How to Move Large and Heavy Furniture

Whether you are moving locally or long distance, one thing you have to deal with is your furniture. Moving any kind of furniture involves hard work, but carrying the heavy stuff around requires skill and patience. Every household has at least one thing that is hard to move. A dresser that won't go through the door or a china hutch that is not only heavy but also fragile. It's heavy, awkward, and expensive, so it must be handled carefully and properly to avoid damage.

If you feel your items are too heavy for you to lift, you probably should hire professional movers. Hiring a professional moving company removes your stress while your furniture is easily and securely moved to a new home. It is also a good idea to insure your belongings if you're contracting a professional moving service, especially if you have antique and/or modern furniture. Hiring experienced movers with good past track records sometimes is a necessary step in the moving process. Before hiring professional movers, make sure to learn about different moving companies and compare their moving rates.

Hiring professionals might cost between $80 to $100 per hour, compared to DIY, which primarily incurs equipment rental costs. If you decided to Do-It-Yourself move, then you need to know how to prepare and move your awkward and heavy items. Here are some helpful tips for you. By following these techniques for how to move large furniture, you can make the process smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Take it Apart

Professional movers can frequently do this task for you, but if you're relocating yourself, consider how long it will take to disassemble and reassemble the items.

Always remove items before moving, such as dresser mirrors, which might wobble and be harmed in the process. Detachable legs on dining tables, couches, and larger desks or dressers make it simpler to fit through doors. Dressers should have any drawers taken out to make them lighter. Similarly, before moving, take any books off of bookcases.

Keep all screws and small parts in labeled bags to prevent losing them during the move. Take photos of the furniture before disassembling it to make reassembly easier later.

First, prepare the furniture that requires disassembly. These will be time-consuming, so start doing it as soon as possible. Remove all glass tops, shelves or bed frames and keep the hardware in separate plastic bags. Wrap the glass pieces with moving pads. You can also remove the doors in your home to gain some additional room.

Make it Lighter

Remove the removable components to make your things lighter. Remove all the shelves from a dresser or desk before transferring it. Take away the wooden legs. Before taking up any heavy goods, make a list of all of them and consider how you may reduce their weight.

This can reduce the overall weight and make it more manageable to lift and transport. Another helpful tip is to use a hand truck or dolly designed to move and lift heavy items. These tools can provide additional support and help distribute the weight of the furniture evenly, making it easier to maneuver around corners and up or down stairs. Following these techniques for moving large furniture can make the process less overwhelming and more efficient.

If the furniture has removable cushions or covers, pack them separately to reduce the weight and protect them from damage during transit.

Ask For Help or Hire Helpers

When it comes to moving heavy furniture, it's always a good idea to ask for help. Trying to move a large piece of furniture on your own can not only be difficult, but it can also be dangerous. You risk injuring yourself or damaging the piece of furniture, or even worse, causing harm to your property. By asking for help from friends and family, you can make moving heavy furniture easier and safer. With additional hands to assist you, you can distribute the weight of the furniture more evenly and maneuver it around corners and up or down stairs with greater ease. So, if you plan to move heavy furniture, don't hesitate to ask for help. Your piece of furniture, your body, and your property will thank you for it.

Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you have trouble moving heavy furniture independently. After all, lifting heavy objects on your own can be dangerous and lead to harm. See if you can gather some friends or neighbors to assist you. Plan to move the very heavy items together and set them aside.

Teamwork is key when moving heavy furniture. Coordinate with helpers so everyone knows their role, making the process safer and more efficient. Communicate clearly, especially when navigating tricky areas like staircases or tight corners, to avoid accidents or confusion.

Clear The Path

Make a route plan: Before attempting to move furniture, it's important to clear the path and remove any obstacles that could get in the way. Draw a diagram of your route from where you are to the new house or room. This will enable you to prepare for challenges like tight doorways, steep stairs, or lengthy hallways. To create clear pathways and ensure that everything ends up in the right rooms, you should also use this time to arrange where the furniture will go after it is delivered to the new location. Making this preparation in advance will make the relocation simpler for both you and the other person handling the assignment.

