Moving is chaos – let’s be honest.
Boxes everywhere, deadlines looming, and then there’s the dreaded moment you realize something heavy needs to come down from that high shelf. Or worse, up the stairs. Suddenly, moving isn’t just stressful – it’s risky.
Heights add a whole new layer of danger, and it’s easy to overlook safety in the rush. But here’s the thing: a little planning can save a lot of pain.
Let’s talk about the common mistakes people make when tackling heights during a move and how you can avoid them.
1. Wobbly Ladders Are a No-Go
Grabbing that old, rickety ladder from the garage? Bad idea. It’s tempting to use whatever’s nearby, but a shaky ladder is an accident waiting to happen.
What to Do Instead:
Use a sturdy ladder that’s the right height for the job. Make sure it’s on solid ground, and if you’re unsure, get someone to hold it steady for you.
2. Don’t Be a Hero with Heavy Boxes
Carrying a giant box up a ladder or stairs? Sounds brave—until you lose your balance. Trying to save time by hauling too much at once is a classic mistake.
What to Do Instead:
Break it down into smaller loads or get someone to help. It’s slower, but it’s also safer. Trust me, your back (and your dignity) will thank you.
3. Forgetting Safety Gear
No gloves, slippery shoes, and no harness? You’re basically daring gravity to win. Safety gear might seem like overkill, but it’s not when you’re working at heights.
What to Do Instead:
Wear grippy shoes, gloves for better handling, and if you’re on a roof or similar, use a safety harness. No one looks cool falling off a ladder.
4. Clutter Kills (Almost Literally)
Boxes and tools scattered around ladders or staircases are accidents waiting to happen. Tripping hazards + heights = bad news.
What to Do Instead:
Clear the area before you start. Seriously, this one’s easy—just keep your workspace tidy.
5. Rushing Is Your Worst Enemy
Trying to speed through the job leads to careless mistakes. Skipping ladder checks or balancing on the top rung to “save time” is how injuries happen.
What to Do Instead:
Slow down. Take a minute to secure your ladder or rethink your approach. Moving day is stressful, but it’s not worth a trip to the hospital.
6. Working Alone on Tricky Tasks
Some jobs aren’t meant to be tackled solo. Balancing a heavy box while climbing or unloading roof storage by yourself? Nope.
What to Do Instead:
Ask for help. A friend, a neighbor, or even professional movers. Having someone there to stabilize the ladder or carry the other end of the couch makes a huge difference.
7. Ignoring Equipment Inspections
That old ladder might not look broken, but looks can be deceiving. Cracks, rust, or loose screws can lead to disaster.
What to Do Instead:
Inspect your equipment before using it. If something feels off, replace it. A reliable ladder is a cheap investment compared to a hospital bill.
8. Roof Racks and High Spaces Are Tricky
Unloading roof racks or dealing with attic storage without preparation is a recipe for slips and falls.
What to Do Instead:
Plan ahead. Secure your footing, use a proper ladder, and don’t overreach. Better yet, let the pros handle anything that feels unsafe.
9. Navigating Stairs with Oversized Loads
Carrying large items up or down stairs without clear footing or visibility is risky business.
What to Do Instead:
Use a stair dolly for heavy loads or ask for someone’s help to guide you. And never carry something so big it blocks your view of the steps.
10. Blind Trust in Movers
Assuming your hired movers know everything about safety isn’t always smart. Not every moving company takes height safety seriously.
What to Do Instead:
Ask questions. Do they have proper safety protocols? Are they using good equipment? If something feels off, speak up.
Bottom Line
Moving is hard enough—don’t make it dangerous. Take a little extra time to plan, use the right equipment, and ask for help when you need it. Heights don’t have to be scary, but they do demand respect. Play it safe, and you’ll get through moving day with no accidents—just a new place to call home.
We hope you found this blog post on Avoid These Common Height Safety Mistakes When Moving, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Best Practices for Moving Large Loads Across State Lines for more great tips!
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