Moving house is an exciting new chapter, but without the right precautions, it can quickly become stressful, overwhelming, and even dangerous. Amid the chaos of packing boxes and coordinating logistics, it’s easy to overlook safety, yet injuries and accidents are all too common during a house move.
At Stokes Removals, we specialise in safe and straightforward residential and business removals across Leicester, helping clients enjoy a smoother, safer moving experience. In this post, we’ll share essential safety tips when moving home to protect yourself and your belongings while making your move as hassle-free as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Use sturdy moving boxes, label everything clearly, and pack heavy items in smaller boxes to keep lifting safe and manageable.
- Change the locks on all entry points and secure your new house before fully settling in to protect your family and possessions.
- Keep pathways free of clutter, wear appropriate footwear, and keep children and pets safely away from the moving chaos.
- Choose Stokes Removals & Storage for a safe and stress-free move. With expert packing options and professional handling, we take care of packing, storage(if needed), and moving.
Pre-Move Planning
A successful move starts long before moving day. Begin your moving process by creating a detailed moving house checklist to keep track of every task. Start packing non-essential items early, and make sure to label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong in. This will make unpacking in your new house much easier.
Choosing the right removal company is also key; take time to research and compare options to find a company that fits your needs and budget. As you prepare, don’t forget to update your address with utility suppliers, insurance providers, and any other important contacts.
Staying organised and proactive during this stage will help the whole process go smoothly and reduce stress as you get closer to moving day.
Packing
If you decide to do the packing yourself, invest in some good quality boxes, including sturdy cardboard boxes and the right size boxes for different items, tapes and markers to ensure that your belongings are safely packed away and boxes won’t split. Make sure to label each box clearly for easy identification during the move.
Avoid overpacking your boxes and always pack lighter items in bigger boxes, or they will become too heavy to lift. Use smaller boxes and small boxes for heavy items to prevent injuries and make transportation easier.
For heavier items, pack them at the bottom of boxes so that the weight will be distributed, and pack heavier items in smaller boxes to avoid overpacking. Ensure the heaviest boxes are placed at the bottom for stability during transport.
Choosing the right size boxes for different belongings helps prevent damage and makes lifting safer. When packing boxes with valuable items, create an inventory and take extra care to protect them. Use bubble wrap or newspaper to ensure that items do not move around inside, which can make it dangerous to carry them.
Lifting
You must know how to lift using your legs instead of your back to prevent long-term injuries, as well as avoid accidents through proper lifting techniques. Your leg muscles are much stronger, and they should be taking the majority of the weight. To make it easier, place boxes on top of chairs or tables as you pack to avoid bending down as much.
Take the time to assess how heavy the boxes will be and make sure that you can take the strain without injuring your back in the process.
Clear Pathways of Clutter
It’s really easy to get carried away while packing and end up with your floors and hallways covered with boxes. Make sure before leaving an area that you clear the walkways so that its easy to move around without tripping. Entrances and stairs are particularly hazardous so these should remain completely clear at all times.
Keep paper towels handy for quick cleanups to maintain safe, clutter-free walkways during the move.
Appropriate Footwear & Clothing
The right gear will make the task of moving house a lot easier. You need to choose clothes that are comfortable for you to move around in and that you don’t mind getting dusty.
All the packing and lifting can make you warm, but with doors opening as people pass through, the temperature might drop just as fast, so it’s best to wear layers. Wear appropriate footwear to keep your toes safe. Sandals and high heels will only slow you down, so choose closed shoes with grip on the soles.
Kids & Pets
If you are spending days packing, it would be wise to get a relative, a trusted friend, or family members to look after the kids and the pets on the day of the move.
While it might be fun to do things as a family, this is one activity that isn’t suitable for them to take part in. With all the rushing about and obstacles around, the removal environment isn’t safe for young children or pets.
Home Security
When moving house, ensuring your new property is secure should be a top priority. Consider installing a modern security system to protect your belongings and give you peace of mind.
