Tips for a heavy parcel delivery

It only takes a few moments to plan a safe move for a heavy parcel, a few moments that can save weeks of torture. So, next time you're about to move a heavy parcel remember these tips, courtesy of courier comparison site, Rapid Parcel.

Decide where it's going

Before you even begin to think about lifting you need to know where you are going to put your parcel. Make sure the area is clear and ready to put it down safely and easily.

When you're carrying something big, you are not going to be able to see the floor in front of you, so make sure the route is clear with nothing for you to trip over. If at all possible have someone guide you.

Size it up

Avoiding injury when you lift is as much about the way you do it, as it is about how strong you are. Have a good look. Where are you going to hold it so that you have it gripped securely? And are you well balanced and not going to damage it?

Now without actually lifting it, get a feel for the weight. Can you manage it without a struggle?

Take the strain

Don't bend over at the waist, bend at the knees. Tighten your stomach muscles, keep your back straight and upright, and then use your legs to do the real work of lifting. Now hold the parcel close to your chest, and hug it like you love it.

OK, so it's up and you're off. As you turn don't twist at the waist, shuffle your feet round until you're facing the right way. Move off slowly, keeping your chin up.

Safe landings

We've got this far, let's not undo all the good work now as we put the parcel down. Do it all again in reverse, and don't forget fingers or toes in the last few moments.

Spreading the load

If you've decided the parcel is too big for one person and you're going to get help lifting it, try to make sure the load is evenly spread. It's best if you and your helper are pretty much the same height and strength.

Giving it the slip

When a parcel is too bulky to lift, or you're just moving it a short distance, you're going to want to slide it. Pushing is much safer than pulling, there's less strain and you can see where the parcel is going.

To avoid strain you need to get low, put yourself at the same level as the parcel. Just as with lifting, pushing while you're bent over puts extra strain on your body.

Your back, in the future

Couriered delivery of parcels is growing at an amazing rate, and we're all going to be moving a lot more heavy items in the future. So, think back, remember our tips, and let's see smiles not winces.