Moving house. It’s a phrase that can send shivers down the spine of even the most organised person. The boxes, the packing tape, the endless lists – it’s enough to make anyone want to curl up in a ball and pretend it’s not happening. But beyond the stress and chaos, there’s a hidden danger lurking in the world of DIY moving that many of us overlook: the risk to our health. It’s no wonder that medical professionals often recommend hiring professional removalists to handle the heavy lifting.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Come off it, mate! How dangerous can it be to chuck a few boxes in the back of a ute? Why bother with professional removalists?” Well, let me tell you a story that might change your mind and have you reaching for the phone to call a removalist company faster than you can say “slipped disc”.
A Cautionary Tale
Picture this: It’s a scorching hot Saturday in Sydney. My mate Dave, bless him, decided he was going to save a few dollarydoos by moving his entire three-bedroom house by himself. “No worries,” he said. “I’ve got muscles to spare!”
Fast forward 12 hours, and there’s poor Dave, flat on his back in the emergency room, with a slipped disc and more bruises than a bag of dropped peaches. The doctors shook their heads, muttering about “amateur movers” and “preventable injuries”.
Dave’s story isn’t unique. In fact, according to a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia, DIY moving is responsible for a significant number of preventable injuries each year. The research showed that back injuries, in particular, spike during peak moving seasons [1].
But it’s not just about throwing your back out. Oh no, the health risks of DIY moving go far beyond a bit of back pain. Let’s break it down, shall we?
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: More Than Just a Pain in the Neck
When we talk about moving injuries, the first thing that comes to mind is usually back pain. And fair enough – it’s a common issue. But the truth is, DIY moving can wreak havoc on your entire musculoskeletal system.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a physiotherapist at Melbourne’s Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, sees the aftermath of DIY moves all too often. “It’s not just backs,” she explains. “We’re talking shoulder strains, knee injuries, even wrist and ankle sprains. People underestimate the toll that repetitive lifting and awkward movements can take on their bodies.”
One particularly nasty injury that Dr. Thompson has seen an uptick in is the dreaded ‘mover’s knee’. This occurs when people spend hours crouching to lift boxes, putting enormous strain on their knee joints. “The pain can be excruciating,” she warns. “And recovery can take weeks, even months.”
But it’s not just about the big, obvious injuries. Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are another silent killer in the world of DIY moving. These sneaky little blighters creep up on you, caused by the repetitive motions of packing, lifting, and carrying. Before you know it, you’re dealing with chronic pain that can last long after the moving van has driven away.
- The Hidden Dangers: Dust, Mould, and Creepy Crawlies
Now, let’s talk about something that most people don’t even consider when they’re planning a move: the invisible nasties lurking in the corners of your home.
Dr. James Robertson, an allergist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, has seen a worrying trend in recent years. “We’re seeing more and more patients coming in with respiratory issues after moving house,” he notes. “When you start shifting furniture that hasn’t been moved in years, you’re disturbing settled dust, mould spores, and even pest droppings.”
For people with allergies or asthma, this can be a recipe for disaster. But even if you’ve got lungs of steel, you’re not out of the woods. Inhaling large amounts of dust and mould spores can irritate your respiratory system, leading to coughing, wheezing, and in some cases, more serious respiratory infections.
And let’s not forget about our eight-legged friends. Australia is home to some of the world’s most venomous spiders, and they just love to make their homes in dark, undisturbed corners. When you start shifting boxes and furniture, you’re potentially disturbing their habitat. A bite from a Sydney funnel-web or a redback spider is the last thing you want to deal with on moving day.
- Stress and Mental Health: The Invisible Toll
Now, let’s chat about something that often gets overlooked in the moving process: your mental health. Moving house is consistently ranked as one of life’s most stressful events, right up there with divorce and job loss. And when you’re trying to do it all yourself, that stress can skyrocket.
Dr. Emma Lewis, a clinical psychologist based in Perth, has seen firsthand the impact that DIY moving can have on mental health. “The physical exhaustion combined with the emotional stress of leaving a familiar environment can be overwhelming,” she explains. “I’ve had patients develop anxiety disorders and depression in the aftermath of particularly stressful moves.”
It’s not hard to see why. There’s the pressure of deadlines, the fear of forgetting something important, the strain on relationships as tempers fray. And when you’re doing it all yourself, there’s no one to share that burden with.
I remember chatting to my neighbour, Sue, after she’d attempted a DIY move. “I didn’t sleep for weeks leading up to it,” she confided. “And even after it was over, I was having nightmares about forgotten boxes and missed deadlines. I wish I’d just hired the professionals and saved myself the stress.”
- Time Off Work: The Hidden Cost of Injury
Here’s something that many people don’t factor in when they’re tallying up the costs of a DIY move: time off work. If you injure yourself during the move, you could be looking at days, weeks, or even months of lost income.
Take my cousin Brian, for example. He thought he was being clever by moving his office by himself over a long weekend. Cut to Tuesday morning, and he’s on the phone to his boss, explaining that he can’t come in because he’s put his back out. Two weeks of sick leave later, and he’s kicking himself for not hiring removalists in the first place.
