During the move from your current place to your new home, you may experience mild injuries like a cut or small bruise. When there is so much on your plate to do, you may feel pressure to get your belongings out quickly. An injury can happen at any time, to you or those who are helping you move. For some people, the idea of moving is simply too overwhelming. This is why many choose to hire moving professionals instead of doing the strenuous work themselves.
There are ways to help prevent an injury from happening to you or a loved one by following the suggestions below. If you are hurt while moving, it may be best to stop what you’re doing and visit your doctor. For more urgent cases, call for an ambulance or visit your nearest emergency room. Do not risk your health for the sake of moving boxes.
First Aid Kit Tools
Always have a first aid kit fully stocked and readily available. You may want to keep a kit in your house as well as the car you are using to move items, so you have first aid accessible at any point during the transfer or your belongings. A first aid kit should include the following tools:
- Hand towels
- Bandages of various sizes
- Adhesive tape
- Alcohol swabs
- Scissors
- Safety Pins
- Non-adhesive dressing
- Gloves
- First aid handout
- Antiseptic wipe or spray
- Antibacterial wipe or spray
- Eye wash solution (sterile)
10 Rules for Body Mechanics
The risk of serious injuries such as concussion, back injury, deep lacerations or broken bones can be greatly minimized by practicing the following proper body mechanics while moving:
- Always remember to bend at your knees with a straight back, not your waist.
- When carrying items, hold it closer and at the center of your body.
- Never twist your body while carrying an item, in attempt to get through a doorway or hall.
- Do not lift objects over your head or use your shoulder as leverage.
- Carry items slowly and do not lift abruptly.
- Make sure your footing is stable before trying to move an object.
- Position your legs apart before attempting to lift.
- Lift using only your leg and arm muscles, not your back.
- Wear clothing that is comfortable and you will not be upset to ruin.
- Wear proper fitted shoes that do not slip off easily.
Hire a Moving Company
Paying professional movers do the heavy hauling for you can help lessen the chances you have to visit the emergency room for an injury that requires more than just a first aid kit. It can take the pressure off of friends and family who may have offered to help, but know that moving is a big job task to complete. It can also free up significant amount of time so you can handle other important moving day tasks, such as setting up your cable or internet and paying remaining deposits for your new place.