How to Stay Safe and Avoid Injury When Moving House – Definitive Guide

• February 10, 2020
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Moving is a very involved process for most of us. We’re so busy and frenetic that sometimes we forget to take care of our bodies when moving. Depending on the circumstances, you should try to leave the really heavy stuff to the professionals like Bill Removalists, and let them take care of it. Whether you need removalists in Sydney’s Inner West, in the Upper North Shore, or wherever you are. With that being said, here is a comprehensive guide to looking after yourself when moving. 

Heavy Stuff Should Be Lifted in Teams of 2 Wherever Possible

There’s an old mantra that goes: “a problem shared is a problem halved” and it’s absolutely true with heavy lifting. It’s always better if you can have a buddy on the other end of your sofa. It can reduce the strain on your own muscles and joints. Not only that, but it can often be another set of eyes for potential trip hazards. 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Aesop was right about a great many things. One of which is the adage of slow and steady winning the race. This applies to many situations, including piano removals. Keep the piano close to your body, and take small steps, keeping your movements slow and smooth in order to minimise jerky or sudden movements which can often lead to mishaps.

When Lifting, Bend at the Knees

This keeps the strain away from your lower back and your lumbar. We don’t want to see any hernias happening to anyone. The correct form of lifting is to stand close to the item, feet facing forward and shoulder width apart, keep the back fully upright and straight, and instead bend completely at the knee, and then straighten the legs as you pick it up. Any gym goers will know this as a deadlift. You can read an official medical guideline on lifting.

Don’t Rush

We often cause ourselves injuries because we feel time constrained and in a rush to do everything. Don’t succumb to this pressure. Create a moving checklist to help you feel organised. Stick to it. 

Drive Carefully

This should go without saying but whether you’re taking items in your car for the move or not, drive carefully. When I was young I once moved into a stressed environment and I accidentally sped through a speed camera twice on the same day between addresses. Not only did this cost me financially, but it could have cost me more as by doing this I could have either lost control of the car or let an item in the stack of items fall off and hit me. Many people see orange lights and speed up to get through, You do NOT need to do this. Make sure you live to enjoy your new home. 

Wear Closed Toe Shoes

If you’re moving on a 40-degree hot Sydney summer’s day, it may be tempting to rock your thongs or sandals. However, if you do drop something, you might end up with a broken toe. Or worse, as you carry your boxes, your vision of the floor is reduced and you might trip over your thong and fall down, with the heavy box in tow. 

Take Pit Stops if You Need To

Sometimes, you need to just have a break halfway through a move. It’s ok. Rest up, get some nutrition and recover some energy, and go again when you feel good again. 

I hope you find these tips to be helpful. If you take your time, stay calm, and keep your cool then you will be sure to come out unscathed, if a little exhausted. Remember, you are moving house for a better quality of life, not to spend 3 months in a leg cast or worse.