budget travel asia

Although it is safer to use a hand truck to move heavy loads up and down a flight of stairs, it really is not that easy to do it properly. When you are simply moving into or out of an apartment, you may only have a manual hand truck available. There are stair climbing hand trucks that do the work for you, but if you learn how to use a manual hand truck instead you can save money and time.

Before using the hand truck, you should always inspect it first. This applies especially if the hand truck is borrowed or used, but even brand new hand trucks can have a flaw or two. Make sure that the tires are free from punctures, check for cracks around the nose as well as dents or nicks in the frame. The hand truck is about to take on weight that is balanced on the axle, above the tires. If something breaks during the move, it could send the load tumbling down the stairs.

While ascending and descending steps it is that much more important to make sure that your cargo doesn't shift and fall off your hand truck. To accomplish this, first ensure that your load is in the middle, make sure that you place the heavier and bulkier items on bottom with the lighter/smaller objects on top. And lastly use a strap or a rope to secure your cargo to the hand truck.

Before going up or down the steps make sure you are comfortable and can handle the weight. The rule of thumb is if you can't lug the weight up don't try to get it down either. This is because you can end up losing control if it is too heavy for you while descending. As a matter of fact more accidents occur on the way up then the way down, so use caution.

At this point DO NOT rush things up, take it slow and you will be happy you did. Now is the time where you will have to be the most cautious. It is best to have 2 people for this process with the stronger or taller person on bottom. And don't forget those straps especially if you will be going down a flight of steps.

It is always a good idea to have a person designated to guide you as many times your vision will be blocked from where you are standing or even if not you will want to be able to give all your concentration on handling the weight of the load. This person can warn you about low ceilings or if a sharp bend is about to come an issue.

In the battle between you, your hand truck and a seemingly endless flight of stairs, you simply need to plan ahead and be patient in order to win. It is easy to lose a load on a long flight of stairs if the job is rushed. Use your safety equipment and get a spotter so you do not have to work alone and before you know it, you will have won!!