A Positively Moving Experience
Furniture Moving Safety Tips
Moving heavy furniture can be really difficult, and comes with it’s own risks of injuries. In order to avoid these injuries – as well as potential scuffs or damages to your possessions, it’s necessary for you to understand proper furniture moving safety procedures. Of course, the easiest and best way to move heavy furniture is to have it moved by professional moving experts – but if you feel like you want it to do it yourself, read this guide prepared by the experts at Noah’s Ark before doing so.
Taking apart furniture
Large pieces of furniture including king and queen sized beds, wardrobes, dressers, cabinets, bookshelves, sofas, armchairs, tables, and desks – are the hardest things to take care of on moving day due to their large dimensions, heavyweight, strange shapes, fragility, and expensive value. Make sure to disassemble furniture carefully before moving it. This will help you in the event that intact pieces of furniture are too large, heavy, or weirdly shaped to be moved through doorways or down stairs – so make sure to disassemble them, and remember to keep all the pieces together for easy reassembly.
Prevent Injuries
You can prevent damage to your body as well as your furniture by prepping the area for dangers before you move. Identify any hazardous spots where heavy items will be carried out of your home, and try to make them safer. Any clutter could be hazardous, so it’s important to keep clear pathways. Make sure outdoor paths are free of any slippery substances like mud so that you can have proper traction.
Work with others
Don’t try to handle moving heavy furniture all on your own. It becomes so much safer – and easier – when you work alongside a group of people. If you don’t want to hire licensed moving experts, ask your friends or family for assistance.
Use proper equipment
Make sure to use a furniture dolly. These hand-guards are common, and incredibly effective for helping you conduct a safe and stable move. Simply rent a sturdy utility moving dolly from a local moving company and use it to transport your most heavy belongings. Use a furniture slider to keep the floor clear of scuffs and make it easier to push heavy furniture across the room, by mitigating friction. Also, utilize moving straps to relocate the weight of the heavy objects you’re lifting from your back to a different area of your body.
Always lift properly
Make sure to lift with your legs and hips, keeping your back straight. Push heavy furniture rather than pull it. Never turn sideways with your hips, do so with your legs. Keep the furniture as close to you as possible, and close to the center of your body. Keep steady, slow, careful footing, and always keep your eyes focused in front of you.
Proper clothing and gear
Make sure to wear the most comfortable, flexible, and breathable clothes you have available. Don’t choose clothing that will drive you crazy to get dirty, and don’t wear baggy clothes. Wear closed toe, rubber soled shoes that give you good friction and ankle support – athletic shoes are a good bet. And lastly, make sure to use high quality work gloves that will improve your grip and protect your hands at the same time.
