How to Use Moving Straps

Full article 12 min read
How to Use Moving Straps

Moving is physically a stressful experience. It can be very taxing on your body and often lead to aches and pains. One way to help reduce stress on your body is by using moving straps. Moving straps are a type of harness that enables you to carry heavy items more easily. They distribute the item’s weight across your body, which reduces the strain on your muscles.

You can get them at your local store or on Amazon. A good set of four should cost less than $25.00. On the other hand, moving straps look like a twist of nylon when they’re pulled out of the box, and it’s not always obvious how to use them. But don’t be concerned. We’ve outlined step-by-step instructions for using moving straps as well as all you need to know about them.

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What Exactly are Moving Straps?

Moving straps are a type of harness that helps you to carry heavy items more easily. They are usually adjustable, so you can tighten them around the item to be carried. Moving straps uses the principle of leverage to help you carry larger and heavier items more easily. This reduces the amount of strain on your body, so you can move furniture or appliances without feeling tired at all.

Picking up items from the floor is not difficult, but picking up something off the ground that is higher than your waist can be quite challenging, especially if it’s heavy. While lifting the heavy objects, moving straps lower the object’s center of gravity, which further reduces the strain on your body. Especially if you have to carry things upstairs, moving straps are a must-have.

Also Read: Why Moving is So Stressful?

What Size Straps Do I Need?

To get the correct size of strap for an item, simply measure around it. Pick a strap that is at least one foot longer than the circumference of the item to be moved, just to give yourself some flexibility. If you’re not sure how much space to allow between the straps and what they are attached to, err on the side of caution. You can always make them tighter, but you can’t make them looser if they’re already too loose.

You want to make sure that you get the right size for the item that you’re carrying. If the strap is too small, it won’t be easy to use and might not be very effective. If the strap is too large, it will be loose and might fall off.

How to Use Them While Moving?

Adjust the straps

The first thing you need to do is adjust the straps to fit around the item you’re carrying. Make sure that they are tight enough so that the item does not move around, but not so tight that it’s difficult to move them. You want them to be snug but not tight.

Grab the straps

Next, grab the straps in each hand and hold them close to your body. This will help you balance the object’s weight while you’re carrying it.

Lift with your legs

When lifting the object, use your legs to lift it instead of your back. This will take some of the strain off your back and make it easier to carry the object.

Carry the object

Once you lift the object, carry it quickly and confidently to its destination. You will need to walk carefully while carrying an item with moving straps. Be aware of where your feet are landing as you move forward so that you don’t stumble or trip. If you stumble or trip, you could drop the item!

Do not let go

While carrying the item, do not let go of the straps until it is in its final destination, and you can rest assured that it will stay put. If you need to stop while carrying the item, try finding a nearby chair or table so that you can place it on top of one of these objects.

Know the weight limits

There are different types of furniture straps, so you need to know what kind of items you will be moving before purchasing some. Make sure that they are designed for the type of weight you’re carrying and that they have a maximum load capacity of more than twice the weight that you expect to carry on your own.

Also Read: Out of State Moving Tips

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What Kind of Straps Do I Need?

Moving straps are the same thing as furniture straps. They’re adjustable, typically made of nylon, and come in sets of two or four. For most moves that involve carrying items with moving straps, you will need at least four sets to lift everything comfortably. If you have to move heavy items, get at least eight sets.

Forearm Moving Straps

Forearm moving straps are designed to help you carry heavy items with ease. They fit around your forearm and allow you to carry the object without using your hands. This can be helpful if you need to use your hands for something else, such as opening a door or carrying another object.

To use forearm moving straps, first, adjust them to fit around your forearm. Make sure that they are tight enough so that the object does not move around, but not so tight that it’s difficult to breathe. Next, grab the straps in each hand and hold them close to your body. This will help you balance the object’s weight while you’re carrying it.

After placing the straps around a sofa or other piece of furniture, grab each strap in each hand and pull them tight, so they fit snugly against the underside of the couch. Once you have adjusted the straps to the couch, put your knee on top of it and use your leg muscles to lift the couch off the ground. Finally, carry the couch or other item to its destination and place it down gently.

Shoulder Moving Straps

Shoulder moving straps are designed to help you carry heavy items with ease. They fit around your shoulders and allow you to carry the object without using your hands. When you lift using your shoulder straps, the item’s weight will be distributed evenly between your shoulders and back. Usually, the straps cross in the back, making an “x” shape under your shoulders.

To use shoulder moving straps, first, adjust them to fit around your shoulders, as shown in the diagram that came with the packet of moving straps. Position the harness over your shoulders and allow the straps to hang down around your arms. Ensure that the straps fit snugly against your body but not so tightly that they restrict movement. Place the item you intend to lift over the back of your legs and slip the lifting strap underneath it. Center it by tying the strap from your harness to its bar on the front. Have a partner do the same thing.

Adjust the strap length to lift the item at least 4 inches off the ground. Your friend should do the same. The object should be level when you stand. This implies that the shorter individual will have a more vacant strap on the floor than the taller individual. Put the excess strap into your harness to avoid tripping on it.

Bend your legs and place the hands in front of you on the object’s side. Push against the object and lift with your legs, keeping your back straight, in conjunction with your partner. Move slowly, with one person taking the first steps forward and the other taking small steps back. Continue to stabilize the item with your hands.

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Tips For Using Moving Straps

Make sure that the strap fits around your arm or shoulder comfortably, but not too tightly. If it’s too tight, it can prevent you from breathing properly and cause bruising on your skin, which is likely to happen when the straps are under a lot of stress.

If possible, get four sets of moving straps so that you have two people to carry the items. This will make them much easier to carry, especially when moving heavy objects like sofas or filing cabinets.

Moving straps are designed with your safety in mind, but accidents can still happen when using them. Ensure there aren’t any hazards nearby before slipping on the straps and lifting an item. If you drop the item, make sure that it’s on a padded surface in case of damage.

Moving straps are designed to be used by two people to support their weight. If you need to carry an object alone or with more than one other person, consider using some type of manual lifting devices like a jack or forklift.

Also Read: Tips to Make Moving With Kids Stress-free

Conclusion

Using moving straps can make your move significantly easier, whether you’re moving locally or out of state. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be able to use them safely and effectively to transport heavy items without any strain. Make sure that you try them out before your big move to know how they work and adjust the straps for a perfect fit.

Also Read: Where to Donate Your Furniture

FAQs

Do the straps fit everyone?

No, the straps fit most people, but it’s important to adjust them to fit properly. If they’re too tight, they can cause bruising or breathing problems.

How do I lift the object using the straps?

First, adjust the straps so that they fit comfortably around your arm or shoulder. Lift the object by bending your legs and pushing against it with your hands. The object should be level when you stand. Have a partner do the same thing on the other side.

How many people are needed to use moving straps?

Two people are needed for this type of lifting. If you need to carry an object alone or with more than one other person, consider using some type of manual lifting device like a jack or forklift.

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What are moving straps?

They’re designed to make heavy items easier to transport across any surface. Moving straps are adjustable and meant to be worn as a harness so that you can lift heavy objects safely and without added strain to your back or legs.

Why are moving straps important?

Moving straps aren’t just for convenience – they’re actually designed with your safety in mind. They take a lot of pressure off your body, especially the back and the knees, which means that you can carry heavy objects without worrying about added strain.

Written by


Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.