Moving and Packing Mover Tips | Affordable Removalists

TIPS to be followed by Movers:

Protecting yourself during your move is just as important an objective as protecting your belongings (in fact—it’s more important), which is why you shouldn’t embark on any move without a good understanding of basic moving safety tips.

Staying safe during your move requires both preparation and common sense. Follow the moving safety tips above to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to prevent accidents and injuries

Hygiene And Presentable:

1. Maintain body cleanliness, use body spray, wear clean clothes or comfortable clothes and always wear shoes.
2. For comfortable moving and to avoid slipping - always wear gloves, sturdy steel toe work boots or shoes to prevent any injury while conducting the move.
3. Clean your hands with a quick sanitizer before picking up sensitive or valuable items such as paintings, white fabric goods, mattresses, white leather couches etc.
4. Introduce yourself with your name and the company name when you face the customer for the first time. Ask the customer if any special instructions need attention.
5. If you are late for any job you need to apologize to the customer for the delay which reflects your professional nature.
6. Give an overview of the job before it begins (For example – “Your job costs $120 per hour + half-hour charges for call-outs + fuel charges and stairs charges if any. The job time will start at 8.15 am.)
7. It is mandatory to fill the risk assessment form on every job. Don't charge the client for the time spent on the risk assessment.
8. Always give 30-minute notice to the customer before starting the job.
9. Movers should always keep necessary tools and equipment in their truck. Tools and equipment will prevent time wastage, extra cost expenses, injury, and damages.
10. Tools you must have in your truck: Strong Straps, Blankets, Standard Trolley, Hydraulic Tailgate Lift, Dollies , Heavy duty Trolley (it is used for Piano and Pool Table) (As per customer’s requirement) , all standard equipment
11. Your Truck Should Have Blankets According To The Capacity
- 4 Ton Truck : 20 Clean Blankets
- 6 Ton Truck : 30 Clean Blankets
- 8 Ton Truck : 50 Clean Blankets
- 10 Ton Truck : 50 Clean Blankets

Movers Safety

12. Movers need to take good care of his physical health while packing, loading and unloading heavy items. Always move the items using trolleys or dollies so that less lifting is involved which will maintain your proper posture and you will secure your body.
13. Movers need to be very careful while lifting, pushing and pulling heavy loads. You need to refrain from getting injured or injure another person by checking few details like: Use of trollies and dollies, use of straps, check your surroundings, always ask for additional help if item is too heavy. Do not try to lift the item straight away always assess the load of the item first.

Know your limitations; know the total weight of the objects to be moved; this will ensure that you utilize the appropriate equipment to move the object; based on the size/total weight of the object to move.
14. Mover need to check if there is any extra noise in the truck or packed machinery. Inform the company and customer that there is some item broken in the packing of the machinery to be moved. Vehicle noise needs to grab your immediate attention, there may be some mechanical fault which needs to be repaired first then continue the transit.
15. Focus on the estimation of dimensions of the truck, you need to know first where the tail gate or truck's cabin end. Always take good care and follow moving standards by using hydraulic tail lifts to lift or unload the items.
16. While moving household items always check bottles which contain acidic liquids, you always need to refrain from moving such items as if it gets spilled in the truck it can damage the items and truck as well. Moreover, your body may also get exposed to it which may damage you as well. It can affect your hands, feet, eyes, etc..
17. Do not accept the work order if you are unwell, you need to inform the company upfront about it. In case you feel unwell or fatigued while doing the job you need to immediately stop working and inform your partner/customer/company about the same. However, we follow standard procedure for the assignment of jobs so that it does not affect your health.
18. SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS ON STAIRWAYS :
- Do a Full Walk-Through
- Distribute the Weight Evenly
- Stand in the Right Position
- Test the Weight of the Box
- While Lifting: Bend your Knees, not your Back
- Keep a good grip on the box
- Lift with your Legs; Hold it Close
- Walk Slowly; Avoid Sudden Movements
- Move slowly and smoothly
- Push rather than pull
- Determine if you need assistance
- Remove objects if box is too heavy
- Only take one step at a time when ascending or descending the stairway.
19. Follow proper lifting protocols: To make sure you stay safe and prevent injury, you’ll want to be sure to follow the fundamentals of heavy lifting, which include keeping your spine alignment as neutral as possible during the process. When picking heavy loads up off the ground, bend at your knees—not your waist. Carry heavy loads close to your body to maintain balance, and don’t twist your body lifting or carrying. If you do have to twist or turn, do so with your hips first, not your feet.

