Common Injuries During a Move and How to Avoid Them

Ross Sapir

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Moving is not an easy task. Especially if you decide to move on your own, instead of hiring professional movers NYC. Relocation takes time and a lot of effort. There are a lot of tasks ahead of you and a lot of hard work, and it is only natural that your attention might slip at some moment. You need to be aware of all possible injuries during a move and how to avoid them. There are a lot of easy ways to prevent them and to make sure that you and your belongings are safe during your relocation. Being careful is essential for any relocation.

Common injuries during a move – back injuries

The most common type of moving injuries are back injuries. Relocation has a lot of heavy lifting and a lot of bending. And if you are not careful enough you can get hurt. A lot of stress will be on your back, so it is only natural that injuries most often occur during moving time. Back strains and sprains occur most frequently. Although they are unpleasant they are not serious injuries like herniated disks or torn muscles. In some cases, people even fracture bones. Hiring local movers NYC can save you a lot of trouble since professionals know how to handle heavy items.

How to avoid back injuries during a relocation?

There are certain things that you can do that can help you to avoid back injuries. Some of them are:

• Do not make your boxes too heavy. Although it might seem tempting to try to pack your home in as few as possible moving boxes – it is not wise to do so. Especially when you are packing books and other heavy items. Your moving boxes should be light and easy to carry around.
• Proper lifting techniques will make a difference! Keep your feet firmly on the ground, keep your back straight, and squat – that is the safest way to pick up something heavy!
• Ask for help – knowing when to ask for help is important. You can hire movers or you can ask friends and family to assist you.
• Use specialized moving tools like belts for example. They are designed to make everything easier and professional movers use them.

Knee and ankle injuries

Knee and ankle injuries during a move and how to avoid them is an important lesson. After hurting your back, hurting your knee or ankles is a big possibility during a move. Relocation is a very stressful event especially when you are moving to a different country. With so many tasks ahead of you – it is natural to feel pressure. Although you can try to do it on your own, keep in mind that international movers NYC can make everything much easier for you. And you will avoid some serious injuries during the relocation. Sprains and dislocations are the most common injuries since they can happen very easily. Rolling an ankle is something that we have all experienced at least once. Being extra careful is essential to avoid moving injuries.

How to avoid knee and ankle injuries during the move?

The same things that prevent your back from being hurt are applied to your knees and ankles:

• Ideally, you should wear kneepads. They can come in handy and prevent some serious injuries
• Wearing sturdy and stable shoes with ankle support is a must. They will reduce the possibility of a rolled ankle.
• Make sure to remove obstacles on your way. Having a clear path for carrying all of your belongings is essential. If you constantly skip and walk around the obstacles – chances are you will get seriously hurt.

Shoulder and neck injuries during the move can be avoided

Although they are not the most common type of moving injuries – they do happen. They range from muscle sprains to shoulder dislocation and pinched nerves. They usually happen during falls, so preventing them is very important. It might seem like you will save money with a DIY relocation – but you are more likely to end up spending much more money. Get a free quote, talk with your movers and then make the final decision. In case you decide to do it on your own make sure to have breaks with refreshments and snacks. Of course, you will need appropriate moving equipment to ensure there won’t be any injuries during the relocation.

Broken bones and muscle injuries also happen very often

Although they are not number one on our list of possible injuries they happen very often. Squashed fingers are a common injury and that happens rather easily. One dropped box or piece of furniture – and there is a great chance you can get seriously hurt. And if you didn’t clear the path for carrying the moving boxes – that is a big risk of a broken leg or arm. And those injuries can really be debilitating. They usually happen when you are not completely packed and the moving day is here and there are things everywhere. Hiring packing services NYC might be the best solution in this case. Not only you will avoid injuries, but your belongings won’t get damaged. Besides that – wear sturdy shoes and gloves that will ensure the protection of your fingers and toes.

There are also hidden risks of a relocation

We usually always talk about the most visible injuries you might have, and people often disregard some injuries that are less visible. Dehydration, heatstroke, and hypothermia are very common but not as visible as a broken bone. The best way to avoid dehydration is to always have water bottles near you. Keeping them cold will help you avoid heatstroke. Also, in case you are moving during winter – having warm clothes, gloves and a hat is essential. If you are not dressed properly and you don’t take breaks to warm yourself up you might end up hypothermic.