Taking the do-it-yourself approach to moving house saves money, but it also comes with the risk of injury. Back injuries, muscle strains, broken toes or fingers, hernias, cuts and scrapes are all relatively common ailments that affect DIY movers, and moving heavy objects is one of the most dangerous parts of the process.
Following safety precautions such as proper lifting techniques can help you reduce the risk of injury, but moving is still exhausting work. After a few days of hard labour, it’s not hard to lose focus for a moment, and that’s all it takes for an accident to occur.
It’s no secret that large household items are heavy, but not everyone knows how heavy they are until they have to move them. Most washing machines weigh as much as an adult person at 70kg, while large refrigerators weigh between 113 and 204 kilograms on average. Moving heavy items downstairs and through tight spaces makes the whole operation even more challenging.
Most houses have their share of heavy items, from washing machines and refrigerators to wardrobes and bookshelves. Knowing how to move heavy items safely is essential if you’re planning to tackle the task without the help of professionals.
Ready Movers are expert removalists. Our purpose is to take the strain and pain out of your relocation. Here’s our guide to moving heavy items safely.
Key Issues When Moving Heavy Items
Some important things to consider when learning how to move heavy items safely include:
The load
This includes the weight and dimensions of the item as well as how fragile it is.
The path
How much free space do you have to move the item, and are there any obstacles in the house you need to clear the path around?
Your equipment
What kind of tools do you need to safely move the heavy items, and where can you acquire them?
Your health and fitness
Regular exercise helps provide you with the strength and stamina necessary to lift heavy items when required. Likewise, conditions like cardiovascular problems, respiratory issues, high blood pressure and balance disorders can make it even more dangerous than usual to tackle lifting large objects.
Your help
If you’re planning a DIY move, you won’t be able to do it alone. You’ll need some trustworthy helpers in your corner, and their strength and fitness make a major difference as well.
The Safest Way to Move Heavy Items
If you have health issues, don’t exercise, or have anyone to assist you, the safest option is to hire removalists to shift your heaviest items. But if you’re on a tight budget and the DIY approach is the only option for you, here are some tips on how to move heavy items without causing yourself injury:
Choose brains over brawn
Make sure you have a plan so you can approach the task efficiently and account for hazards and complications. Before you move an item through the door frame, take measurements of both.
Take items apart
Bulky items are easier to move when you disassemble the pieces. If you can take items like wardrobes and shelves apart, it makes them easier and less strenuous to shift.
Pull or push
You don’t have to lift every item in order to move it. Pushing or pulling the item across the floor, using a strong blanket to prevent friction and carpet damage, is often a more effective approach.
Practice proper lifting tips
While there’s no one definitive way to lift, there are certainly ways to lift safely and help prevent injury. Stand close to the object and centre yourself over it with your feet shoulder-width apart, providing a stable base. Break from the hips to squat down on the floor. Bend your knees and keep your back straight while tightening your abs. Make sure you use both hands to get a good grip on the object and use your leg and buttock muscles to lift it off the ground.
Factors That Make Moving Heavy Items Difficult and How to Navigate Them
Some issues that can complicate moving heavy items are:
Stairs
When you have to move heavy items upstairs at your new place or downstairs at your old one, it adds a layer of logistical complexity to the process that requires smart planning and lifting techniques.
Space constraints
Small rooms, tight doorways, and narrow halls can make it harder to maneuver large items. You may have to modify the setup you had at your old place and consider your approach.
Fragility
Even large items can be delicate or have breakable parts that are easily damaged when facing tight spaces and obstacles.
Transportation
On top of the right technique, reliable transport is a necessity. If you plan to stick with the DIY option, then at the very least you’ll need a van on hand.
Why Is It Recommended To Hire a Removalist for Heavy Items?
Hiring a removalist takes the pressure (physical and emotional!) out of moving heavy items from house to house. Here are some other reasons it’s the recommended approach:
Experience and expertise
A trained removalist has carried out similar moves to yours countless times and has the track record of proven experience to know the best approach. A professional removalist can save you a lot of mental energy and physical strain.
The right equipment
Professional movers come with all the tools and equipment you need to successfully move heavy items from one house to another, saving you the hassle and expense of sourcing them for yourself.
Insurance and liability
Professional movers have a reputation for protecting and often offer insurance and liability coverage in case of damage to your possessions.
Efficient and professional approach
Removalists know the quickest and most effective way to carry out your move. If you’re renting, they reduce the likelihood of property damage that will result in you losing your bond.
Stress reduction
Moving is a gruelling, emotionally taxing process, but professional removalists can shoulder some of the burden, so you have less to think about and do.
Hire Ready Movers to Life the Weight of Your Next Move
Nobody likes to move heavy items upstairs, downstairs, around obstacles or through tight spaces. While moving house is never easy, Ready Movers is ready to help and take the weight of heavy items off your shoulders.
Our home removalist services include two men and a fully equipped truck, with more hands available if you need them. We can pack or unpack a single room or your whole home, assemble and disassemble your furniture, assist you with heavy and bulky items and supply materials if you prefer to handle your own packing.
Moving to another state is one of the biggest decisions you can make, and our interstate removalists will put your mind at ease and provide you with the best possible experience. Move interstate with us, and you’ll have access to a dedicated move manager, fixed-price rates, and full insurance. Our AFRA-accredited removalists use rail for all interstate furniture transport, and we bill on volume, not hours.
If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with the team at Ready Movers for a free quote.
