Ask any medical professional, and he or she will probably confirm your suspicions that some emergency room visits are due to moving day calamities. Whether it’s a bump, pinch or pull, there are many ways you can harm yourself just trying to move out of or into a home or office. Some of them are unavoidable, however there are a few precautions you can take to make your moving day as safe as possible for you and your fellow movers so no one ends up injured. From equipment selection to safety in numbers, take some of these methods into consideration before you plan your next big move.

Use the Right Equipment

Even if you have a bunch of brutes for friends and family members who are willing to help you move, everyone benefits from the use of equipment. Convertible aluminum hand trucks are popular choices for moving day because they allow for easy loading, movement and transportation of heavy objects without relying on the user for most of the effort. Some of them are even customizable and come with attachments that allow them to go up and down stairs, ramps and various outdoor inclines. You may also want to invest in basic supplies like duct tape and storage containers to minimize the risk of bottoms falling out or weaker material buckling under the weight.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you’re moving large, bulky objects, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and where certain parts of your body are at all times. This is especially important when you’re carrying something down the stairs and you can’t watch where your feet are going. Slipping and dropping what you’re carrying can have disastrous consequences for you and anyone helping you if you’re not careful. Additionally, if you’re moving around outside, know what the yard looks like and any holes, dips or curbs that may be in the way. If in doubt, move slowly or have someone direct you around potential obstacles. You can also use convertible aluminum hand trucks to move around sidewalks and driveways if you need a break.

Get a Large Group

The best convertible hand truck can’t always compare to having a large group available. Many hands make light work is true in a moving environment as more people picking up an object will evenly distribute the weight and keep one person from having to do all the heavy lifting. Make sure you are coordinating when you’ll be lifting and taking breaks if someone needs to stop or adjust. If you find you’re having trouble, defer to equipment that can more easily manage the load or, if it’s in your budget, enlist the help of professional movers who might have more advanced tools and strategies.

Staying Injury-Free

Ideally, at the end of a moving day, everyone should be able to go home with minimal aches and pains. Ensure this is your moving day scenario by taking measures to ensure everyone’s safety. Whether you rent some convertible aluminum hand trucks or have people on hand to jump in when necessary, having a plan in place will protect you from various injuries and accidents.