Are you preparing to move to a new pad? Considering moving your belongings yourself? Then we’re here to help!
There’s a lot to consider when moving house – and it’s tricky enough without getting injured from transporting your furniture incorrectly.
Here, we offer some top tips on how to get your furniture from A to B safely, so you can make the move as stress-free as possible.
Rent the right vehicle
If you don’t already have one, the first step you’ll need to take is renting a large vehicle from a local company. It may seem obvious but it’s important to make sure you choose a van that’s big enough for the goods you need to transport. This will make it easier to load your items safely and securely.
Go round your current home and decide what will be coming with you to the next house. Is your sofa suitable for your new living room? Are you keeping your wardrobes or chest of drawers?
Write a list of all the items you’ll be transporting to help you search for the right type of vehicle. Look at the interior measurements of each van including the floor area and height of the loading bed to see which will work for you. If in doubt, you’re better off choosing a vehicle that’s too big rather than too small!
Get supporting equipment
Once you’ve chosen a suitable van or truck, you may need to get some supporting equipment to help you with transporting any large goods. This is because certain items, particularly big pieces of furniture, may be too bulky or heavy for you to carry.
There are many items that could help make your move run more smoothly, such as trolleys with wheels, furniture gliders and lifting straps.
Equipment to strap down large goods may also come in handy, as it’ll stop your furniture moving around during transit and potentially getting damaged. Items like ratchet straps or chains are effective for tying down items in a van, HGV or flatbed truck.
Use safe manual handling techniques
When you’re moving furniture, it’s really important to follow the appropriate manual handling techniques. According to UNISON, 300,000 people in the UK suffer from back pain due to manual handling accidents every year.
They say that “damage to the back, neck or spine can lead to extreme pain, temporary incapacity or permanent injury”.
Shout Out Safety explain how to achieve a good manual handling technique to reduce your risk of injury. This includes making sure you position your feet correctly, bend your knees, keep your back straight and hold your shoulders level. Always keep a firm grip on the furniture and look ahead as you’re moving, keeping your body close to the item.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to move your belongings to your new place safely and efficiently. We hope your move goes well!
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