Ergonomic Tips to Remember When Packing Up Your Home

Last updated 11 months ago

Although packing small items may seem hazard-free compared to lifting heavier objects, you are still at risk for injury. Repeated bending and twisting while your body is out of its correct alignment will add up and make packing painful. If you decide to pack your home yourself rather than hiring a professional moving company to do the packing, follow these tips to reduce the incidence of injury:

Lift with your legs. Avoid straining your back by lifting properly every single time. Approach the box or object that needs lifting with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the hips instead of the knees, as if you were going to sit on a chair, while keeping the small of your back arched and your chest forward. Take hold of the box and slowly rise, pushing against the floor with your heels. You should feel the strain in your legs, and never in your back.

Buy a tape dispenser. Sealing your boxes with tape will prevent your belongings from accidentally spilling out during the move. Instead of having to repeatedly cut the tape with scissors, which can become painful for those with arthritis, buy a tape gun dispenser. This will make taping your boxes a breeze and save your hands from the agony of using scissors.

Wear supportive shoes. Packing up your home is a long process and requires a lot of movement. Be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes throughout the whole process to keep your entire body free from pain. Your body’s alignment starts at the ground, and if you’re wearing footwear that throws your body out of its natural orientation, you’ll be more prone to injury.

If you feel that packing up your home will be too time-consuming or overwhelming, it’s time to call in some help. From San Jose to Palo Alto, Zorn Moving & Storage provides complete packing, moving, and storage services to Bay Area residents. Are you moving overseas? We have that covered too with our specialty international moving and storage services. Call one of our courteous professionals today at (408) 426-5844 to find out how we can make moving enjoyable.