Moving boxes, furniture, and heavy household items can easily lead to injuries if not done properly. Whether you are moving, relocating, downsizing, or renting a self storage unit in St. Albert, South Edmonton, or North Edmonton, it’s important to use safe lifting techniques to protect your body.
Moving is both mentally and physically exhausting, and injuries can happen at any stage of the process. As fatigue sets in, people often rush and forget proper lifting form. Never lift more than you can handle, and don’t overestimate your strength — this is one of the most common causes of moving injuries.
Before you start moving, always warm up and stretch to help prevent injuries. Moving uses your back, legs, shoulders, and arms, so focus on stretching these areas.
Start with at least 5 minutes of light activity, such as walking or jogging in place, to warm up your muscles. Stretching cold muscles increases the risk of strains and pulls. Never bounce or force a stretch — instead, hold each stretch for 15–30 seconds to properly loosen muscle fibers.
Always plan your lift in advance and make sure your path is clear of obstacles. Knowing where items are going before loading or unloading helps prevent sudden movements and accidents.
Ask yourself:
Can the item be pushed or dragged instead of lifted?
Do you need help lifting it?
Is the box heavier than expected?
Avoid lifting items above your head whenever possible.
Keep your shoulders back, chest forward, and eyes looking ahead. Stand facing the item with your feet shoulder-width apart. This stance provides better balance and reduces back strain.
Holding items close to your body gives you better control and reduces the risk of injury compared to lifting with outstretched arms.
Bend your knees and squat down to lift — use your legs and hips, not your back. Keep your back straight and avoid bending or arching while lifting, as this can cause serious injuries.
Never twist your body while carrying a heavy object. If you need to turn, move your feet instead of twisting at the waist. Twisting while lifting is a leading cause of back injuries.
Keep all items below shoulder level. Lifting heavy items overhead greatly increases the risk of strain and injury. Maintain proper posture with your shoulders back and chest upright.
Use slow, controlled movements when carrying items. Sudden or jerky motions can strain muscles. Take small steps, ensure secure footing, and move carefully — especially on stairs or uneven surfaces.
Never try to lift more than you can handle. If you’re unsure how heavy an item is, ask for help. Many self storage facilities provide free dollies and moving carts to make lifting easier and safer.
If you’re storing belongings at Elite Self Storage in St. Albert, South Edmonton, or North Edmonton, ask our team about available moving equipment.
You may also want to consider hiring a professional moving company. Experienced movers are trained to handle heavy and bulky items safely and efficiently.
Selecting the correct storage unit size can also help avoid injuries during your move. Using a unit that’s too small often leads to overstacking, awkward lifting, and unsafe positioning of heavy items. Choosing a unit with enough space allows you to spread items out, maintain clear walkways, and lift using proper lifting techniques without strain.
Larger or well-sized storage units make it easier to place heavier items at waist level, reducing the need to lift above shoulder height. Our storage experts at Elite Self Storage in St. Albert (formerly Riel Park RV & Mini Storage), South Edmonton, and North Edmonton can help you choose the right unit size to improve organization, accessibility, and overall moving safety.
Using proper packing supplies can also reduce the risk of injury. Elite Self Storage offers moving and packing supplies for all your storage needs, including:
Boxes
Bubble wrap
Packing paper
Furniture covers
Locks
Stop by our Edmonton or St. Albert rental office to purchase everything you need for a safer move.
Renting a self storage unit can significantly reduce stress during a move, especially when possession dates don’t align. A storage unit gives you the flexibility and peace of mind to move at your own pace.
At Elite Self Storage in St. Albert, South Edmonton, and North Edmonton, we offer a wide range of storage solutions, including:
Our storage units come in various sizes to accommodate household items, furniture, tools, and seasonal belongings.
Rent your storage unit online or speak with one of our friendly storage experts today at 780-347-0433.
