Moving Heavy Things: Why You Should Leave Heavy Lifting to the Professionals

Moving can be a daunting task, in part because it involves so much heavy lifting. While DIY moving may seem more cost-effective, it can lead to injury, property damage, and wasted time. Here, you’ll learn tips to avoid injury on moving day, along with the many advantages of hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting.

Moving Heavy Things, Chicago, ILTips to Avoid Injury While Moving

A typical moving day involves repetitive pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting. These activities often lead to back strain, pulled muscles, sprained ankles, and other injuries. Follow this advice to make your next moving day accident-free.

Avoid Waiting Until the Last Minute to Pack

Procrastination heightens your stress level and leads to hasty decisions, increasing the risk of injury. Start packing early to ensure enough time to properly organize and sort your belongings. Then, give yourself plenty of time on moving day so you’re not scrambling to vacate the property before a set deadline.

Don’t Overpack

Overpacked boxes are more difficult to lift and maneuver, increasing the risk of injury. Plus, stacking overly heavy boxes may lead to accidents if the tower topples over. Protect yourself and your belongings by keeping boxes at a manageable weight of 40 pounds or less.

Employ Moving Equipment

Tools like dollies, hand trucks, moving straps, and furniture sliders make it easier to move heavy items without straining your body. Because of this, buying or renting moving equipment is wise, even if it adds to the overall moving cost.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

There is a right way and a wrong way to lift heavy objects. Using the proper techniques reduces strain and injury to your back, neck, and shoulders. Here’s what to do:

  • Bend at the knees, not at the waist
  • Keep your back straight and chest out
  • Lift with your legs, not your back
  • Hold the object close to your body
  • Avoid twisting your torso while lifting or carrying
  • Get help if the item is too heavy or bulky

Wear Proper Clothing and Footwear

Wearing comfortable clothes and close-toed, rubber-soled footwear helps prevent injuries while moving. Your shirt and pants should be non-restrictive, yet not overly loose, to avoid catching on objects and causing accidents. Supportive shoes are also essential for stability and preventing slips and falls.

Consider Hiring Professional Movers

The most effective way to avoid injury on moving day is to hand the work over to a team of movers. From packing and transporting your belongings to unpacking at your new home, these professionals have the experience, knowledge, and equipment to ensure a safe, efficient move.

Why You Should Leave Heavy Lifting to the Professionals

Foregoing a DIY move and hiring professionals for the job could be the best decision you ever make. Here’s what movers offer that makes their services worthwhile.

Injury Prevention

Perhaps the biggest reason to hire movers is to save your back on moving day! Professionals are trained in heavy lifting safety, which is particularly important when moving heavy or bulky items, such as furniture, appliances, and pianos.

Experience and Know-How

With years of experience handling heavy items, professional movers know the best techniques for lifting, carrying, and loading boxes onto a moving truck without injuring themselves or damaging your belongings. This expertise ensures your move is completed safely and efficiently.

Professional Moving Equipment

Movers provide specialized moving equipment as part of their services, helping them transport heavy items with minimal risk to themselves and your property. Using professional moving equipment also helps protect your floors, walls, and doorways from damage while moving.

Insurance Coverage

Movers insure your belongings against accidental damage or loss for your peace of mind. Most moving companies offer varying levels of coverage, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs. Such protection is not available when attempting a DIY move, leaving you vulnerable to financial loss if anything breaks.

Time Savings

Moving day is arduous and time-consuming. By leaving the heavy lifting and transportation to professional movers, you can focus on checking other important things off your to-do list.

Packing Supplies and Service

Professional movers can provide packing supplies or full-service packing, depending on your needs. You can even seek advice on packing glassware, electronics, artwork, and other fragile items. These additional services save you time and effort and ensure your belongings are packed securely for transport.

Less Stress on Moving Day

Moving is stressful enough without a back injury to go with it. Leaving the heavy lifting and transportation logistics to the professionals allows you to relax, knowing your move is in capable hands.

Hire Movers in Chicago, IL

Midway Moving & Storage delivers safe, efficient, hassle-free moving services. Our team comprises highly trained and certified movers, not subcontractors or day laborers, to ensure a smooth experience. If you’re planning a move to, from, or within Chicago, IL, please contact us at 800-300-0002 today to request a custom quote.