Arthritis Solution for Moving Heavy Things in the Garden

Do you have arthritis or another condition that makes it difficult for you to lift and move items in the garden? Try this smart technique for moving heavy things in the landscape. This method has helped me move large objects in my own garden with very little effort.

Avoid Injury When Moving Heavy Items

Injuring yourself is easy if you are trying to move heavy things. This is particularly true if you suffer from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or any number of other conditions. Back injuries and sprains can happen when you try to carry large objects. Spinal injuries, muscle pulls, wrist and elbow injuries, and fall accidents can occur during the process of lifting and moving heavy and bulky items. Whether you are outside in the garden, or inside your home, this method helps.

According to the experts at the University of North Carolina, it is critical to plan out your lift before moving heavier items. Think about breaking the load into smaller parts before moving. How awkward is the lift going to be? Should you get help to make the lift easier? Might you need gloves? Pre-plan the lift and moving heavy items can be safely done.

Moving an item becomes easier when you spread the weight of the item out. In order to redistribute the weight of an item, carefully place it on a tarp or cloth. Do not twist your body. Hold your abdominal muscles tight. Be very careful when you are lifting heavy items onto the tarp or blanket. Holding the heavy item very closely to your body and carefully raise and lower the item as needed.

Once the item is secure on the cloth or tarp, gently pull it to its new location. If you cannot grip with your hands, wrap the loose end of the blanket or tarp around a broomstick and use your arm to pull the broomstick. A great tool for moving items in the garden is the Allsop Home & Garden Clean-Up Canvas Super Duty Tarp with Interlocking Handles. This tarp has a 300 pound capacity for garden and yard waste (see in the photo below).

Be sure to get your doctor’s approval before attempting heavier lifting and moving awkward-sized things. Your physical well-being is always the most important goal, so proceed with caution in mind.