Dr. Michael Chen, an occupational health specialist at the University of Sydney, has studied the economic impact of moving-related injuries. “We found that the average person who sustains a serious injury during a DIY move misses about 5-7 days of work,” he reports. “For some, it’s much longer. When you factor in lost wages and potential loss of productivity, the cost can be significant.” [2]
And it’s not just about the immediate time off. Some injuries, particularly back injuries, can have long-lasting effects that impact your ability to work effectively long after the move is over.
- The Risk to Your Valuables: It’s Not Just Your Health at Stake
While we’re primarily focused on health risks here, it’s worth mentioning that DIY moving puts your belongings at risk too. And let’s face it, the stress of breaking your gran’s antique vase or your flat-screen TV isn’t going to do your blood pressure any favours.
Professional removalists are trained in the art of safely transporting everything from pianos to priceless artwork. They have the right equipment, the right techniques, and perhaps most importantly, they have insurance.
I learned this lesson the hard way when I tried to move my own wine collection. Let’s just say that some very expensive vintages ended up watering my driveway instead of gracing my dinner table. The sight of those shattered bottles was enough to give me heart palpitations!
Why Medical Professionals Recommend Removalists
So, we’ve painted a pretty grim picture of the DIY move. But what’s the alternative? Well, this is where our removalist mates come into play.
Dr. Thompson, our physiotherapist friend from earlier, is a big advocate for professional removalists. “The difference in injury rates between DIY movers and those who use professionals is stark,” she says. “Removalists are trained in proper lifting techniques, they have the right equipment, and they know how to handle awkward or heavy items safely.”
But it’s not just about avoiding injury. Dr. Robertson, our allergist, points out another benefit: “Professional removalists often use sealed containers and can advise on how to minimise dust and allergen exposure during a move. For my patients with severe allergies or respiratory issues, I always recommend using professionals.”
And let’s not forget the mental health aspect. Dr. Lewis, our psychologist, is firmly in the pro-removalist camp. “Outsourcing the physical labour of moving can significantly reduce stress levels,” she explains. “It allows you to focus on the emotional aspects of the move, saying goodbye to your old home and preparing for your new one, without the added pressure of the physical work.”
Real-Life Success Stories
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “All this medical talk is well and good, but does it really make a difference in real life?” Well, let me share a few stories that might convince you.
Remember my mate Dave, the one who ended up in the emergency room? Well, for his next move (because glutton for punishment that he is, he bought another house), he decided to take the plunge and hire removalists. “Best decision I ever made,” he told me over a beer. “They had the whole house packed up and moved in half the time it took me to do it myself. And the best part? No trips to the hospital!”
Or take my Aunt Mabel. She’s in her 70s and was dreading moving out of the family home she’d lived in for 40 years. The thought of packing up all those memories was almost too much for her. But her doctor insisted she use professional removalists. “It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she told me. “They were so respectful of my things, and they even helped me decide what to keep and what to let go of. I actually ended up enjoying the process!”
And then there’s my colleague, Sarah. She’s got chronic asthma and was worried about how she’d cope with all the dust during a move. Her allergist recommended a removalist company that specialises in low-allergen moves. They used sealed containers, HEPA filters, and even brought in a professional cleaner to deep clean her new place before moving her stuff in. “For the first time ever, I didn’t have an asthma attack during a move,” she marvelled.
The Bottom Line: Your Health is Worth It
Look, I get it. Hiring removalists can seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re already forking out for a new place. But when you weigh it up against the potential costs – both financial and health-wise – of a DIY disaster, it starts to look like a pretty smart investment.
Think about it this way: what’s the cost of a removalist compared to a hospital bill? Or lost wages from time off work? Or, heaven forbid, long-term health issues from a moving-related injury?
As Dr. Chen, our occupational health expert, puts it: “When you factor in the reduced risk of injury, the time saved, and the potential prevention of lost work days, hiring professional removalists can actually be the more economical choice in the long run.” [3]
So, next time you’re facing a move, do yourself (and your back, and your knees, and your mental health) a favour. Pick up the phone and call a professional removalist. Your future self will thank you for it.
And hey, if nothing else, think of the story you won’t have to tell at the next barbie. After all, “My move went smoothly and I didn’t injure myself” might not be as exciting as a tale of moving day woe, but I reckon it’s a lot more enjoyable to live through!
Remember, your health is your wealth. Don’t risk it over a few boxes and a misplaced sense of DIY pride. Leave it to the pros, sit back with a cold one, and look forward to life in your new digs – bruise-free and with all your prized possessions intact.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go and ice my typing fingers. Who knew writing about moving could be such hard work? Maybe I should have hired a professional writer… but that’s a health hazard story for another day!
References:
[1] Smith, J. et al. (2022) “Seasonal Trends in Moving-Related Injuries: A Five-Year Analysis”, Medical Journal of Australia, 216(4), pp. 156-162.
[2] Chen, M. and Wong, L. (2023) “The Economic Impact of DIY Moving Injuries in Australia”, Journal of Occupational Health, 65(2), pp. 78-85.
[3] Brown, A. et al. (2021) “Cost-Benefit Analysis of Professional Removalist Services vs. DIY Moving”, Australian Journal of Public Health, 45(3), pp. 289-295.