Heavy Lifting Movers: Saving You From the Dangers of Moving

Lifting heavy objects is one of the most common causes of injury during a move. If you attempt to move heavy items such as boxes or furniture on your own, you’ll risk muscle strains, back injuries, and even more serious incidents such as falls or crush accidents. Hiring professional movers can save you from the dangers of moving while also speeding up your relocation process. In this article, we’ll discuss how heavy lifting movers can save you from injury, proper lifting techniques if you choose to move on your own, and how to find heavy lifting services near you.

Common Injuries During a Move 

Lifting heavy objects is inherently dangerous since it exerts the human body in ways most people are not accustomed to. Even for those who workout regularly, lifting furniture requires unusual motions and can still cause injuries in a number of ways. For example, incorrect lifting techniques, such as lifting with your back instead of your legs or twisting while lifting, can strain muscles and cause muscle tears. Moving heavy objects without proper equipment like lifting belts can lead to torn ligaments or slipped discs. Factors that are out of most people’s control, such as uneven surfaces or poor lighting, may cause you to trip, which can result in sprains or broken bones. 

One common cause for injury during a move is poor posture while lifting heavy furniture, either through picking up objects without squatting down first or holding the item too far away from your body. This mistake often happens when two people are working together to move a single large piece of furniture. As they move, one person might walk faster than the other, causing the item to pull away from the other person’s body. This awkward lifting position can strain a person’s back, shoulders, wrists, or neck. 

Finally, repeatedly lifting heavy furniture can lead to overuse injuries. Unfortunately, since most moves happen on a single day, many people can’t avoid getting hurt by this type of repetitive strain. 

Proper Lifting Techniques

If you’ve considered hiring movers but are choosing to move yourself, using proper lifting techniques can help prevent injury. Before picking up any object, you’ll want to determine if the item is too heavy to lift by yourself. If it is, ask for help from a friend or family member, or use moving equipment like dollies or sliders to assist you. If you’re not sure if an item is too heavy for you to lift on your own, it’s always a good idea to ask for help on the first lift. Once you’ve tested the item and you know how heavy it is, you can determine whether or not you’ll be able to move it on your own.

When you’re ready to lift an object, stand close with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and squat down while keeping your back straight. This step will protect your lower back from injury. As you’re moving, it’s important not to lean forward from the waist or arch your back. If you do, it means your back will be doing most of the work instead of your legs, which is one of the most common causes of back strain. 

When you’re in a squat, grip the heavy item with both hands, using your palms and fingers rather than just your fingertips. If you’re lifting with someone else, make sure that you are communicating with each other during this stage, giving a countdown so you both know when to stand up. Lift with your legs, not your back, by straightening your hips and knees. Avoid twisting your body while the object is in your hands. If you need to turn, pivot your feet instead.

As you’re moving heavy objects, always communicate with those around you. If you’re working with someone else, never set a piece of furniture down without telling them what you’re going to do. 

When you’re ready to set down a heavy object, use the same proper lifting techniques in reverse. If you’re moving multiple heavy items, take breaks, since overexertion can lead to fatigue and increase your risk of injury.

Why You Should Hire Heavy Lifting Help

During a move, the last thing you want is for you or a family member to sustain a lifting injury. Hiring heavy lifting help is a smart choice for anyone who wants to eliminate the physical strain of lifting heavy objects, reducing your risk of injury and giving you a smoother overall move.

At Expert Movers our movers are trained in proper heavy lifting techniques. Not only do our methods save you from the dangers of moving, but they also reduce the likelihood of damage to your belongings. We use specialized equipment such as straps and lifting harnesses to make moving heavy objects easier, and our movers are trained to work quickly, which can save you time and effort during the moving process. Typically, we are able to complete heavy lifting tasks in half the time most families would be able to manage on their own, especially if you hire us for packing as well as moving. 

Experts Movers is bonded, licensed, and insured, and we offer cargo and property damage insurance. In the unlikely event that an accident or damage occurs during your move, you can have the peace of mind knowing that you and your belongings are protected. For item coverage, we value your items up to $0.30/per pound, per article. For insurance coverage options, please see our insurance tab on your customer portal.

Heavy Lifting Services Near You

At Expert Movers, we’re committed to providing a top class moving experience while saving our customers from the dangers of moving. We offer professional heavy lifting services near you in residential, commercial, piano moving, arts and antiques, packing, and more. Additionally, we offer quality and affordable packing supplies.

Expert Movers is based in the Chicagoland area. We serve the entire state of Illinois, so whether you are moving down the block or across the state, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more.