The moving process is like a complicated machine. There are many working parts that run independently, but contribute to the whole. With your superior moving expertise (and the Mobile Attic here to streamline), the big stuff is no sweat. Backwards and forwards, through planners you dated and creatively ornamented with floral decorations. The outline of your move is ready and you are set to pull the trigger.
The moving process also has a TON of small screws and hidden gears. Those pieces could go catapulting through the entire thing. This could turn the move into a nightmare of headaches and broken picture frames. Never fear! This isn’t meant to scare, but to prepare you! Oftentimes, we forget that moving can be a dangerous affair. You’ve placed heavy objects in awkward positions. The arrangement will make the house seem like an unfamiliar, warped mirror world of your former home.
When our environment changes, our brain can’t rely on its autopilot feature. This fluke could lead to further accidents if we aren’t careful. Navigating the halls, once a simple task (so simple you could do it at three in the morning in complete darkness), requires steady attention and a keen awareness of the potential dangers. Follow these tips to make sure you, your stuff and your family stay safe during this move!
Get Help!
No matter what those Christopher Nolan movies told you, Batman needs his Robin just like Bert needs Ernie and Nicholas Cage needs a gig that will get him out of bankruptcy. The point is, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moving all that stuff can be exhausting and, coupled with the heat from strenuous activity, can be detrimental to your health. The last thing we need is for the Captain and champion move organizer to go down.
Along with providing muscle, friends or family will be able to give you an outside perspective on your current state. You may look a little famished or tired, so they can recommend a quick nap or a snack. Moving can also be dangerous for children and pets. You may want to cash in a favor or two so that a close friend can watch the little ones. You stacked the house full of misplaced boxes and items, so be vigilant!
Help doesn’t just come in the form of friends or family, but comes from the past version of yourself. Pay attention to what you wear on the days that you participate in heavy lifting or moving. If the objects are large and cumbersome, you may want to wear some jeans to protect your legs from scratches and scrapes. Make sure to pick out your favorite ones as they are likely to be broken-in and flexible for the bending that you must do. In most situations, it will be best to dress light so that you retain as little heat as possible. Athletic shoes are the best kind of footwear as they are made to reduce pressure on your feet. Plus, they will give you enough breathing room to stay comfortable.
Pack Properly!
Whenever I pack or move, I tend to just cram as many things as possible into a single box to save me a trip out to buy more boxes. This results in 300 lb. boxes mixed with breakable objects and heavy books (you wouldn’t believe how heavy books are until you start moving!) that caused me muscle pain for a week. Don’t be like me. So you aren’t tempted to put unneeded strain on the boxes, invest in the moving supplies early. The target weight for each box should be around 30 lbs; that is a comfortable weight for most people to lift and it also saves you from having to pick up your scattered belongings when the bottom inevitably gives way.
Be Mindful!
The greatest mistakes and the greatest dangers to come out of your move happen because you aren’t paying attention. As I mentioned before, there is always a tendency to go on autopilot, but in unfamiliar situations, this can play against you. The key is to slow down. Take every part of the move piece by piece. When you are moving many boxes, think about how you will only ever have to move this one box. The one in the present moment. You are much more likely to finish the job if you divide the task by thinking about it in parts.
Pay close attention to your body throughout the entire process. You should take breaks and tend to your needs when in pain, or if hungry or tired. We often push off the necessities to get something done. You are the ultimate piece in the big moving machine! As far as moving and lifting heavy objects, always push the heavy stuff over pulling it (dramatically reduces body strain). Follow your father’s advice about lifting with your legs, keeping one foot slightly in front of the other, feeling the pressure and tension in the lower part of your body. You’re back will be healthier for it.
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