You can avoid injuries by not rushing, wearing protective attire, clearing pathways, and using proper lifting form (lift with your legs, not your back). For heavy items, the safest choice is to rely on Atlas Van Lines' trained professional movers.
With all of the effort that goes into getting to moving day, you might be tempted to work as quickly as possible so you can finally start getting situated in your new home. However, the physical labor needed to get belongings from your old house to your new one can be full of potential dangers if you don't plan and act carefully. Let's look at how to stay safe as you move.
How to Stay Safe on Moving Day
Moving day can be physically demanding and even risky if you’re not prepared. These expert-approved safety tips can help you protect yourself, your family, and your belongings.
1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Trying to rush through moving day is one of the biggest causes of accidents. To stay safe:
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Plan your start and end times realistically
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Build in time for traffic, breaks, and unexpected delays
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Avoid rushing when lifting, packing, or driving
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Choose an early start if it means you can stay safer throughout the day
Why it matters:
Slips, trips, falls, and driving too fast are major risks when you’re hurrying. A slower, safer pace is worth the extra time.
2. Dress for Safety and Comfort
Your clothing can make moving day easier and much safer.
Recommended Clothing
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Weather-appropriate layers (for winter moves)
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Light, breathable fabrics (for summer moves. The most popular moving months are June, July, and August, accounting for over 60% of moves.)
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Long sleeves and pants for sun protection
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Protective gloves for handling rough or heavy items
Footwear Essentials
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Closed-toe shoes or boots
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Strong gripping tread
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Protective toe cap if available
3. Have a Plan for Your Kids
Moving day is full of activity and heavy lifting. To keep children safe:
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Set aside a designated play area away from foot traffic
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Bring toys, tablets, games, or snacks to keep them occupied
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Assign an adult or older teen to supervise
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Keep doors closed or blocked off as needed
4. Leave the Heavy Lifting to the Professionals
Hiring trained movers is one of the safest decisions you can make on moving day.
Professional movers help reduce your risk of:
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Back injuries
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Dropping heavy boxes or furniture
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Damaging items while carrying them
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Scraping walls, floors, and doorframes
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Vehicle accidents involving moving trucks
When safety is a priority, a trained moving crew is your best resource.
Expert Safety Insights & Real Customer Experiences
Professional movers encounter the full range of moving-day challenges (like tricky staircases, tight entryways, heavy boxes), and their expertise can help prevent injuries, protect your belongings, and make the entire experience far less stressful.
Professional Insights from Atlas Moving Experts
Our crews regularly share the same core safety advice with families preparing for moving day:
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Clear pathways before lifting anything. Tripping hazards like loose rugs, toys, cords, or clutter are the leading causes of moving-day injuries.
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Lift with your legs, not your back. Using proper lifting form dramatically reduces strain and prevents pulled muscles.
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Use the right equipment. Items such as hand trucks, lifting straps, and furniture sliders make even the heaviest objects safer to move.
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Load heavier items first. This helps stabilize the moving truck and prevents shifting that could lead to damage or injury.
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Don’t move items you’re not comfortable handling. Large appliances, heavy furniture, and fragile valuables are safer in the hands of trained professionals.
What Customers Say About Our Safe, Professional Moves
Leave the Hard Work to the Professional Movers and Packers
Working with a dependable moving company means letting experienced pros handle the many potential risks that come with moving, from driving the moving truck to unloading heavy items. Under 10% of moving companies offer a fully integrated moving experience with storage, packing, and transport all handled by one provider like Atlas does. To learn more, get in touch with your local Atlas agent today!
Moving Day Safety FAQs
1. What safety items should I have available on moving day?
It helps to keep a “safety kit” accessible. This can include gloves, a flashlight, basic tools, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and moving blankets. Having these items nearby prevents scrambling mid-move, which reduces risk.
2. How can I keep floors and entryways safe while movers are coming in and out?
Use doormats, runners, or cardboard to prevent slipping and to protect floors. If it’s raining or snowing, lay down towels or traction mats to reduce moisture on hard surfaces.
3. What should I do with pets during the move?
Pets can easily slip out doors or get underfoot. Keep them in a closed room with food, water, and toys or consider boarding them for the day so movers can work safely without risk to your animals.
4. How do I tell if a box is packed safely?
A safe box should:
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Close fully
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Be liftable without straining
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Have weight distributed evenly
- Be strong enough for what’s inside
If a box feels unstable or too heavy, repack it to prevent dropped items or injuries.
5. Should I disassemble furniture myself or let movers handle it?
If you’re unsure how to take apart a piece of furniture, or if it requires tools or strength, it’s safer to let the professionals do it. Movers know how to protect hardware, stabilize pieces, and avoid injuries during disassembly. Atlas offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services so you don't need to lift a finger.
6. What if I discover something is too heavy for me while moving?
Stop immediately. Straining or pushing through can cause injuries that linger long after moving day. Ask for help or leave the item for the moving team.
7. Can Atlas help with awkward or fragile items that feel risky to move?
Yes. Atlas crews are trained to handle specialty items like glass tables, pianos, appliances, treadmills, and unusual-shaped furniture. They know how to protect edges, prevent tipping, and navigate tricky hallways or stairs.
8. What should I do if weather changes suddenly on moving day?
Unexpected weather can make moving unsafe. If conditions shift quickly:
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Pause carrying items outdoors
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Secure boxes away from moisture
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Use towels or mats for traction
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Ask your Atlas team to adjust the loading plan
9. How do I stay hydrated and avoid fatigue during a long move?
Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Schedule short breaks every hour to stretch and reset. Fatigue is one of the biggest contributors to moving-day injuries.
10. What safety advantages do professional movers offer that DIY moving doesn’t?
Professional movers bring:
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Specialized equipment
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Trained lifting techniques
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Experience with obstacles and awkward loads
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Proper loading and unloading procedures
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Teamwork that reduces risk