Really well explained - the tips about measuring the rope and how to start it off to get it even were so helpful. Thank you Fred! I used this so that I could weigh a box using a luggage scale easily and securely before sending it off
One more vital tip: never, ever carry a box in front of you as you walk down the steps as it may block your view of the steps. We just lost an elder loved one doing this. It is extremely dangerous. Using the rope technique we share helps you swing the box or boxes to the side to help you see stairs. Also consider carrying only one box down the stairs at a time, and use your free hand to grab the handrail. Wishing you safe moves, my friends!!!
For those for whom this sort of thing is second-nature, that's great. Some of us were born without that "spacial-relations" gene and these tasks are tough. I spent 20 minutes trying to figure this out before bailing and heading to the Internet. An elderly woman will be carrying my large box on the subway tomorrow and this will really help her.
AMAZING video! this is what I needed before I catch my plane!!!! I was wondering what to do with my box before checking in!! Thanks a million, this really helped. God bless you!
Two new tips: 1. Buy as many of the same box size as possible. We really like Lowe's small moving boxes. Then measure the perfect rope length, leaving about 8 - 12 inches on each end for good, secure knots. Then mark this stretch of rope with a colorful slice of tape--we use bright green Duck Tape--and KEEP IT TO MEASURE ALL FUTURE ROPES. Saves huge amounts of time. 2. At the end of the move, DO NOT UNTIE THE BOX ROPES until you decide exactly where the boxes belong in your new home. Then you can still carry them and move them--often more than once--much more easily when unpacking. So wait until you are absolutely sure the box is placed where it will be unpacked before untying the ropes. Wishing you safe moves!
Just a helpfull tip for all those complainers that think a small string cut in your hands, while moving a somewhat heavy box (tied up in this sort of fashion). Cut a handwidth size (10 inches long or so) of a gardenhose. Further cut it open lengthwise, place it around the rope and you will have a perfectly good handle, that will not cut your hands. (Just make sure the lengthwise cut is facing up though!) To Fed T; Well done. You made a clear tutorial for everyone to understand and that is certainly not an ability that everyone has, judging by some "tutorial-vids" placed on YT.
+handenbinder Smart observation. We use slightly thicker rope so it can't cut our hands or snap due to the weight. Can lift two fairly heavy boxes--one on each side--ideal for steps, etc. Sad to see people trip, fall down steps they can't see, and get a hernia carrying one or two boxes in front of them. Pro movers love this--streamlines everything.
Thanks for the video. My mother in law going back home and she has few boxes to carry around. And I never use rope to carry boxes. Well thanks for the video and I did it all, very easy I should say. 😀
bledzone231 Super@ Glad it worked well for you. We were amazed by the efficiency and safety. Also, we comfortably lift much heavier boxes, balancing them out beside us.
If you're using just about any modern rope, once you cut it you should heat-seal the ends with a flame. It'll stop the fraying you have going on here, and make the length of rope last longer. If it's a natural fibre you can wrap the rope with tape before you cut it, if you don't want to learn how to splice it!
Great idea. We buy half-inch rope at Lowes and Home Depot that ideal for this. Once we cut the best length for the precise moving boxes--we find Lowes small and medium moving boxes best so far--we use the boxes and ropes over and over.
People may try that. Or try floating them on balloons. Those who want to safely carry them at their side use this trick. But follow your thinking--it is, after all, you move. Just trying to help, not telling you or anyone what to do. Or to think, for that matter. If you try the condo drop move, be sure to post a video of it.
I posted this because two friends did just that. One developed a major hernia. The other fell down a flight of stairs he could not see because the boxes blocked his view--plus he broke everything in the boxes. Your choice. :)
Having the box tied prevents the bottom falling out of the box, makes it easier to carry, and doesn't take much more time than taping, if any. And unlike tape, rope is reusable.
Precisely. But after meeting people who suffered hernias after carrying heavy boxes in front of them down stairs and others who had dropped and destroyed precious boxed items carrying them 'blind' up or down stairs, I thought it was time to share this common sense. By the way, three groups of pro movers were amazed by this and had never seen it before during their combined 9 decades of daily moving.
Yep. Learned to do it after several friends developed bulb hernias in their lower stomachs carrying single, heavy boxes in front of them. This prevents that, shares better balance, and allows you to carry two boxes at a time. Like you, I've been amazed that most people don't know they can do this--and be safer and more efficient. :)
muh1h1 No, two teams of professional movers were amazed by it. Cut their work time in half. Also, a major national moving company contacted me about it. You were lucky, being born with the ability to tie your shoes and tie boxes! Must have scared the heck out of the nurses in the delivery room.
+muh1h1 Yep, after seeing moving heroes herniate themselves playing tumbling boxes by (grunt) toting them in front of them. Off balance and can't see steps, curbs, etc. This works. Shared the process as some get mixed up with the rope or try to simply circle the box, defeating balance. This approach shares balance and strength. Recently taught a team of pro movers how to do this and they love it.