Before moving, measure doorways, hallways, and the destination area to ensure your furniture fits through and into its intended space. Having these measurements beforehand can save you from dealing with tight spaces or potential damage to your furniture. If the furniture is too large, consider disassembling it or finding alternate routes for transport.

Keep a basic toolkit nearby for quick fixes, like removing doors, dismantling furniture, or tightening loose parts during the move.

Before moving furniture, locate things that can be on your way while moving. For example, light fixtures, entrance doors, and railings can cause damage to the furniture and be damaged while moving furniture.

Protect Furniture

You should always wrap any furniture that needs to be lifted and loaded into a moving truck or out of a residence.

We advise wrapping the furniture in a moving blanket with packing tape to ensure the blanket won't move when you lift or slip throughout the transfer. This will help you to maintain a better grip. Remember the following steps:

Using moving pads is important, especially if you are storing your goods in a storage facility.

Firmly hold the furniture you are moving.

Ensure that it does not slip from your hands.

Bumping the furniture against walls will cause damage to your furniture.

Put furniture pads on the bottom of your furniture to prevent it from scraping the floor and tape cardboard to the walls to prevent scratches and dents with the purpose of protecting your floors and walls.

For upholstered furniture, use shrink wrap or plastic covers to shield against dirt, moisture, and accidental tears. Ensure that any protective materials are non-abrasive to avoid scratching or scuffing the furniture.

Lifting Techniques

Proper lifting techniques are essential when moving furniture. To move heavy furniture, first assess the weight and size of the item and determine whether you will need a moving dolly or additional help. When lifting, keep the object close to your body to distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your back. If possible, push the furniture rather than pull it to avoid unnecessary strain. Finally, take breaks and rest when needed to avoid injury or fatigue. By following these tips for heavy lifting while moving furniture, you can reduce the risk of injury and ensure a successful move.

You already know that you should lift with your legs, but there are other moving techniques you should be aware of. Keep your body straight when lifting or carrying furniture and avoid bending your knees. To maintain your balance, keep the item as near to your body as you can. Make sure you can see things well in front of you, most of all.

When lifting heavy furniture, focus on the heaviest part to keep it balanced and reduce strain. Use your feet for extra leverage, especially if the furniture is on casters or stable carpeting. Always bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back, to prevent injuries.

About 20% of DIY movers report damage to furniture or floors. For particularly heavy furniture, consider hiring professional furniture movers to avoid injury or damage to the furniture or surrounding walls and floors.

If you’re moving extremely heavy items like a piano or large appliances, consider using furniture hoists or lift straps specifically designed for such tasks to reduce risk.

Ergonomic Lifting Techniques for Heavy Items

Lifting incorrectly is a common cause of moving injuries. OSHA and health experts recommend these ergonomic techniques:

• Power Stance – Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead for balance.
• Hinge at the Hips – Instead of bending your back, push your hips back while keeping your chest up to engage stronger leg muscles.
• Brace Your Core – Tighten your abdominal muscles to reduce lower back strain.
• Use a Tripod Lift for Low Items – When lifting from the ground, kneel on one knee while keeping the other foot flat for better leverage.
• Keep Loads Close – Hold items close to your body to avoid unnecessary strain on your arms and shoulders.

For weighty items, use lifting straps to distribute weight more evenly. These straps shift some of the load to your shoulders and thighs, reducing arm and back strain.

OSHA warns that repetitive lifting without proper form increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Taking breaks and stretching before lifting can help reduce strain during long moving sessions.

Furniture Preservation during Moving

Start by assessing each item's vulnerability. Wood pieces need different care compared to upholstered or glass items. For wooden furniture, use furniture polish before the move. This cleans the surface and adds a protective layer against minor scratches. Wrap these pieces in moving blankets, securing them with packing tape, but avoid direct contact with the wood to prevent residue. For upholstered items, consider shrink-wrapping to protect against dirt, moisture, and accidental tears. Remember, the goal is to move your furniture and preserve its condition, ensuring it remains an integral part of your home’s aesthetic and function in your new space.

Glass components require special attention. Detach them whenever possible and wrap them separately in bubble wrap, securing the edges with tape. If detaching isn't feasible, secure the glass in place with masking tape in an X shape to prevent shattering. While this won't prevent all breakage, it can minimize the extent of damage. Lastly, don't forget to label these components appropriately. Indicate 'fragile' and 'this side up' to guide those assisting with the move.

