Moving can be exciting, but it can also be physically demanding and stressful. Between packing boxes, lifting furniture and loading vehicles, it is easy to rush or overlook basic safety precautions.
Whether you are moving into a new home, downsizing or placing belongings in a self storage unit, these moving safety tips can help prevent injuries, protect your belongings and make moving day easier.
Start packing well before moving day. Begin with belongings you do not use regularly, such as seasonal decorations, books, extra linens and out-of-season clothing.
Create a list of everything that needs to be moved, donated, discarded or placed in storage. If items are going into a storage unit, number each box and keep an inventory of its contents.
Label more than one side of every box so you can identify it even when boxes are stacked.
Sturdy boxes and protective packing materials make belongings safer and easier to handle. Avoid using boxes that are torn, damp or too weak for their contents.
Useful moving supplies include:
Small, medium and large moving boxes
Packing paper and bubble wrap
Packing tape
Furniture and mattress covers
Labels and permanent markers
Moving blankets
Dollies or hand trucks
Tie-down straps
Elite Self Storage carries moving and packing supplies at our South Edmonton and St. Albert locations.
Overpacked boxes are harder to lift and more likely to break. Pack books, tools, dishes and other dense belongings in smaller boxes. Larger boxes are better for lighter items such as bedding, pillows and clothing.
Test each box before moving it. If it feels too heavy or difficult to hold, divide the contents between two boxes.
Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Fill empty spaces with packing paper so the contents do not shift during transportation.
Wrap knives, scissors, garden tools and other sharp objects carefully. Cover exposed blades or edges, secure the wrapping with tape and clearly label the box.
Wrap fragile belongings individually with packing paper or bubble wrap. Add cushioning around the sides, bottom and top of the box, then mark it “Fragile” and indicate which side should remain upright.
Keep especially valuable or irreplaceable belongings with you instead of loading them into a moving truck.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to bend and move easily. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery or accessories that could catch on furniture, boxes or door handles.
Choose closed-toe shoes with good traction. Flip-flops, sandals and loose shoelaces increase the risk of trips and injuries.
During an Alberta winter, wear boots with suitable traction and clear snow or ice from driveways, sidewalks and entrances before moving begins.
Before lifting anything, test its weight and decide where it is going. Make sure the pathway is clear and ask for help if the item is heavy or awkward.
When lifting:
Stand close to the item
Keep your feet stable
Bend at your hips and knees
Keep the load close to your body
Lift smoothly using your legs
Avoid twisting while carrying the item
Turn by moving your feet
Set the item down carefully
Never carry a box that blocks your view of the floor. Avoid lifting heavy objects above shoulder height.
For more detailed lifting advice, read our tips for preventing moving injuries.
Do not try to move heavy furniture, appliances or oversized boxes by yourself. Ask someone to help or use a dolly, hand truck, moving straps or furniture sliders.
When two people are carrying an item, decide who will lead and discuss the route before lifting. Communicate clearly when turning, stopping or setting the item down.
Consider hiring professional movers for particularly heavy or difficult belongings. You can also hire movers specifically for furniture and appliances while handling the smaller boxes yourself.
Check the path between the building, moving vehicle and storage unit before carrying anything.
Remove:
Loose rugs
Extension cords
Empty boxes
Packing materials
Tools and toys
Snow and ice
Other tripping hazards
Keep hallways, stairs and entrances well lit. Children and pets should remain away from busy loading areas.
Do not leave boxes in doorways, on stairs or where they could block an exit.
Place heavy boxes and furniture at the bottom of the moving vehicle, with lighter belongings on top. Distribute the weight evenly and use appropriate straps to secure furniture and large items.
Avoid creating tall or unstable stacks that could shift when the vehicle turns or stops.
Keep moving-day essentials easily accessible, including:
Identification and important documents
Medication
Phone chargers
Basic tools
Cleaning supplies
Food and water
Toiletries and a change of clothing
Moving becomes less safe when you are tired, hungry or dehydrated. Take regular breaks throughout the day, drink water and stop for meals.
Listen to your body and do not push through pain. If possible, divide the move over more than one day instead of trying to complete everything at once.
If you are moving belongings into storage, plan the unit’s layout before unloading.
Place sturdy, heavy boxes at the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Avoid unstable stacks and leave a walkway so you can reach items without climbing over furniture or moving boxes.
Keep frequently used belongings near the front and do not stack anything higher than you can safely reach. Choosing the correct storage unit size will help prevent overcrowding and make your belongings easier to access.
Possession dates do not always line up. You may need to leave your current property before your new home is ready, or you may want to move gradually instead of completing everything in one day.
A self storage unit provides a convenient place for furniture, boxes and household belongings during a move, renovation or downsizing project.
Elite Self Storage offers flexible month-to-month rentals and a variety of storage options at our two locations:
South Edmonton Self Storage at 3230 97 Street
St. Albert Self Storage at 7 Riel Drive
Our storage experts can help you compare available unit sizes and choose the right option for your move.
A successful move begins with proper planning. Use suitable packing materials, keep boxes at manageable weights, clear your pathways and ask for help with anything that is too heavy or awkward to move safely.
If you need temporary or long-term storage, rent or reserve a storage unit in South Edmonton or St. Albert.
