4 Safety Tips When Lifting Heavy Furniture and Appliances

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4 Safety Tips When Lifting Heavy Furniture and Appliances

Staff Writer · Feb 11, 2010

It’s critical that you follow safety rules when lifting heavy furniture and appliances to avoid back and other health related injuries. Physical injuries as a result of heavy lifting can last for a lifetime. Add to that doctor bills, prescription medications and physical therapy, and life can get uncomfortable and expensive pretty quickly. Why risk the headache, when you can use these 4 safety tips:

1. Use Dollies

If you don’t own a dolly, rent or buy one for the move. Don’t risk back injuries because you want to save money on buying a dolly or don’t have one of your own. If you’re renting a truck, ask the rental truck company whether they rent dollies or make them available for free to customers. Ask neighbors, co-workers and friends whether they have one or two to spare. Try local businesses that you frequent if you’re not able to find one, and ask them whether you can borrow or rent one from them for a day. Lifting heavy furniture and appliances with a dolly is the best way to do that job, even if you have multiple people to help you. Straining muscles, yours or others, doesn’t make sense when you can use a simple tool, such as a dolly.

2. Get Help

Even with a dolly, you’re going to need additional sets of hands to lift your heavy furniture appliances. Ask people well in advance of your move for help, so that they have enough time to schedule a few hours to help you. Another option could be to hire professional movers, but this is not always possible on a tight budget. Don’t be afraid to ask nearby tenants as well. They know well the experience of moving in or out of an apartment, and may be more willing than others to help. You can also post a flier in the management’s office if you live in a large apartment complex, but use your judgment as to whether you want to announce your move or ask for help from strangers.

3. Straps

Use moving straps when possible to slide heavy furniture and appliances. You can get these at moving supply stores or from your moving truck rental company. These are also useful to lift items onto a dolly, and to slide furniture down stairs. You should have help close by to help steady any heavy furniture as you’re sliding it around, so that it doesn’t fall on or away from you unexpectedly.

4. Moving Gloves

It may not seem worth the investment, since you’ll only be using it for the move, but gloves are very helpful for getting a firm grip on items you’re moving. One risk posed by lifting heavy furniture and appliances is that they might fall on your feet, due to a weak grip. Moving gloves are designed to ensure a firm grip so that dropping doesn’t happen easily.

Don’t ignore these important safety tips when lifting heavy furniture and appliances. Protecting your health and the health of others, by avoiding injuries, is your most important priority.

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