A backache will not only cause physical discomfort, but it can also disturb your daily life. Going to work, sleeping and participating in all your regular activities will be more difficult. Moving to a new house or helping someone move are common ways to hurt your back. Performing back movements in a correct and healthy way will help you minimize the possibility of having physical problems. Here at Adelaide Furniture Removals we have a clear idea of what to do and what not to do when you move to a new house or, in case of a business, to a new office.

Protect your back during a move by lifting heavy objects properly and not trying to lift or move things that are too heavy. Before lifting any objects:

• Evaluate the situation before starting. Take a look at what needs to be moved and if necessary, ask others to help you.
• Work with friends or colleagues to keep your back protected and for you to move faster. Do not assume that you can lift or move something heavy by yourself.
• Visualise how you will pick up heavy objects and boxes. This will give you an idea of how to lift things.
• Squeeze the stomach muscles before lifting anything. This will tuck your pelvis and keep your back balanced.
• Prepare to lift the object. Get closes to the you are going to lift.
• Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Bend your knees while holding the object. If you crouch, you will keep your back properly aligned and you will use larger muscles in your legs to support the body and the weight of the object you are going to carry.
• Lift the object by hugging it close to your body. Straighten slowly your knees and your back while you stop.
• Pick up at the same time if you are going to work with another person. Lifting and moving an object together will prevent damage and prevent someone from falling backwards.
• Decide which of the two will be responsible for saying “up” so there is no confusion.
• Concentrate on lifting before turning or moving. Do not turn while lifting the object. This is dangerous for your back.
• Protect your back while pushing
• Use a hand truck to push heavy objects, when possible.
• Make sure to push heavy objects instead of pulling them. By pushing, you will use the stomach muscles and limit the stretch in your back.
• Keep your knees and your torso moving in the same direction. Do not turn while you are pushing an object.
• Lean towards the object while you push it. This will put your weight behind him and create a little momentum.
• Minimise the inclination you make. As when you lift heavy objects, if you learn from the waist to push, you will make your spine stretch.
• Crouch to lower more, if you have to lean while you push.
• Other tools to protect your back during a move.
• Wear comfortable shoes with support. Wear sneakers or athletic shoes. Avoid wearing shoes with heels.
• Take breaks often, to rest your back.
• Sit when you can, with your feet flat on the floor. When you are standing for a long period of time, place one foot on a bench or on a raised surface to relieve pressure on the back.
• Use a back corrector, especially if you have had to deal with lumbar problems before.
• Buy a lumbar support belt or a full back corrector at a specialized store. Try a few to make sure you buy the one that fits you correctly and the one that offers the necessary support.

Extra tips to prevent issues

The emotion that invades you when you start a new home can end in just a few seconds when the most hated process begins for everyone: the move. Taking the house behind you and moving all the familiar objects and memories in a stroke, wherever you are, can surpass us and become a real headache.

We must take into account that the associated companies have civil liability insurance and goods that cover any damage that be caused. To avoid any kind of unforeseen, we propose a series of keys to make the move successfully.

1. Plan the move. To avoid the stress generated by taking the house with us, it is essential to distribute this process over time. Carrying out all the preparations months in advance will only take a few hours a week and will mean a great saving of work during the move.
2. Prepare an inventory. Appliances, furniture, clothing, valuables … Being aware of everything we want to move to our new home is vital when considering how much time and effort we will have to devote to the move. In addition, it will also help us to consider what kind of transportation we should choose for our house change.
3. Pack objects by frequency of use. Surely you have at home objects that you do not use for years, even, you probably did not remember you had them. To prevent the move from becoming an infinite process you can start packing this type of elements in addition to those that are more fragile. You will save a lot of time!
4. Avoid reused boxes. Using reused boxes to pack our belongings can be an unpleasant surprise, especially if we fill it in excess. To prevent objects from being damaged during the move, we must make sure that all the boxes we get are in perfect conditions for transport. In addition, when dealing with fragile elements or with a great affective character it is advisable to use plastics and bubble paper to avoid friction or ruptures.
5. Change the address in the correspondence. Making a move does not only mean moving our belongings to our new address, but we will have to take into account that all the letters that we have domiciled in our current home must be sent to our new address. Taking a time to change all subscriptions, bills and expenses is a must in our move to a new life.
6. Communicate the move to the neighbours. Both in the community of neighbours that you leave as in that of your new home it is important to notify the other owners that you are going to make a move. Although there are noises and discomfort that you cannot avoid, telling them will make them more aware that they will have to live with this situation for a few days.

Consider hiring a removal company like Adelaide Furniture Removals, since problems and back damage can be much more costly in the long term, than using the services of relocation professionals.