Seven Tips for Avoiding Back Injuries While Moving
One of the pitfalls of do-it-yourself (diy) moving is back injuries. You can avoid this all together by hiring a reliable moving company to pack and move your belongings. If you are moving a short distance or hiring someone is not in the budget, then taking the time to plan out your move will help you avoid accidents and injuries. Below are seven tips to get you started:
Tip #1: Warm Up
Athletes know that warming up the body is the best way to avoid cramps and pulled muscles. Taking a walk around the block and touching your toes a few times will help warm your leg and arm muscles.
Tip #2: Wear a Back Belt
Your local home center may have back belts for sale. Finding one that fits correctly and using it each time you load and unload will help lesson the impact on your back. Don’t rely completely on the belt though, as lifting a heavy load, even while wearing this belt, can leave you flat on your back. At the very least, wearing the belt can serve as a reminder for you to be mindful of your back.
Tip #3: Pack Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Packing books, dishes, and other heavy items in boxes small enough to carry easily, will help keep your back muscles safe. If you cannot lift a box without straining, put it back down and separate the items into two boxes.
Tip #4: Balance the Weight
Boxes are less likely to tip over and fall from your arms if they are balanced. Using enough Styrofoam packing materials or crumpled up newspaper will keep items from shifting out of position.
Tip #5: Lift with Your Legs
Bending your knees and lifting with your legs is the proper way to pick up a load. Lifting with your back straight and carrying the load close to your body, between your shoulders and your waist, will put less strain on the muscles of your back.
Tip #6: Avoid Clutter
Packing your boxes into the truck in reverse order, so when you unload you’ll be taking out what you need first, will lessen the clutter in the pathway and help keep you from tripping on boxes.
Tip #7: Rest a While
Taking short breaks, stretching, and drinking water, before you feel fatigued, will allow your muscles time to rest and rehydrate. If your body is aching, it is telling you to slow down. Listen to your body!