Go Web Young Man

04/28/08 – Forgive me if this sounds like part reflection, part infomercial, but this weekend I had the pleasure of moving my friend Ryan into his new house. During the move, I was introduced to the best moving tool I’ve ever seen: Two strips of nine feet, four inch long heavy duty cloth known as Forearm Forklifts.

The combination of Ryan’s packing forethought along with the Forearm Forklifts made this one move worth blogging about…

Moving a Physicist
This past Saturday, Ryan issued a call for several able bodied guys to show up at his second story apartment in West Knoxville. Going into this, I dreaded moving Ryan’s rear projection 52″ HDTV down two flights of stairs. However, the one thing we had going for us is the fact that Ryan, a physicist by trade, is organized enough for us to trust that he would be packed and ready to go.

I was happy to find that Ryan didn’t disappoint. Upon arrival we found everything boxed up for easy carrying down the stairs. As I grabbed my first box and headed out the door, I heard Sean say, “Cool, you got Forearm Forklifts;” however, not knowing what they were, I still dreaded moving the heavy stuff.

Radical Redistribution
After moving a couple of boxes, it was time to move the washer and dryer. Sean briefed me on the use of the Forearm Forklifts in a fashion as follows:

To use Forearm Forklifts, you crisscross them under any large object such as a washer, couch or television set. Then you and your partner run your hands through each end of the straps and position them on your forearms, just below your elbow. Once you have them in place, moving furniture and appliances is a simple process of lifting with your legs and using your hands merely to keep things steady.

We began by crisscrossing them beneath the dryer. Next I attached them to my forearms and prepared myself to lift. What happened next can only be described as moving nirvana.

The dryer seemed to “float” off of the floor. I thought, “Am I really lifting this?” With all of the lifting pressure being reapplied to my forearms, we simply had to coordinate our efforts in moving down the steps. I felt hardly any pressure in my hands and wrists. Instead, all the weight was being redistributed to my forearms and legs.

Author’s Aside: Dear Reader, at this point, I realize that I’m practically glowing and gushing over my review of these so-called Forearm Forklifts; however, let me assure you, try them once, and you’ll be convinced too!

It was a Union Gig
Earlier I mentioned that it was a pleasure to move Ryan, and I meant it. Pleasure and moving are not normally associated with each other; however, Ryan and his girlfriend, Kerry, took great care of their crew. Many hands made for quick work along with plenty of breaks and copious amounts of water emerging from Kerry’s trunk. Kerry also planned ahead by having a platter of Firehouse Subs waiting for us over at Ryan’s new abode. All-in-all, good friends, Forearm Forklifts and good food made for a quick, easy and satisfying move.