • Bring the box in closely and lift it straight up. Holding objects away from your body increases pressure on your spine.
   • Grip the box at opposite corners.
   • Use your legs and feet when turning or lowering a box; twisting your waist can result in back strain.
3. Use moving and lifting straps and other specialized moving equipment. They help to avoid back pain and keep your arms and hands free. Before renting a truck and buying equipment that you may only use infrequently, however, total the cost of all these items. It may make sense to use professional movers after all.
4. Squat, don’t arch your back and bend over, when lifting a box off the ground or replacing it.
5. Clear space around a box so you have enough room to lift it safely and determine where you’re going to put it down before you begin lifting.

Lifting and moving items is serious business which is why the National Institute for Safety and Health has established lifting guidelines for height, weight and gender to prevent workplace injuries. If you decide even at the last minute that you’d rather use experienced movers after all, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We always try to accommodate people and can step in to finish a move or even help with packing and unpacking.

Let All Jersey Moving & Storage take a load off your back – and your mind. Contact us now for a no obligation quote.