How to Use Straps to Lift Heavy Objects
Moving can be a daunting task to do without professional help, and many people strain their muscles or injure their backs when attempting to lift furniture without substantial assistance. In addition to calling a friend to help you move your heavy furniture, consider using moving straps to help you use leverage instead of pure muscle to get heavy objects off the ground. Lifting straps can be operated by any two adults in good health and function by lowering the center of gravity of the object and allow you to carry an object without bending all the way down to the floor. Once you get the hang of them, you won't move anything without them. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Read the specific instructions for your brand of lifting straps in their entirety before you attempt to lift furniture with the straps.
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Check lifting straps for any frayed or worn areas that may break during moving, and replace straps that display significant wear and tear.
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Fit the lifting straps onto your forearms or chest, depending on the design of the specific model, and assist your partner in fitting and securing the other end of the straps.
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Lay the moving straps on the floor in front of the object you wish to lift. Holding the object from behind with one hand, or having another partner assist from behind the object, tip the piece of furniture backward.
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Shift the moving straps underneath the object and center them so that one is nearer the back of the object and the other is nearer the front and the two straps are roughly the same distance from their respective sides of the piece of furniture.
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Keep your knees bent and back upright, and position your arms to brace the object prior to lifting. Communicate with your partner when you are ready to lift.
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Lift the object together by standing up, straightening the knees and allowing the moving straps to lift the object from underneath.
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Communicate with your partner as you move the object, one of you taking small steps backward and the other taking small steps forward.
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Bend your knees, together with your partner, to return the object to the floor, keeping your back straight as you lower the object with the moving straps.
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Remove the straps by again tilting the object backward with one arm or another partner bracing the object from behind and sliding the straps out from under the object. Take the straps off of your forearms or chest and store them for later use.
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Tips & Warnings
Always lift with the strength of your legs, not the muscles in your back, and keep your back as upright as possible during all stages of moving heavy furniture or appliances with lifting straps.
Do not use moving straps if you suffer from chronic back pain or have sustained a back injury because minor strain to the back can easily result in re-injury.