Check the locks on your front and back doors. If you’re unsure who might have a spare key, it’s wise to change them. Walk through your new house and inspect all entry points, including windows and side doors, to make sure they are properly secured.
Keep your valuables safe by storing them in a secure location until you’re fully settled. Using your moving house checklist to track these security steps will help you feel confident that your new home is protected from day one.
Outdoor Safety
Don’t overlook the outside of your property when it comes to safety. Inspect the exterior for any hazards, such as overgrown bushes or broken outdoor lights, which could pose risks or attract unwanted attention.
Installing motion-sensitive outdoor lights can help deter intruders and make it easier to navigate your property at night. Always keep pathways clear of clutter and debris to avoid trips and falls, especially when moving boxes in and out.
Building a good relationship with your neighbours can also enhance security. Friendly neighbours are often happy to keep an eye on your property when you’re away. Taking these steps will help you create a safe and welcoming environment around your new home.
Moving Day Etiquette
Moving day can feel overwhelming, but a little courtesy goes a long way. Clearly label boxes so movers know where everything belongs, and double-check that all your possessions are packed and ready before the removal company arrives.
Keep pets and children safely out of the way to avoid accidents and distractions. Be mindful of your neighbours by minimising noise and keeping shared spaces tidy.
Offering refreshments to your movers and expressing your appreciation for their hard work can help create a positive atmosphere. By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure that moving day runs smoothly for everyone involved.
Call in the Experts
Moving house is one of the times when you constantly need an extra pair of hands. Requesting help from friends and family can help but for the best support, consider calling in the professionals, professional movers can handle every aspect of your home move, from packing and wrapping to ensuring everything is transported safely and efficiently.
Stokes Removals allow you to have as much or as little help as you like with our full or part packing options to complement our removals service.
We can pack specialist objects or specific rooms, or help pack and move all of your belongings – the choice is yours. Once packed, we will take care of all the lifting and transport for you in a safe and organised manner.
Your moving items will be loaded securely into a removal van or moving truck, ensuring they arrive safely at your new home.
Relocation doesn’t have to be painful. For a smooth and safe transition arranged by the professionals, call Stokes Removals & Storage on 0116 239 3000.
Post-Move Safety
Once you’ve moved in, take a few extra steps to make your new home as safe and secure as possible. Start by taking meter readings and updating your address with utility providers, insurance providers, council tax, and the electoral roll to ensure you don’t miss any important communications.
Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries if needed, and consider changing the locks on your front and back doors for added security.
Keep valuables safe and make sure pathways remain clear to prevent accidents. Good outdoor lighting will help keep your property secure at night. By following these tips, you’ll create a safe, comfortable environment for your family in your new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I pack moving boxes to make lifting heavy items safer?
When packing moving boxes, use sturdy boxes for heavy items and pack heavier items at the bottom for stability. Avoid overpacking boxes to prevent injury during lifting and ensure the boxes have clear labels to identify their contents and destination room.
Should I change the locks on my new home after moving in?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to change the locks on all entry points after moving into a new house to ensure no previous owners or others have access via an unlocked door. This enhances your security and peace of mind.
What important address details should I update after moving?
You should update your address details with insurance providers, utility companies, direct debits, and other important contacts. Informing them of your exact date of move ensures important communications aren’t missed during this stressful time.
What identification or documents should I carry or have ready on moving day?
Carry your driving licence or any other ID, along with important documents related to your move. Keep a list of labelled boxes and ensure movers know which boxes contain heavy items for safer handling during transport.
Conclusion
Moving home is an exciting transition, but it requires careful attention to safety to prevent stress, injuries, and mishaps. By planning ahead, packing smartly, using proper lifting techniques, and keeping walkways clear, you can greatly reduce risks on moving day.
Securing your new property and taking precautions to protect your family, pets, and belongings will give you peace of mind.
Partnering with Stokes Removals & Storage ensures that every step, from packing to lifting to transport, is handled safely and efficiently, making your move smoother and hassle-free. Follow these essential safety tips and set yourself up for a successful, safe move into your new home.