Protecting your belongings is one of the most important things to keep in mind when moving, but have you given much thought about protecting yourself? Moving can be rough on your body, leading to illness or injury if you don’t take some precautions. Thankfully, the steps you take to protect yourself are easy; you just need to know what they are!

Top residential movers in Long Island reveal some things that they do to prevent injury when moving. Check these out:

Eat Well and Sleep Well.

Moving is a lot of work, so it’s important that you keep your energy up by eating well, hydrating, and getting a full night’s sleep the day before. You can also prepare simple, healthy meals and snacks for the day of your move, and make sure to keep plenty of water on hand.

Dress Appropriately.

Avoid clothing that can get hung on furniture and other items while moving and make sure to wear closed shoes that cover your entire foot. It’s also a good idea to dress for the weather at both destinations. Dress in layers if you must, depending on the season and how far you are travelling.

Remove Obstacles to Prevent Falls.

Loose rugs and carpeting, furniture, and other items can cause you to trip and fall on a normal day. These are especially dangerous when moving because you might be paying more attention to the boxes and furniture you are carrying than obstacles that are in your way.

Before the move, make sure that you have a clear path that is free from loose flooring, furniture, and debris. You might want to keep a broom and mop on hand if you think leaves or water might get tracked into your home when loading the moving van.

Protect Your Back with Best Lifting Practices.

Lifting heavy and repetitive loads can take its toll on your back, and it only takes one wrong move to injure yourself. Proper lifting techniques can save you a time, energy—and most importantly—help prevent back injuries. Here’s how it’s done:

  • Stand as close to the load as possible to put less force on your lower back.
  • Squat down while keeping yourself in an upright position.
  • Tighten your stomach muscles to support the spine—don’t hold your breath!
  • Lift with your legs, NOT your back.
  • Pivot your feet if you need to change directions. NEVER twist your back while holding a heavy load.

Hire Trusted Residential Movers in Long Island.

If you are concerned about keeping yourself safe when moving, or if you just want a helping hand with your oversized or fragile items, consider hiring moving professionals. At Quality Moving and Storage, we provide full-service moving solutions. Whether you need a local team that will make your move simple and affordable or reliable Long Island long-distance movers, we will provide a custom moving plan that works for you. Reach out today to begin with a free, no-obligation moving quote!