Safe Lifting Techniques for DIY Home Removalists

Safe Lifting Techniques for DIY Home Removalists

Protect Your Back if You Are Moving House

Moving house can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when you’re doing it yourself (tch! Get in Touch with Us and save your back). One of the most crucial aspects of a successful Perth-based DIY move is knowing safe lifting techniques to help you handle items safely. That’s what this is about. Essential tips and techniques to protect your back and move your belongings without involving a hospital or physiotherapist.

Understand the Risks

Before we dive into the techniques, it’s important to understand why safe lifting is so crucial. According to WorkSafe Queensland, hazardous manual tasks are a leading cause of workplace injuries. While you might not be in a workplace during your move, the same principles apply. Improper lifting can lead to:

  • Muscle strains and sprains
  • Back injuries
  • Shoulder and neck pain
  • Long-term musculoskeletal disorders

safe lifting techniques woman stretching before lifting boxes

Prepare Your Body

Before you start lifting, it’s essential to prepare your body:

  • Warm up: Spend 5-10 minutes doing light stretches to loosen your muscles.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the moving process.
  • Wear appropriate clothing: Choose comfortable, non-restrictive clothes and supportive shoes.

The CLEAR Approach to Safe Lifting

When it comes to lifting, remember the CLEAR approach:

  • Close: Keep the load close to your body
  • Legs: Use your leg muscles, not your back
  • Evaluate: Assess the weight before lifting
  • Avoid twisting: Turn your feet, not your waist
  • Ready position: Keep a wide base of support

Read: Tips for a Smooth Move

Step-by-Step Safe Lifting Technique

  1. Plan your lift: Know where you’re going and clear the path.
  2. Position yourself close to the object.
  3. Adopt a stable position with feet shoulder-width apart.
  4. Bend your knees and hips, not your back.
  5. Get a good grip on the object.
  6. Tighten your core muscles.
  7. Lift smoothly using your leg muscles.
  8. Keep the load close to your body.
  9. Avoid twisting your body while carrying.
  10. Set the load down using the same principles as lifting.

Know Your Limits

While there’s no legal weight limit or guide for safe lifting in Australia, it’s crucial to know your personal limits. As a general guideline:

  • For standing lifts, aim to keep loads between 16-25kg.
  • For loads over 16kg, consider a team lift or using mechanical aids.
  • Avoid lifting above shoulder height to prevent back and shoulder injuries.

Read: Reasons Why We Think You Should Hire Professional Movers

Use Mechanical Aids

Don’t hesitate to use tools and equipment to make your move safer:

  • Trolleys and hand trucks for heavy items
  • Furniture sliders for large pieces
  • Safe lifting straps to distribute weight more evenly

Team Lifting

For heavier items, team lifting is essential:

  1. Choose a partner of similar height and strength.
  2. Communicate clearly about the lift plan.
  3. Lift and lower in unison.
  4. Use countdown signals to coordinate your movements.

Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to warning signs like sharp pains, persistent aches, numbness or tightness.

downsizing for the elderly

Final Thoughts

By following these safe lifting techniques, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury during your DIY move. Remember, your health is more important than any possession you’re moving. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Moving doesn’t have to be a pain in the back. With proper technique and a bit of planning, you can make your DIY move a safe and successful experience. Happy moving!

5 Tips for Moving Furniture Without Scratching the Floor

5 Tips for Moving Furniture Without Scratching the Floor

Moving furniture can be a daunting task, especially when you’re worried about preserving the pristine condition of your wooden or tiled floors. And keeping 100% of your bond! To help you navigate through this process, here are five essential tips to ensure that floors remain scratch-free as you move objects or rearrange an interior space.

1. Plan Your Route

Prepare the Path

Before you start moving furniture, plan your escape route.

Clear obstacles from your path to avoid unnecessary dragging or bumping that could damage your floor.

Measure Up

Next, measure the dimensions of your furniture and the doorways or hallways you’ll be navigating. This ensures you won’t have to force or scrape your pieces through too-tight spaces.


moving furniture by yourself demands care and some planning at least

Planning saves time

2. Lift, Don’t Drag When Moving Furniture

Use the Right Technique

When moving furniture, always lift it rather than dragging it across the floor. This helps prevent scratches and scuffs. Get some help if the item is too heavy to lift on your own.

Use Lifting Tools

Consider using lifting tools such as;

  • furniture sliders
  • moving blankets,
  • or a furniture dolly

These tools are designed to distribute the weight of the furniture evenly, reducing the risk of floor damage.


3. Protect Your Floors

Lay Down Protective Materials

Lay down protective materials like cardboard, plywood, or plastic sheeting on your floor. These materials will act as a barrier between your floor and the furniture, preventing any potential damage.

Use Furniture Pads

Attach furniture pads or felt to the bottom of your furniture. They provide a soft buffer that can prevent scratches when you’re moving furniture around.


4. Dismantle Larger Pieces

Lighten the Load

Dismantle larger pieces of furniture, if possible, to make them lighter and easier to move. This can also prevent damage to your furniture and doors since smaller parts are easier to maneuver.

Keep Track of All Parts

Remember to keep track of all the screws, bolts, and other small parts. Use labeled bags to store them so you can easily reassemble your furniture later.


5. Seek Professional Help

Hire Professional Movers

moving house requires expert removalistsIf you’re still worried about moving furniture without scratching the floor, consider hiring professional movers. They have the right tools, skills, and experience to move your furniture safely.

Check Their Credentials

Before hiring, make sure the movers are insured and have good reviews. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your floors and furniture are in good hands.


By taking the time to properly prepare, protect, and possibly even seek professional help, you can ensure that moving furniture doesn’t mean compromising on the condition of your floors. With these five tips in mind, you can confidently rearrange your space, knowing your floors will remain as flawless as ever.

Moving With Children

Moving With Children

Moving house can be a stressful experience for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for families with small children. Moving with children, who are naturally resistant to change, is challenging. They will have difficulty understanding why they have to leave their home and friends behind.

Tips on how to make moving with children a little bit easier

Start talking about the move early

Explain to your children why you are moving and what to expect. Show them pictures of your new home and neighborhood, and take them for a visit if possible.

Get your children involved in the packing process

Let them choose their favourite toys and belongings to pack first. You can also give them their own box to decorate and fill with special items.

Pack a “moving day kit” for your children

This kit should include everything they need to stay entertained and comfortable on moving day, such as snacks, drinks, toys, and books.

Arrange childcare for moving day

This will allow you to focus on the move without having to worry about your children.

Set up your children’s bedrooms first

This will give them a familiar space to retreat to when they arrive at your new home.

Be patient and understanding

Moving house can be a difficult adjustment for children, so be patient and understanding as they adapt to their new surroundings.

Additional tips for moving with children

  • Keep their routine as consistent as possible.
    Try to stick to their regular mealtimes, nap times, and bedtimes.
  • Help them to feel safe and secure.
    Let them know that you are there for them and that their new home is a safe place.
  • Encourage them to explore their new surroundings.
    Take them for walks around the neighbourhood and show them their new school and playground.
  • Introduce them to new friends.
    Help them to meet other children in the area by enrolling them in activities or taking them to the park.

Moving house with small children can be challenging, but it is possible to make it a positive experience for everyone involved. By following these tips, you can help your children to adjust to their new home and make new friends.

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