5 Common Moving Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Moving is a stressful and demanding process that can result in various moving injuries if you’re not careful, but there are ways to protect yourself.

Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself so that moving day can operate as smoothly as possible. Today, we’re sharing five of the most common moving injuries and how to prevent them.

Strained Back

With the amount of heavy lifting involved in a move, it’s no surprise that a strained back is among the most common moving injuries. Strains can happen in any muscle but are most common in the lower back, neck, shoulders, and hamstrings. This pain occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn, which is quite common to accomplish during a move.

Here are some tips to prevent throwing out your back while lifting heavy boxes and furniture:

• Squat low to the ground before picking up any heavy items and rely on your legs as you stand back up
• Do not twist your body while carrying anything
• Maintain the natural curve in your back instead of leaning forward or backward
• Practice team-lifting for oversized or difficult items

Broken Fingers and Toes

With all the running around, carrying boxes, and transporting furniture, your hands and feet have plenty of work to do during a move. It’s not uncommon for fingers and toes to get caught in the crossfire during this fast-paced day.

To protect yourself, implement the following guidelines:

• Wear closed-toe shoes
• Use heavy-duty gloves when carrying hefty items
• Make sure you can always see where you’re going while carrying things
• Reinforce boxes at the bottom so that nothing falls out

Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes are bound to happen during a move, but if you’re careful, you can keep them at a minimum:

• Pack all sharp objects securely
• Wrap dangerous edges on furniture in bubble wrap
• Wear proper clothing that will cover your skin

Sprained Ankles

You’re bound to rack up thousands of steps on moving day, but all it takes is one misstep to roll or sprain an ankle. You don’t want to end up in urgent care when you have dozens of important tasks to take care of, so follow these safety precautions:

• Always make sure that you can see where you’re going while transporting anything.
• Clear a wide path in front of the entryway
• Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip
• Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slips and falls
• Supply towels if the weather is wet or snowy

Knee Injuries

Along with your back, proper lifting is the key to protecting your fragile knees during your move. For extra protection:

• Wear a set of knee pads
• Invest in a sliding apparatus for maneuvering heavy objects
• Wear the right shoes that reinforce your ankles and have a good grip

You Can Trust Best of the West Movers to Get it Done

The easiest way to prevent moving injuries is to hire Best of the West Movers to get the job done. When you’re moving, you want a team on your side dedicated to getting your belongings safely from one home to the next, and that’s precisely what we do.

We serve cities in Davis and Salt Lake County, Utah, including Layton, Bountiful, Kaysville, West Jordan, Murray, Sandy, and more! Contact us to learn more about our moving services and request a free quote today!