DIY Guide to Moving Armoires with Ease and Confidence

Armoires, while enhancing home aesthetics, pose significant challenges when it comes to moving. Hiring professionals to move an armoire can cost between $400 and $700. DIY methods can reduce this cost significantly. With that said, it is really better to leave this type of moving job to the experts. However, if you are determined to turn this into a do-it-yourself moving project, then read on. To move a large piece of furniture or an armoire you would need lots of padding and tape, which would keep your armoire intact by the time you got to the other location.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step. Follow these tips for a successful DIY move. We focus on safety, efficiency, and protecting your armoire. With the right approach, you can move it like a pro.

Tools for Disassembling and Moving an Armoire

Moving an armoire is no small feat. It’s a task that requires not just strength and patience, but also the right tools. Having the necessary equipment can make the difference between a smooth, efficient move and a challenging ordeal. Let’s dive into the tools you’ll need to disassemble and move with ease and confidence.

Many hardware stores offer rental services for moving equipment, which can be a cost-effective option.

1. Screwdrivers and Allen Wrenches

• Why You Need Them: Many armoires have screws or bolts holding parts together. You’ll need a variety of screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head) and Allen wrenches to loosen these.
• Real-World Tip: Keep a small container handy to hold all the screws and bolts. This way, you won’t lose any essential pieces during the move.

2. Furniture Sliders

• Purpose: These nifty gadgets go under the armoire’s legs, allowing you to slide it across the floor effortlessly.
• Benefit: They protect your floors from scratches and make it much easier to move heavy furniture.

3. Moving Blankets and Padding

• Use: Wrap your armoire to protect it from scratches and dents.
• Insight: Don’t just cover the front and sides. Ensure the back, often neglected, is also well-padded, especially if it’s going against a wall in your new place.

4. Durable Tape

• Role: To secure the blankets and padding in place.
• Advice: Use a tape that’s strong but won’t leave a sticky residue on your armoire.

5. A Dolly or Hand Truck

• Necessity: For transporting the armoire to and from the moving truck.
• Hint: Ensure the dolly is sturdy enough to handle the weight of your armoire.

6. Straps or Ropes

• Function: To secure the armoire on the dolly and in the moving truck.
• Suggestion: Practice tying secure knots or invest in ratchet straps for added security.

7. Toolbox

• Importance: Keeps all your disassembling tools in one place.
• Tip: Label your toolbox specifically for moving day, so it’s easy to find among other boxes.

8. Gloves and Safety Gear

• Purpose: Protect your hands and ensure a good grip.
• Reminder: Safety first! Don’t overlook the importance of protective footwear and eyewear, especially when dealing with glass components.

9. Step Ladder

• Usage: For reaching high screws or bolts, especially if your armoire is tall.
• Point to Note: Ensure the ladder is stable and secure before climbing.

10. Measuring Tape

• Reason: To measure doorways, hallways, and the armoire itself for a smooth transition from one room to another.
• Key Thought: Knowing the dimensions in advance can save you from a lot of struggles on moving day.

11. Labeling Materials

• Function: To label parts, screws, and bolts for easy reassembly.
• Strategy: Use different colored tapes or stickers for quick identification.

12. Camera or Smartphone

• Why: To take pictures of the armoire before disassembling. This serves as a guide for reassembly.
• Pro Tip: Snap photos from various angles to capture all the details.

Prioritize your safety at all times. To enhance your grip and shield your hands, wearing gloves is essential. It’s crucial to have robust footwear to protect your feet. For eye protection, especially when working with glass, safety goggles are advisable.

Safety First

In moving an armoire, always put safety first. It’s more than just transporting it; it’s about avoiding harm to yourself and the furniture. Lifting heavy items incorrectly can be dangerous. Let’s explore safe lifting methods and how to avoid overexerting yourself. One of the top furniture moving safety tips is to never lift heavy items alone; always have assistance.

Start by assessing the armoire’s weight. Most armoires weigh between 150 and 400 pounds. This range is crucial for planning the move. If it’s too heavy, seek help rather than risking injury. To lift, stand with a straight back and bend your knees. This method shifts the strain to your legs, not your back, minimizing injury risk. Think of sitting in a chair to gauge how much to bend your knees. Also, keep the armoire close to your body for better control and easier weight management.

When moving it downstairs, slide it down each step. Place a blanket underneath to protect both the armoire and stairs. This approach is safer and less exhausting. When moving through narrow spaces, go slowly. Hurrying may cause damage to the armoire or lead to accidents.

Planning and Preparation

Successfully moving an armoire starts with good planning. A DIY move of an armoire typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and preparation. This task may seem tough, but it’s manageable. First, evaluate your situation. Check your armoire’s size, your home’s layout, and the distance to the new spot. It’s more than just having the right tools. You need to understand the route your furniture will take. Think about the path it will follow. It might go through doors, around corners, or down stairs. Planning this route is key to a smooth move.

Next, prepare the way. Clear any obstacles, secure rugs, and light up the area. This step is vital. A crucial furniture moving tip is to always measure doorways and corridors beforehand to avoid surprises. It makes the whole process smoother. It ensures your armoire’s safety and yours too.

Disassembly and Reassembly

Begin by examining your armoire closely. Look at how its doors are attached, the placement of shelves, and the locations of screws and bolts. This step is crucial. As you disassemble, proceed with care. Start by detaching the doors, unscrewing them with attention. Pay attention to their fit in the frame, as this will help in reassembly. If the shelves are removable, remove them too. Each piece removed simplifies moving the armoire.

