Moving a heavy piece of furniture to another room or a heavy piece of equipment to storage? Here's how to do it without hurting your back:
1. Clear the path of all possible obstructions. Give yourself plenty of room. Measure doors to see if they have to be removed to give you a few extra inches to get through.
2. Know exactly where you plan to place the object so you don't have to move it several times. This is especially important if you're lifting with someone else's help.
3. Decide where you will grip the object and where you will put it down if you have to. If there are no acceptable grip points, strap it to a dolly.
4. If you are lifting an object by yourself, don't overload. It's safer to make two trips with 30-pound loads than to carry 60 pounds at once.
5. Never lift from a position that causes you to twist your back to one side or the other. If necessary, slide the heavy object into an open space so you can lift it straight up.
6. Don't bend your back to lift objects. Instead, bend into a squatting position and use the stronger muscles in your legs and backside to push yourself (and the object) back up.