Moving is not always without risk

Muscle pull and lumbar sprain are just two of the health hazards movers may encounter in the mad dash to get things done by July 1.

MONTREAL, June 26, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - As Moving Day approaches, Quebecers are frantically packing up their belongings and getting ready to haul them to their new abodes. As demand for Moving Day resources like trucks and vans increases and movers look to get things done on a budget, many will be forced to make the move in a few short hours. However, a few hours or minutes saved on Moving Day could end up costing you dearly down the road. According to a survey conducted by Kijiji Canada, nearly one in five Quebecers say they have suffered moving-related injuries, whether they were moving or they were helping a friend move. Furthermore, men (69%) and students (35%) seem more likely to sustain injuries.

"People can't be bothered to use the right equipment or ensure they're properly lifting and transporting heavy objects, says Mathieu Drugeon, a kinesiologist and Communications Director of the Fédération des Kinésiologues. "Certain repetitive movements like lifting boxes filled with books can do serious damage."

"If you are looking for the right equipment or a helping hand, it's easy to find moving-related services and equipment online. It's also a good idea to think about lightening the load by selling or giving away unwanted items before the move. Post items for sale on a free, local, classifieds website like Kijiji and have the buyer do the heavy lifting," says Marc-André Hade, communications and marketing specialist at Kijiji.

Some injuries caused by moving can be serious. Overlook important steps can lead to injuries such as sprains lumbar (35%) or muscle stretching (38%).

Drugeon suggests the following tips to help avoid injury on Moving Day:

1. Boxes: Collect as many moving boxes as possible. This will allow you to evenly distribute the weight of your items and keep them from being too heavy or awkward. Lots of moderately heavy boxes are much better than a few back-breakers! Carry one box at a time and make sure you can see where you're going.
   
   
2. Equipment: Wear gloves with anti-slip grips to protect your hands and keep from dropping the boxes. Wear comfy shoes with good soles. Straps, carts, and dollies can also be very handy and are cheap to rent or buy used on Kijiji. If you invest in Moving Day equipment, don't forget you can also sell it on Kijiji once the move is complete.
   
   
3. Cleaning: Make sure rooms are free of clutter and be sure to roll up any rugs or put away any items you could trip on.
   
   
4. Many hands make light work: Depending on the weight of the object, you should always enlist the help of at least one other person to move bigger items like appliances or furniture, especially when you have to go up or down stairs.
   
   
5. Clear communication will ensure the object is moved safely. In an ideal world, your moving buddies should be of similar height and strength so that the weight of the object can be shared equally.
   
   
6. Warm up and stretch: When moving day finally rolls around, be sure to warm up the muscles in your arms, legs, and especially your back. People often forget that it is also important to stretch after moving.
   
   
7. Lifting: There is an art to lifting boxes properly. Most moving-related injuries involve the back. To avoid injury, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and bend at the knees. Lift with your legs, using your arms to secure the box. Always hold the box close to your body.
   
   
8. Stay hydrated: Be sure to drink lots of water and don't forget to take breaks.

Drugeon suggests icing minor injuries. If the pain persists, consult a health professional.

Residents of Québec can find last-minute help on Moving Day at www.kijiji.ca.

About the survey
The survey was conducted online by Léger Marketing from June 12 to 15, 2012, among a sample group of 1,000 Quebecers. There was a margin of error of 2.5 percent, i.e., 19 out of 20. The survey was commissioned by Kijiji Canada.

About Kijiji Canada
Kijiji, which means "village" in Swahili, is the number one classifieds website in Canada, connecting ten million buyers and sellers each month. Kijiji.ca offers Canadians a free, easy, and local way to buy, sell, and trade goods and services in their community. With local sites for more than 100 cities and towns across the country, Kijiji makes it easy for Canadians to find exactly what they're looking for in their own community.

Véronique Beauchamp | Miriam Lauzon
514 739-1188, ext. 247 | 224
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