Moving is difficult – every single aspect of the relocation process is physically, mentally, and/or emotionally demanding. When it comes to physical hardships, heavy lifting is, without a doubt, the toughest of all. It is both strenuous and dangerous – you can get hurt while carrying a heavy item and the piece itself can get damaged or cause damage to your property.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to prevent such unfortunate scenarios and move heavy objects without any risk of damages or injuries:
- Your best bet is to hire professional movers to do the heavy lifting for you – the experts have the specialized equipment and technical know-how to move heavy items in the safest and most efficient way possible. You won’t need to lift a finger (let alone a heavy piece) and will have nothing to worry about – the movers will take care of everything and will ensure your smooth and successful relocation;
- Your next best option is to use appropriate moving equipment that will allow you to lift and carry heavy objects safely and without too much effort.
All kinds of moving equipment (moving dollies, furniture sliders, harness straps, etc.) will be of great help on moving day, but moving straps are particularly useful – especially if you have to navigate stairs.
Furniture moving and lifting straps take the weight of the item you’re carrying off your body and keep the heavy piece secure, thus greatly reducing the risk of injuries and accidents during the move. To make things even better, moving straps are very easy to use – and very easily affordable.
Having already discussed the benefits and correct way of using shoulder moving straps, let’s now focus on forearm moving straps.
What are forearm forklift straps?
Forearm moving straps, also known as forearm forklift straps, are heavy-duty straps that slip underneath the object you want to move and attach to your forearms, allowing you to lift and carry heavy items safely and with ease.
Forklift moving straps are made of sturdy, resilient materials, like nylon or polyester, and have loops on both ends that fit over the forearms. The straps distribute the weight of the object more evenly and create leverage that allows you to lift much more than you normally could. They also lower the center of gravity of the item you’re lifting, so you don’t need to bend or twist your back too much.
As a result, forearm forklift straps make moving heavy objects much easier and much more efficient – and also much safer:
- The evenly distributed weight and the leverage created by the straps and your forearms allow you to lift and carry heavy items without too much effort;
- The created leverage reduces lifting exertion and the lowered center of gravity reduces excessive bending and twisting – so, the risk of personal injuries is greatly reduced too;
- Forearm forklift straps allow for many different strap configurations so they can keep any object – regardless of its size and shape – secure during the move. This reduces the risk of dropping the item and damaging it or causing damage to the floors, walls, stairs, banisters, etc.
Keep in mind though that forklift straps are two-person lifting straps – in order to use them, you need to work with a partner. (One set of forearm moving straps consists of two straps and costs about $25-$30)
When – and why – is it a good idea to use forearm lifting straps?
As already detailed above, forearm forklift straps make it safer and easier to move heavy items – so, it makes sense to use them any time you need to lift and carry a weighty object. Sometimes, however, the forearm forklift is the absolute best equipment for the job.
In most cases, you will be able to move large and heavy furniture, appliances, and other bulky items with the help of a furniture dolly. If you need to take a heavy piece up or down stairs, though, using a dolly will be extremely difficult – or downright impossible.
Moving straps, on the other hand, can easily be used on stairs – you will need to be more careful than when walking on an even surface, of course, but you will be able to maneuver your bulky item along the staircase in a safe and efficient manner.
When moving a very long furniture piece (such as a 4-seat sofa, for example), forearm straps are once again your best option – it will be very difficult to secure such a long piece on a furniture dolly and roll it safely to where you want it to go. Fortunately, forearm forklift straps offer a safe and convenient way to maneuver long items around.
All in all, it is a good idea to use forearm moving straps when:
- You need to lift and carry heavier items than you normally could;
- You want to reduce the strain on your back and shoulders when moving heavy objects;
- You need to maneuver a heavy item up or down stairs;
- You have to take a heavy object over obstacles (high thresholds, entrance steps, etc.);
- You need to move a very long piece of furniture.
See also: How to move a very heavy piece of furniture
How to use forearm moving straps
The forearm forklift is a very simple – yet highly effective – lifting and carrying mechanism. It doesn’t require assembly or prior set-up and it is extremely easy to use. You just need to have a helper as it is impossible to use forearm straps to move a heavy item by yourself.
Here are some expert tips on how to use forearm lifting straps in order to ensure maximum safety and efficiency in your work:
Step 1. Place the straps under the item you want to move
As already explained above, the forearm forklift consists of two straps – you will use both straps to move your heavy items, so you need to position them both under the piece you’re about to lift and carry:
- If the item has legs, place the straps under the piece, parallel to one another, on the inner side of the legs;
- For items without legs, work with your partner to slightly tilt the item, so one of its longer ends is lifted several inches off the ground. Slip the straps underneath the item and cross them in an “X” pattern (you may need to tilt the item several times in different directions in order to do that). Crossing the straps under the item will ensure better balance and stability when carrying the heavy piece.
Step 2. Attach the straps to your forearms
Forearm forklift moving straps have either tension buckles or several separate arm loops – you need to adjust the length of the strap or to choose the most appropriate loops based on your height and the height of the item you’re about to move (higher-located loops are for taller items, middle loops are for medium-sized items, and lower loops are for low-height items). The straps need to be the right length that will allow you to lift the object about 5-6’’ off the ground.
Each strap has loops or buckles on both ends – one end should be attached to your forearm and the other end should be attached to your partner’s forearm.
So, once the forearm straps are positioned under the item you want to move, stand on one end of the piece and slide your arms into the right loops (when using straps with tension buckles, insert the strap into the buckle and adjust the length). Position the loops on your forearms, near the elbow joints.
Your partner should stand on the opposite end of the item and do the same.
Step 3. Lift the item
With the straps securely positioned on your upper forearms, place your hands flat on the item so that the straps are pulled tightly. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs to lift up the item.
Be sure to lift simultaneously with your partner.
Related: Proper lifting techniques for moving heavy items
Step 4. Carry the item slowly and carefully
Work in tandem with your partner to take the item out of your home and into the moving truck (or from the moving truck into the room in your new home where it belongs).
Keep in mind that one of you will have to walk backward and the other – forward. (You should have figured out the best route to move your item and cleared the way of obstacles beforehand.)
Walk slowly and carefully and take small steps, making sure to keep the item well balanced at all times. In most cases, it will be best to keep your arms bent and balance the piece with your hands while carrying it. Depending on the size and shape of the item, though, sometimes it may be better to carry the piece with your arms straight out at a slightly upward angle (usually when carrying a long low item, like a couch).
Step 5. Set down the item and remove the straps
When you get to your destination, put the item down – keep your back straight, bend your knees and slowly lower the item to the ground.
Remove the loops from your forearms and slip the straps from under the item.
Now that you know how to use forearm forklift straps the right way, you don’t need to fear heavy lifting anymore. And yet, your move will be much easier, much safer, and much smoother if you use professional moving services – so be sure to see what reputable movers near you have to offer (and how much their services will cost you) before you decide to move by yourself. Whatever you choose, good luck!
