It’s not just about muscle. Shifting bulky furniture or boxes filled to the brim can leave you with more than a sore back. Done the wrong way, lifting heavy items during a move could result in anything from dropped wardrobes to a trip to A&E. So, for families juggling the pressure of packing up and keeping life running, this bit is particularly worth getting right.
It’s tempting to just get stuck in and hope for the best, especially if you’ve roped in a mate with a van. Yet, safe moving techniques aren’t always instinctive, and that’s where it can all start to unravel.
Why Professional Removal Services Are a Safer Option
Most people don’t realise just how easy it is to get hurt shifting furniture. Heavy lifting isn’t just tough – it’s awkward. You’ve got low visibility, uneven weight, tight corners, slippery floors… the odds start stacking up.
That’s why experienced home removers don’t just rely on strength. They use skill, teamwork, and technique. They know how to angle a sofa through a narrow hallway, or how to load a van so nothing topples. So while it might seem cheaper to go DIY, the risk to your body — and your stuff — tells a different story.
Common Injuries Caused by DIY Moving
It’s not scare tactics — these are the most frequent moving mishaps:
- Lower back strain – Happens when lifting with your back instead of your legs.
- Hernias – Caused by sudden or awkward strain, particularly with twisting movements.
- Crushed fingers or toes – No gloves, no guidance, and something slips.
- Pulled muscles – Overreaching or grabbing awkward shapes can overstretch arms or shoulders.
- Slips and trips – Cluttered pathways and rushing tend to cause these.
Most are preventable. But only if you know what to avoid — and have the right help.
The Right Equipment Removal Companies Bring
Trying to carry everything by hand? That’s asking for trouble. Professional movers show up equipped to make things easier and safer. Typically, they’ll use:
- Furniture dollies – These roll heavy items with minimal effort or risk.
- Lifting straps – Help balance weight across the body and keep posture right.
- Gloves with grip – Essential for handling awkward or slippery pieces.
- Sliders and pads – Protect your floors and prevent sudden shifts.
Without this gear, you’re relying on luck and guesswork — which isn’t ideal mid-move.
Expertise and Training: What Professionals Do Differently
Here’s how trained movers handle things, step by step:
- Assess – They scan the room for hazards, doorways, and tight angles.
- Prepare – Remove obstructions, dismantle what’s safe to take apart.
- Lift properly – They bend at the knees, not the waist, keeping the item close.
- Work in pairs – Heavier items are tackled together, often in silence to stay focused.
- Secure the load – Items are tied down and padded in the van to prevent shifts.
They’ve usually been trained in safe lifting and injury prevention. It’s not just habit — it’s second nature. That means fewer mistakes, and more confidence for you.
How Hiring Professionals Saves You Time and Stress
It’s easy to underestimate how long a house move can take, especially once the big stuff starts shifting. Trying to load a van while keeping an eye on kids, answering the door, and checking the inventory? That’s a recipe for overload.
Handing the heavy lifting to pros means fewer tasks for you, fewer worries, and a lot more time to focus on what really needs your attention, like settling in. You’re not left trying to figure out how to manoeuvre a wardrobe down the stairs at 8pm. You just… don’t have to.
Cost vs. Risk: Weighing the Value of a Removal Company
Here’s what many forget: a pulled back, damaged TV, or dented wall could cost far more than hiring a professional team in the first place.
| DIY Route | Hiring a Removal Company |
| Potential medical bills (£200+) | Fixed quote with no physical risk |
| Damaged items needing repair (£150–£500) | Protected by professional insurance |
| Stress + lost time | Streamlined and efficient |
Example: A family saves £300 by going DIY. But a dropped TV and a sprained wrist later, they spend £450 in repairs and recovery — and they still had to move everything themselves.
Insurance and Liability: Added Protection with Pros
One thing professional movers bring that no friend-with-a-van can match is proper insurance. A decent removal company should cover:
- Accidental damage to items
- Damage to property (yours or someone else’s)
- Public liability in case someone gets hurt
That coverage can mean the difference between a minor hiccup and a financial headache. So, if the unexpected happens, you’re not footing the bill — or feeling the guilt.
Choosing the Right Removal Company for Your Needs
Here’s a few ways to check you’re in good hands:
- Read customer reviews – Look beyond the star rating. See what people say about communication, care, and punctuality.
- Ask about insurance – Don’t just assume they have it — get it in writing. If you need to know anything about our insurance cover, just ask!
- Test their communication – Do they answer quickly, clearly, and helpfully? We sure do here at Currans Removals!
- See if they offer quotes easily – A good team makes this smooth. You can check Currans’ trusted home removers page to get started with us today.
Your move should feel supported from the first email, not like you’re chasing answers.
Moving’s already enough of a juggling act — you don’t need to throw in pulled muscles or broken furniture too. If you’re after peace of mind, a bit less chaos, and fewer chances for things to go wrong, professional movers are your safest bet.
With all that said and done, we’re ready and waiting here at Currans, so if you want to talk it through with someone, just contact us — we’re here to help and get you ready to move.