Bend at the knees; do not ever bend your back to lift anything. This will help in reducing the risk of injury to your back.
20. Don’t try to lift more than you safely can: During the move, if something feels too heavy or unmanageable, ask for help instead of trying to do it on your own. You know your body and its capabilities better than anyone, so listen to what it’s telling you and don’t attempt to carry more than you can
21. Use a Trolley and Dolly: Trolley and Dolly can make the entire process of moving the items from pickup location to the truck to drop off location - a whole lot easier by taking on the burden of carrying heavy items. If you don’t already have one on hand, you can ask contractors to buy/rent one from local hardware store.

Utilize the appropriate equipment for the job. Use carts, dollies, hydraulic lifts, and fork lifts when necessary. Do not attempt to move the object or furniture without the aid of the required equipment.

**Please Note: If the equipment is not available, immediately alert your management staff that this equipment is necessary to ensure your safety.

22. Stretch throughout the day: Tight muscles and limbs make you more susceptible to injury. Keep your body loose by making a point to stretch throughout your day, particularly in the morning before you get started and later in the day when you’re finished. If you have a known problem area, like your knees or your shoulders, be sure to focus on those areas to prevent and relieve any stress or discomfort.

Ensure that you get enough sleep nightly. Fatigue is a leading cause of injury. You may become off balance, dizzy or be too weak for the task because of not getting enough rest. Muscle strains and tears are more prominent when the body is weak from fatigue.
23. Keep a clear pathway: Whether you’re packing, moving, or unpacking, it’s pertinent that you leave yourself a clear pathway that you can walk through without having to worry about any obstacles. Trips and falls are dangerous enough on their own, and the danger is multiplied when the surrounding area is filled with objects and/or you have something heavy in your arms. A big part of making safety a priority during your move is not creating any more potential problems than are already inherent in the process, so make sure to designate and maintain a clear pathway, both inside and outside.
24. Stay hydrated: No list of moving safety tips would be complete without preaching the importance of drinking enough water during your move. Make sure you keep high-energy snacks, like nuts, protein bars, and whole grain crackers. And drink water regularly, even if you’re not feeling especially thirsty.
Drink plenty of water and eat fuel building foods when on lunchtime. Protein filled foods and complex carbohydrates can aid in giving you the nutrition you need to bounce back from strenuous activities like lifting and moving furniture.
25. Stabilise loads (eg. by segmenting with cages, pallets and mezzanines).
26. Ensure packaging is sturdy and does not stick out or catch. Use powered tightening of load binders. Untie and unload at the same level to avoid working below the load.
27. Eliminate or minimise the source of noise (eg Insulate truck cabins from high sound levels, reduce vibration).
28. Ensure loading / unloading space is clean, dry, even and well-lit.
29. Contractors need to train movers on safe loading and unloading practice(eg. park in a way that permits safe and easy access to the vehicle for loading, unloading or load adjustment)
30. Contractors and movers have to ensure that trucks are regularly serviced, well-maintained and comply with manufacturer's standards, including accessories such as tailgate lifters and trolleys.
31. Contractors need to ensure that drivers are not impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue and discourage speeding, tailgating, etc.
32. Carrying items up and down stairs can be dangerous. Be sure to hold the handrail with one hand and the item with the other when going up and down stairs. It will help to keep you balanced and prevent accidents. If possible, have someone else help you carry the item. It will help to avoid accidents
33. Be extra careful when carrying items up or down stairs in high traffic areas. Use caution and be aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents. Stairs can be slippery and dangerous, so be sure to take your time and use caution when carrying items up or down them
34. First aid kits are essential-especially during the move. Carry your first aid kit with: band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, ice packs, tweezers, scissors.