Safety First When Moving and Storing

Moving, packing, and storing are those activities that most of us look forward to, like a trip to the dentist. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. It’s ultimately a necessity in life, whether it’s moving for a job or just downsizing from a larger home. We just want to get it over with as quickly as possible. But safety should be at the top of your list. So let’s look at a few tips to keep you and everyone safe while moving and storing.

Even the strongest among us need a little help moving. Smaller boxes are no problem for one person, but the heavier stuff like beds, washer/dryer, and living room furniture will have your back screaming by the end of the day if you don’t have someone helping you lift. Even with a hand truck, awkwardly shaped furniture can be a nightmare to navigate in and out of vehicles. Make sure to ask for help for both loading and unloading.

The first things people hunt for when preparing to move and store are boxes. But often, we forget to plan for the actual moving day. A hand truck is a superstar for moving and storing. Carrying a stack of boxes is simple on a wheeled dolly, making loading and unloading a piece of cake when you reach your Mini U Storage unit. Then, of course, your feet will thank you by reducing the steps you take. But your back is the real workhorse on moving day.

While everyone should know to bend at the knees to pick up heavier objects, a back brace will provide extra protection against back strains due to improper lifting. Many people use the lift-with-your-knees method, but they forget not to twist their bodies at the waist while handling heavy items. A back brace keeps you mindful of protecting your back.

Moving can seem like a total mess with boxes here and there, furniture moved out from walls, and some furniture like beds disassembled. Creating clearly defined pathways and keeping them clear of any clutter is always essential. For the items you must carry, you lose your visual of the floor. Keeping walkways clear of any debris dramatically reduces the risk of tripping and injury. Planning these pathways ahead of time is key, but vigilance is needed for them to remain clear.

This concept is equally important once you reach your Mini U Storage. The smallest box or item left out of place in a pathway creates an obstacle.

We mentioned pathways above, but it’s also important to remember that you must plan how you will store your items once you get to the storage unit.

Stacking boxes from largest and heaviest to smallest and lightest will help prevent a collapse. When using boxes, make sure to fill them thoroughly to avoid collapsing. Boxes with empty spaces can crush down and fall over, causing injury to yourself and others, and damage to your most prized possessions.

If you know you will need some items for your new place sooner than the rest, try to organize them for easy access. There’s nothing worse than needing something only to realize it’s in the back of the storage unit. Preparing ahead will lessen the need to move or climb over other items.

These are just a few pointers to help keep yourself and your crew of helpers safe. The last thing you want on moving day is a trip to the ER for you or anyone else. It’s a hectic enough day without adding injury to the chaos. We want to keep your valuables safe in storage, but we also want you to be safe. Happy and safe moving and storage day!