For reassembly, refer to the photos you took. These images guide you in restoring each part to its rightful place. Begin with larger components like the doors, ensuring they align perfectly before securing the screws. Use the photos to identify the correct placement for each shelf. It’s akin to solving a puzzle with a visual guide. A useful tip: don’t fully tighten the screws initially. Leave them slightly loose for adjustments. Once all parts align, secure the screws firmly. Your armoire is now reassembled and ready for its new location.

Remove and Secure Loose Parts

Depending on the type of armoire that you own, you may have a few removable parts on it, which may include doors. If this is the case, then they should also be wrapped in a blanket or padding. Even with the doors open, ensure the handles and knobs are protected. Now you are ready to wrap the armoire with excessive padding from its top to the bottom, front and back and the sides.  The padding should be reinforced with an excessive amount of tape, which would also be wrapped tightly.

Drawers can be taken out of furniture and moved separately. Make sure the armoire’s drawers are secure if you wish to remove them during the move. It also helps in keeping the unit secured while it is on the truck.

Padding with Blankets

Protecting your furniture is as important as the move itself. Let’s explore how to keep your furniture safe. Start with the right blankets. These are more than just blankets; they’re vital for protecting your armoire. Wrap it completely, focusing on sharp corners and fragile areas. This is key to prevent damage. Think of it as wrapping a precious gift, your valuable armoire. You’re not just covering it; you’re shielding it from scratches, dents, and unexpected jolts.

Next, let’s discuss securing doors and drawers. Unsecured drawers and doors can open unexpectedly, causing damage or accidents. A useful tip is to use stretch wrap or soft straps. It’s like fastening a seatbelt on your armoire. This ensures everything remains shut and safe. By doing this, you’re not just moving a piece of furniture. You’re moving a well-guarded, secure item, ready for its new setting. Remember, spending extra time on wrapping and securing saves trouble and disappointment later. Now that your armoire is packed securely, then you are ready to take it to the truck.

Techniques To Carry Armoires

Moving an armoire requires more than just brute strength; it’s about smart handling. When you’re ready to lift, it’s crucial to have at least two people, if not more, depending on the armoire’s size and weight. Consider getting a shoulder dolly, as it would help make your job a lot easier in carrying the armoire from your home to the truck and then to the new house. It would also save you from having back problems due to lifting long after you have moved in.

Each person should stand on opposite sides for balance. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs, not your back. This technique reduces the risk of injury. As you carry the armoire, communicate clearly with your helper, especially when navigating through doorways or turning corners. It’s not just about getting from point A to B; it’s about doing it without any mishaps.

Stairs can be a tricky obstacle. When moving an armoire down or up the stairs, the key is slow and steady movement. The person at the lower end should lead, supporting most of the weight, while the person at the top guides the direction. If the armoire is exceptionally heavy, consider using a sturdy ramp or sliding it on a blanket to ease the process. Remember, safety is paramount, so take your time and plan each step carefully.

The number of people needed depends on the armoire’s size and weight. For a standard armoire, two strong individuals might suffice. However, for larger, bulkier pieces, having three or four people is advisable. This not only makes the lifting easier but also ensures there are enough hands to steady the armoire and navigate through tight spaces. It’s a team effort, and clear communication is vital. Assign roles, such as who leads and who guides, to avoid confusion during the move.

Loading Onto a Truck

Once you’ve successfully navigated through your home, the next challenge is loading the armoire onto a moving truck. Use a dolly or hand truck for this part, securing the armoire with straps or ropes. Make sure it’s placed in a way that it won’t shift during transport. If it’s a particularly long journey, check the straps periodically to ensure they remain tight. The goal is to get your armoire to its new location in the same condition it left – no scratches, no dents, just as beautiful as it always was.

Transportation Tips

Deciding how to move your armoire? It’s all about its shape and your moving path. For a tall, narrow one, keep it upright. This prevents it from falling over. It’s also simpler to fasten in the moving truck.

However, laying it down could be smarter if your route has many bends, or the armoire is wide. This helps when moving through small doors or sharp corners. If you lay it down, remember to pad it well. This ensures a damage-free trip for your armoire.

Challenges People Face When Moving Armoires

Weight Distribution in Armoires: Armoires tend to be heavier at the bottom or certain areas. This makes them hard to handle, especially when lifted or on a dolly.

Solution: To handle this, balance the weight when packing. Remove or secure drawers. For tall armoires, take apart the top if you can. When lifting, support the heavier side to keep it balanced.

Moving Through Small Spaces: It’s tough to move big armoires through tight spaces. Their size and stiffness make it hard in narrow areas.

Solution: Check the size of doors and halls first. Take off doors and clear the way. If the armoire is too big, take it apart as much as you can. Furniture sliders help move it in tight spots.

Weather Issues When Moving: Moving armoires in rain or snow is hard. Water can harm wood and slippery conditions are risky.

Solution: Try to move on a clear day. If you must move in bad weather, cover the armoire well. Use mats that don’t slip and be careful to avoid accidents.

Keeping Armoires Safe in Transit: It’s key to keep armoires stable when moving. If not tied down right, they can shift or get damaged.

Solution: Put the armoire against the truck wall. Pad it with blankets and tie it with strong straps. Make sure it’s stable before you drive off.

Reassembling Armoires: Putting an armoire back together can be hard. This is true if it has many parts and unclear instructions.

Solution: Take notes and label parts when you take it apart. Use colored stickers or tape for guidance. Take photos at each step. Use these when you put it back together.