Staying Safe On Moving Day
It doesn't matter if you're using a professional removal company or not. Staying safe and making sure that both your old home and new home are also safe for the removal to go ahead should be the top priority.
As part of your quote, we will carry out a risk assessment to ensure the safety of both you and us. A risk assessment like this allow us to plan for specific quirks of the property - like narrow halls, tight corners and awkward stairs for example. Although areas like this you can't do too much changing with, other smaller areas and quirks etc. cam be taken into account and made safer.
First of all - if you are planning on carrying out the removal yourself, make sure that you have or hire the correct equipment for the specifics of your move. This starts with the type of vehicle, which more often than not will be a van or lorry. For lots of large, heavy items, a sack barrow (a type of trolley) is an essential, as well as ramps to help get up stairs and footings. When it comes to working at height - to take down curtains or lampshades for instance, use a step ladder and never balance on any furniture that is around you. Rest assured that at Omni Removals, we have all the correct equipment needed to carry out your removal as safely as possible.
Secondly, make sure that you are using the correct tools when it comes to dismantling any furniture and be sure to put these tools - if small enough - in your "essentials" box so that you know where they are when it comes to reassembling furniture once at your new home. When disconnecting any electrical appliances or otherwise, please make sure that you are using the right tool with the right safety measures in place and never do anything beyond your capabilities. If you're unsure, please ask for help!
On moving day, try to minimize the amount of people on-site at both properties if you can. We only say this as it will help us to have unrestricted access to all rooms and reduces any risk of collisions etc. Doing this can also help the removal run much smoother and quicker, too. If you have electricians, engineers or other tradesmen in, then make sure that they are aware. If you are moving yourselves, we would recommend one person taking charge to co-ordinate everyone else. We have mentioned this in other blog posts but if possible try to have a family member or friend look after your beloved pet(s) on moving day and if this isn't possible - place them in a room with their creature comforts and a bowl of water and a treat until it is safe for them to roam around more. It is also important to keep hallways and doorways clear and easily accessible to prevent trips, falls and other hazards.
When it comes to packing, minimize the risk of injury by putting boxes at the same height as the items being packed. Never pack boxes that are stacked too high or are too heavy either and be mindful and regularly check the weight. If you have gaps in boxes and such, we advise filling them with blankets, hand towels, newspaper, bubblewrap, packing paper, cushions, toys and other similar items. Make sure to wrap sharp items such as knives in tea towels to prevent them from cutting thorugh boxes, or god forbid yourself, and cover any other sharp objects to prevent them from injuring us and yourselves.
To prevent injury, make sure that you are lifting properly. Bend your legs and lift with your whole body - not just with your back for example. Don't try to lift items that are too heavy by yourself - it may seem obvious but when it's removal day and your stressed etc. it might seem tempting to try and get things done yourself, but it isn't worth the risk - or the bad back! Always ensure that you have a first aid kit on hand in the event of an emergency - make sure it is fully stocked full of plasters, bandages etc. and also make sure that you have a fully charged phone where possible.
For safety reasons, removal companies will not and cannot move certain items. These include: gas containers, petrol and firearms. If you have these and they are to be included in your move, it is important that all the correct precautions are taken.
If you are moving some of your possessions with your car, ensure that they are loaded and fastened in your car correctly and cannot cause injury in the event of an accident. Also make sure that they don't inhibit any mirrors, blindspots etc. When it comes to transporting your pets, make sure that you take the right safety precautions with them and have the right pet carriers, too.
Although we covered moving in the hot weather in a seperate, dedicated blog post, we'll briefly touch upon it again here. Don't forget to check the weather forecast for moving day. If it's going to be a hot one, make sure you have plenty of fluids available for everyone. On the flipside, if the forecast is showing it to be raining or even snowing, keep in mind that pathways etc can become slippery, so it is important to be mindful. Snow and ice in particular can make paths, roads and other access routes incredibly treacherous. One way to prepare for this is by packing a shovel to clear paths and salt to provide grip. Remember that when the sun goes down, even on a snowy day, temperatures drop and cleared roads, paths and other access routes can become prone to freezing over and becoming dangerous again.
It's important to consider what you're wearing on moving day as well - even more so if you're doing things yourself. Sturdy and comfortable footwear is essential - not only because of how much walking is involved but also to prevent an injury in case you drop something. No matter how hot it is, flip flops or sandals are not advisable. Lose and flowy clothes may help to keep you cool but they can also get in the way when lifting things and get caught when moving around.
A key piece of advice we would give you upon arrival at your new place is to simply scope it out. Before unloading, take a moment to look around and get your bearings and check for any hazards such as rugged carpets, uneven steps, loose furnishings or drains and even low-hanging branches.
Packing the van or lorry as close to the property as possible is recommended. Not only does this save time on moving day but also reduces the chances of slipping and falling when carrying heavy items. It also obviously reduces the amount of time spent carrying things back and forth.
At Omni Removals, we would always suggest that you use a helpful and reliable removal company to carry out your house removal or business / commercial removal. It is simply the safest option all round.
