Moving 101: How We Keep Your Items Safe

Moving can be stressful, and one of the biggest concerns homeowners have is whether their belongings will arrive safely at their new location. As professional movers with over a decade of experience, we've developed comprehensive safety protocols and invested in specialized equipment to ensure your items are protected every step of the way.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact techniques and equipment professional movers use to keep your belongings safe—from the moment we arrive at your door until everything is safely delivered to your new location.

The Foundation of Safe Moving: Proper Technique

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), manual materials handling is the principal source of workplace injuries, with four out of five affecting the lower back. This is why professional movers are trained in proper lifting techniques that protect both the mover and your belongings.

OSHA-Approved Lifting Guidelines

While OSHA doesn't mandate specific weight limits, research shows that the maximum safe lifting weight in ideal conditions is 50 pounds. For heavier items, professional movers use mechanical assistance—which is where our specialized equipment comes into play.

Professional movers follow these key safety principles:

• ✓ Planning the lift: Assess the item, check the path for obstacles, and ensure the floor is dry and safe
• ✓ Proper body mechanics: Squat with a straight back, keep the load close to the body, and lift with leg muscles
• ✓ No twisting: Move feet to turn instead of twisting the torso, keeping hips, shoulders, and knees aligned
• ✓ Power zone positioning: Store items at mid-thigh to mid-chest height whenever possible

Professional-Grade Packing Materials

The right materials make all the difference in protecting your belongings. Professional movers use specialized, high-quality materials designed specifically for transport:

Moving Blankets & Furniture Pads

These thick, quilted blankets provide cushioning and protection for furniture surfaces. They're secured with packing tape or stretch wrap to stay in place during transport.

Bubble Wrap & Foam Sheets

For delicate surfaces and fragile items, bubble wrap and foam sheets provide essential cushioning. These materials absorb shock and prevent scratches during the move.

Stretch Wrap (Plastic Film)

This versatile material keeps drawers closed, protects surfaces, holds padding in place, and prevents shifting during transport. It's essential for keeping furniture components secure.

Specialized Boxes

Double-walled dish boxes for fragile kitchenware, mirror boxes for artwork and glass, and wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes all provide extra protection where it's needed most.

The Game-Changer: Hydraulic Liftgate Technology

One of the most significant safety innovations in professional moving is the hydraulic liftgate. At Locally Swift, our truck is equipped with this essential piece of equipment, and here's why it matters:

Why Liftgates Matter

1. Enhanced Safety: Liftgates minimize the risk of back injuries and other worker injuries by providing mechanical assistance for heavy loads, reducing physical strain.
2. No Special Equipment Needed: Not every location has a loading dock or forklift. Our liftgate allows seamless loading and unloading anywhere.
3. Protection for Your Items: The stable, controlled platform reduces the risk of items falling or getting damaged during the loading/unloading process.
4. Universal Access: Whether you're moving from a home without a loading dock, a second-floor apartment, or a business location, the liftgate makes delivery possible and safe.

Our hydraulic liftgate can handle items up to 2,000 pounds, making it perfect for heavy appliances, furniture, safes, and more.

Strategic Loading and Securing Techniques

How items are loaded into the truck is just as important as how they're wrapped. Professional movers follow specific protocols:

Weight Distribution

Heavy items are loaded first at the bottom to create a solid, stable foundation. This prevents shifting and ensures lighter, more fragile items remain protected on top.

Securing Methods

Professional movers use ratchet straps, ropes, and securing systems to anchor large, heavy pieces to the truck's frame or anchor points. This prevents movement during transport—even on bumpy roads or around corners.

Strategic Placement

Fragile items are loaded last and positioned away from pressure points. We create a buffer zone around breakables using softer items like cushions, linens, and clothing.

Specialized Moving Equipment

Beyond the liftgate, professional movers rely on various specialized tools:

• • Dollies and Hand Trucks: Essential for moving heavy appliances, stacked boxes, and furniture while minimizing strain
• • Furniture Straps: Products like Forearm Forklift Moving Straps distribute weight across the forearms and shoulders, protecting the back
• • Floor Runners: Protective coverings that prevent damage to your floors and carpets during the move
• • Protective Gloves: Proper PPE prevents finger injuries and provides better grip, reducing the chance of dropping items

Material-Specific Handling Techniques

Different furniture materials require different protection approaches:

Strategic Disassembly and Reassembly

When necessary, professional movers will disassemble larger furniture items such as beds, tables, and cabinets. This approach:

• ✓ Makes items easier to handle and transport through doorways and tight spaces
• ✓ Reduces the risk of damage to both the furniture and your home's walls and doorframes
• ✓ Allows for better weight distribution during lifting and loading
• ✓ All parts are carefully packed, labeled, and organized for easy reassembly

The Locally Swift Difference

At Locally Swift Transport, we combine all these professional techniques with over a decade of experience serving our local community. Here's what sets us apart:

Conclusion: Safety Through Expertise

Professional moving safety isn't just about having the right equipment—it's about combining proper techniques, specialized tools, experience, and genuine care for your belongings. From OSHA-approved lifting methods to hydraulic liftgates and strategic loading practices, every step in our process is designed to keep your items safe.

When you choose professional movers like Locally Swift Transport, you're not just paying for muscle—you're investing in expertise, proper equipment, and peace of mind. We treat your belongings as if they were our own, ensuring they arrive at your new location in the same condition they left.

Ready to experience the difference that professional moving makes? Contact us today for a free quote on your next local move.