Don’t Get Hurt On Moving Day

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

Do you know the way to move, well, anything really, without injuring yourself in the process? There’s more than one thing to remember, even if this isn’t your first move. Here’s a quick outline of things to do.

• As you know, lift with your knees, not your back. It must be said in case you forgot.
• Team lift whenever necessary. Communication is key to successful team lifts.
• Don’t be an idiot.
• Keep your body square with the item you are lifting. DON’T TWIST. That’s lifting with your back, ya dummy. Remember, keep your nose aligned with your toes.
• Pushing an item is safer than pulling in most instances. Make sure to push at the item’s center of gravity.
• Don’t load dollies above your shoulder height. Recipe for disaster if you don’t listen to me.

You’ve moved one box into your new house. Now is not the time to take a break.

• LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Listen, you bozo. It’s telling you things you should listen to. Take a break when your body is calling for it. Hi! Hello! Sit. Down.
• If somebody says, I’ll help with that. Let them. Let your ego take a small hit and stand aside so the big burly muscles don’t get an ouchy.
• Wearing work gloves can protect your hands from the wear and tear moving wood furniture and cardboard boxes all day. They can also help improve your grip.
• Maintain good posture as much as possible throughout the entire day.
• If it’s really cold outside, don’t crank the heater up in the house. Going from cold to hot and hot to cold can cause your muscles to cramp. It can also cause you to sweat excessively, putting you at risk for illness when you’re back outside in the cold.
• If it’s wet, make sure to take preventative measures not to slip on tile floors. Tape down with duct tape or packing tape an empty moving box at doorways for a disposable door mat that will soak up moisture.
• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated can help your body to function like you want it to.
• Keep walkways and doorways clear of obstacles. Don’t be your own stupid reason for injury.

Alright, I think that’s enough to think about for now. You is kind. You is smart. You is important. You is uninjured. Go forth, use your smarts.