6 Most Common Moving Day Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Planning a move is stressful in itself, so you need to schedule ahead. One thing that people fail to plan about is the possibility of sustaining injuries. You will be surprised to know that many people get injured during the moving process. In this article, we will tell you about some of the most common injuries people suffer from on their moving day. These injuries are completely preventable, so we will also tell you how to avoid them to make the move as comfortable as possible.
1. Strained Back
This is a problem you will probably avoid if you are hiring movers. If you want to save up on costs, it is likely that you would want to do most of the moving yourself. However, if you have a lot of stuff to move, the best thing would be to get help. Strained back is the most common injury because people do not estimate how heavy the boxes are going to be. There are a number of heavy objects that need to be moved from your house to the moving truck.
If you are hiring a moving truck, it will be better also to get professional movers to help you out. If you do not have a lot of stuff, it is natural that you can do it yourself. But even then, make sure you practice proper lifting techniques during the entire process. Use your knees to lift a box rather than bending your back and picking it up. Using the squat and pick technique is the best way to prevent a back injury.
2. Cuts and Scrapes
We are so taken by major injuries that we forget to factor in the cuts and scrapes. Some of the most common reasons for this issue are moving sharp objects. Whether you are packing up your storeroom or your garage, take care of how you handle things to not sustain any injuries. Getting professionals like HudsonMovers will reduce your risk of sustaining injuries on the moving day.
If you are packing up your tools and sharp equipment, take care to add multiple layers of bubble wrap so that you do not enjoy yourself at the time of unpacking as well. The only way to prevent these injuries is by taking utmost care in handling the items. Another way in which you can prevent minor cuts is by covering your body. Refrain from wearing shorts and half-sleeved t-shirts. Carry antiseptic spray and bandage for damage control.
3. Knee and Ankle Injuries
Knee and ankle injuries are just as common as spraining your back. Lifting weights, you need to be careful with how you are handling the boxes. Whether you are dragging, pulling, or carrying anything, you will have to watch your step so that you do not twist your ankle.
If you are going to be taking the stairs or walking through grass, make sure to clear the path of any tripping hazards. The weather can also determine how risky it might be to carry heavy boxes. We are your most comfortable shoes, and get knee braces if you are going to be lifting heavy boxes.
4. Muscle Tear and Strain
If there is one thing that will not be apparent by looking at it but will a lot, it is a muscle tear. Muscles and connective tissues are liable for heavy strain, especially if you are not in the habit of lifting dates regularly. If you take infrequent breaks, you will likely experience cramps and contusions.
You can easily avoid any inconvenience in your muscles by adequately stretching and exercising before getting down to moving. If you would like further preparation, you can start exercising a few days before the move to get your muscles in the habit of lifting weights. Another way to help yourself out will be to drink a lot of water, take breaks when you feel tired, and not overdo anything.
5. Broken Toes and Fingers
Another preventable injury that is extremely common among people who are moving is broken bones. Even if we are talking about breaking bones of fingers and toes, it can be a very painful experience. The most common way in which this happens is people drop heavy things on their feet and experience fractures. One way in which you will get some security on your feet is by wearing your best shoes.
Covering up your toes with footwear is a good option, much like covering up your fingers with gloves is. Another way in which you can protect your fingers from overexerting is by keeping the cardboard boxes light. Try not to fill the boxes to full capacity if all the stuff in it is heavy. Balance the contents of each box so that it has a uniform weight that your hands can easily manage to hold. Another way in which you can prevent anything falling on your feet is by using boxes with reinforced bottoms.
6. Hernia
A hernia is rapture in the stomach that affects the tissue of the abdominal area. This can be painful and is triggered by lifting heavy objects. Be very careful if you feel any pain in your abdomen during heavy lifting. Hernia often requires surgery so take precautions before you dive into lifting heavy boxes. You should practice the squatting technique while lifting boxes. If you feel unsure about your safety, you can also wear a supporting belt that will cover your abdomen.
The Takeaway
Understanding all the injuries and how to prevent them will help you in planning the moving day better. You do not want to step into your new home when you are in pain. Make sure the moving process is as comfortable as possible by wearing thick gloves, comfortable shoes, and covering exposed skin from head to toe. Doing some exercise in the days leading up to the move is also advisable so that your muscles do not undergo exertion. Remember the proper squatting techniques as well.