During a move with small children, losing track of what the children are doing is possible. Likewise, losing track of what children do during packing, cleaning, and relocating is possible. The combination of commotion and lack of supervision can mean children face a few safety hazards during a move. Look at the top safety hazards for children during a residential relocation and how to negate the risks.
1. Furniture Tip-Overs
It’s essential to adequately secure any furniture a child may try to climb so that it does not tip over onto them. Dressers, bookshelves, entertainment centers, and chests or wardrobes are all examples of hazardous furniture. When preparing to move, you may remove safety brackets from the back of the furniture that keeps the piece stable. Then, when preparing to move, you either move the furniture out of the house or reposition it to prevent a tip-over.
2. Trips and Falls
Trips and falls are the most common safety threat for people of all ages when a move is in progress. You might have items in places they usually wouldn’t be, such as on the floor or the stairs. Keep a close eye on children, teach them to be alert to items that could pose a trip hazard, and be vigilant about keeping a clear pathway through the house.
3. Accidental Poisoning
Accidental poisoning is perhaps one of the most significant risks during a move, especially for smaller children. Cosmetics, cleaning products, and medications usually housed in protected areas and tucked away can be left more accessible. To lower the risks
- Make sure hazardous items are packed into boxes last; just before moving to the truck is best
- Pack medications in a sealed container, so pills or tablets don’t spill out
- Avoid leaving children unattended with household cleaning products nearby
In any situation, if you suspect your child has ingested something poisonous, call 9-1-1.
4. Traffic-Related Accidents
Between making trips for packing supplies, clutter in the driveway, and less visibility, children can be at risk of being struck by a vehicle during a move. Likewise, children not under direct supervision may wander into a driveway or street where they could encounter traffic. According to Kids and Car Safety, about 50 kids are unintentionally backed over weekly in the U.S., and the drivers are typically close relatives or parents. To keep your child safe
- Make sure every driver knows to make sure children are out of the way before backing out
- Keep all doors closed and locked until boxes or furniture are ready to be taken out
- Monitor all open doors to keep children indoors while moving items in and out
- Bring in an extra set of eyes or take children to a sitter on moving day
Keep Your Focus On Child Safety with Help from the Pros
Bringing in the help of professional residential movers will mean less work as a parent, more time for supervision, and less time for the moving process. If you are facing an upcoming move to a new home, contact professional movers to help. Contact our team to get a no-obligation moving quote.
