Injuries from incorrectly lifting heavy furniture can affect you for the rest of your life and cause damage to your belongings. The following safety tips can help to prevent these injuries along with damage to your furniture.
- Get a Dolly
Consider buying one so that you will have it on hand after the move. A dolly can be very useful for moving heavy objects around inside your home even if you are not moving. This simple tool is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment when moving heavy furniture and can do a lot to prevent back injuries. - Use Good Lifting Form
Just as when playing a sport or exercising, you should practice good form when lifting to prevent serious injury. You will want to practice disciplined lifting the way that professional movers do; disciplined lifting means that you consistently lift with your legs and do it gradually instead of jerking the object. You will also want to keep your back straight rather than bending over. - Taller or Longer Items Should be Carried High and Low
Filing cabinets, sofas and wardrobes are all among the heavy furniture items that you should not carry level. Instead, you should tip the item over and carry it at an angle. One person should carry their end high and the other person should hold the opposite end low. This stops the item from swinging out of control and makes it easier when moving heavy furniture up a flight of stairs or an incline since the angle matches that of the incline. - Hook L-Shaped Furniture Around Doorways
Recliners and other large chairs can be awkward to move, especially if you are moving into a space with small doorways. One solution for getting through tiny doorways is to flip the chair over on its side and hook the back around the doorway. - Do Not Go it Alone
Start trying to get help long before your actual moving date. Even if you have a dolly, moving heavy furniture alone can be hazardous. If you cannot find help and can afford it, consider hiring professional movers. - Use Furniture Slides and Lifting Straps
Both of these can help you to move heavy objects without putting unnecessary stress on your back. Furniture slides allow you to slide heavy objects on a floor without damaging the floor. Hard, smooth slides can be used for carpet, and padded ones to protect wood and other hard flooring. Lifting straps protect your back by allowing you to lift objects with your shoulders or forearms. They can be adjusted for the size of the object and the height of the mover.
If you have heavy furniture or appliances and are planning a move, contact us at Tender Touch Moving & Storage. We have the experience and tools to move your items safely and quickly.
