How to Carry Things with Crutches Seamlessly

how to carry things with crutches

Adapting to life with crutches can be one of the most challenging phases of one’s life.

I bet it would come with its peaks and valleys even if you are using crutches temporarily. Apart from learning how to walk with this mobility aid, you should also learn how to carry things with crutches.

After all, walking with crutches does not mean the end of life.

You would still have to go about your normal daily activities like cooking, shopping, and doing the dishes. There’s no way you can bypass carrying one or two things to continue your normal daily activities. So, here’s the help you need.

Check out how to carry things with crutches without glitches.

Table of Contents

How to Carry Things when Using Crutches

Use Backpacks

how to carry things when using crutches

Backpacks are one of the most convenient ways to carry things with crutches. All you need to do is adjust the straps to sit 2 inches below your shoulder. Don’t make the mistake many people make. A backpack isn’t unprofessional, and you can use them to carry things to your workplace if you are using crutches.

The best part is that backpacks are available in varying colors, styles, and sizes to fit your needs and personality. Let’s take a quick look at three (3) common backpacks.

Related: How to Easily Make Your Crutches More Comfortable (DIY Guide)

Mini backpacks

A mini backpack is great for carrying small items that cannot fit into your pockets. Such items include wallets, phones, tissues, keys, note pads, eyeglasses, etc. Just ensure you wear them properly to not hurt your back.

Small backpacks

You can conveniently secure your lunch and coffee in a small backpack. It’s also great for holding notebooks and other kinds of paperwork.

Large backpacks

This is ideal for traveling, picnicking, or a vacation. A large backpack will help secure your bigger and heavier items while walking with crutches.

Pockets in Clothes

If you would be using crutches for a long time, buying clothes with lots of pockets makes sense. It’s one of the easiest ways to carry things with crutches. You can carry a TV remote in your pocket while walking with crutches in the house.

You can also carry things in your pocket when going for evening walks, visiting a next-door neighbor, or hanging out with friends. So the point is to buy shirts, pants, jackets, and skirts with lots of inner pockets.

Hanging Around Your Neck

Although it sounds funny, the truth is that you can conveniently carry things with crutches by hanging them around your neck. A good example is hanging your face towel around your neck when going out for fresh air.

Note: You should only hang lightweight items like a face towel, socks, and pants around your neck. Hanging stuff like a bag can cause you to fall and sustain injuries.

Recyclable Plastic Packaging Bags

You can consider having a plastic shopping bag for carrying things with crutches. The advantage of using a recyclable plastic bag is that it is lightweight, flexible, versatile, and durable. It is also affordable and easy to use.

Whether you are going shopping, retrieving your mails, etc., this method is effective and reliable. You would be amazed at how easy you could move items despite using a mobility device.

Assembly Line Transport Method

This method works best when cooking in the kitchen or carrying your food from the kitchen to other rooms. Allow me to explain. The assembly line transport method involves carrying things from one surface to another, depending on how far you can stretch your arms and crutches.

Another thing is you can drop off using the crutches and use only one crutch with this method. It’s faster, safer, and more efficient if using one crutch in this method.

Leverage Other Assistive Technology

Yes, you can integrate equipment and instruments into your daily activities to enable you to carry things with crutches comfortably.

how to carry things with crutches

One of such assistive technology is using closed travel containers to carry food and drink. Travel mugs are also excellent choices, which you can purchase online and in your local store.

You can use long barbecue tongs to carry small items from a tall shelf. A stable bar stool in the kitchen allows you to lean on it while working.

Related: Steps and Techniques of Properly Securing a Mobility Device

How to Carry Hot Beverages with Crutches

There are various spill-proof cups for disabled persons. Don’t hesitate to get one for yourself because they effectively carry hot beverages, like coffee, when using crutches. A flask is also another alternative to using a spill-proof cup. But ensure the flask has a loop at the end for easy carriage and handling.

How to Carry Things under the Rain

So what happens when you are outside and it unexpectedly begins to rain? Okay, I know you are probably considering buying an umbrella. No! No! No! It would be a hell of a task carrying an umbrella with crutches.

Instead, get a raincoat or poncho to avoid getting drenched with crutches out there. You can easily slip the foldable raincoat from your cloth pocket and use it when the rain starts.

How to Carry a Box or a Bucket with Crutches

Simply put the box or bucket at your front and kick them forward with your strong leg to the direction you are heading to. But ensure the terrain is even and free of bumps or obstacles. You should only use this method if you are physically fit.

This method is not ideal for people with severe walking impairments. Before trying this method, you should also ascertain your strength, stability, and endurance.

Related: How to Build a Beach Wheelchair

How to Carry Things with Crutches when Doing the Laundry or Washing the Dishes

Can I be honest with you?

Doing the laundry and washing the dishes with crutches can be daunting. In fact, the entire process of washing, rinsing, cleaning, and folding is not a child’s play and can have adverse effects on people using crutches.

The bottom line is to solicit help for your laundry and dishwashing. First, you should consider calling the laundry man to do the laundry for you. Then, use disposable plates if you would be using crutches temporarily. That way, you wouldn’t have to get uncomfortable washing the dishes.

For long-term crutch use, it’s best to hire help to wash the dishes. The help can also help with cleaning and taking care of the house.

How to Carry Things with Crutches Seamlessly

Heart

My love for the disabled community started when I helped a blind man cross the road at around age 6. Fast forward to decades later, I became the caregiver of my grandma, who lost her ability to speak in her 90s. This blog helps me to produce helpful content that aligns with my passion.

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