Wrap glass items in bubble wrap and place them in sturdy boxes filled with packing peanuts or foam for extra cushioning. Clearly label the boxes as "fragile" to ensure careful handling.

You Need Tools and Equipment

Choose whether you're going to utilize these things only once or if you would want to save them for future moves before you buy or rent them.

You will need the following to move heavy furniture by yourself:

Moving Straps: Moving straps are designed to help people carry heavy furniture, by distributing the weight more evenly across the body and providing a secure grip on the item being carried. High-quality moving straps can typically support weights up to 800 pounds. When lifting a large object, these are excellent for transferring part of the weight off your back and arms to make it much simpler to handle. They are adjustable, so make sure to fit them to your body size and the size of the furniture you will be lifting.

Dollies for furniture: Two-wheel dollies and flat four-wheel dollies are the two types of furniture dollies that you will need when transporting furniture.

Shoulder Dolly: A shoulder dolly is a moving tool that consists of two adjustable straps that fit over the shoulders of two people, along with a set of lifting straps that secure the item being carried. It helps distribute the weight of the furniture more evenly across the body, reducing strain on the lower back and allowing for better balance and control while carrying.

Furniture Sliders: Furniture sliders are small pads that attach to the bottom of furniture legs or corners, allowing them to slide across floors without scratching or damaging the surface easily. They are a convenient and inexpensive solution for moving heavy furniture around, especially on hardwood or tile floors.

If you’re moving over uneven terrain or outdoor surfaces, consider using wheeled platforms or outdoor dollies with large, rugged wheels for better stability and control.

Moving Blankets: Moving blankets are thick and durable coverings used to protect furniture and other belongings during transportation or storage by wrapping them securely.

When Hiring Professional Movers

If you hire a moving company, start by conducting a home inspection with the surveyor. Clearly identify the furniture to be moved, items staying behind, and any fragile or high-value pieces. This helps the movers plan and gather the right packing materials, like crates, pads, or bubble wrap.

Discuss valuation options with your coordinator to ensure your belongings are fully protected during transit. Keep small valuables, like jewelry or credit cards, secure and offsite. Ensure you or someone you trust is present during packing, loading, and unloading. Check that fragile items are properly wrapped, and participate in the inventory process to confirm the furniture's condition before signing off.

Moving Furniture

Do not slide or drag furniture along the hardwood floor. Use carpeted dolly or furniture glides for furniture with a flat surface. Sliders are typically an effective option for transporting heavy furniture from one room to another within the same home. This is especially true if you're trying to move your household furniture yourself. Sliders are specially designed with felt on one side and smooth rubber or plastic on the other to minimize scratching of wood floors and other delicate surfaces when moving furniture.

You should have one or two helpers on hand if your move involves climbing stairs. As you slowly lift and move the piece of furniture up the stairs, have one person at either end. Wrap blankets or padding around banisters and corners to protect the furniture and the staircase from damage.

Another option for moving furniture is to check the local newspapers and online classifieds to find extra help who can help you with loading and unloading of heavy pieces. Usually, this kind of service doesn't cost a lot.

Unexpected Challenges During Your Move

Despite careful planning, unexpected challenges can arise during a move. For example, heavy rain or snow can complicate the process. Protect your belongings with waterproof tarps or shrink wrap, and wear slip-resistant footwear to reduce the risk of falls. Keep towels handy to dry wet surfaces or items quickly.

If large furniture or appliances get stuck in a doorway or stairwell, use furniture sliders to reduce friction or disassemble pieces for easier handling. For tight corners, temporarily remove door hinges to create extra space. Staying flexible, thinking creatively, and having a well-stocked toolkit can help you handle these challenges smoothly.

Common Challenges and Solutions For Moving Large and Heavy Pieces of Furniture

Navigating Tight Spaces and Corners

Moving large furniture through narrow hallways and sharp corners is a common challenge. Often, the size and shape of the furniture don't allow for easy maneuvering. The solution lies in careful planning and the use of tools. Measure the dimensions of your furniture and the spaces through which it needs to pass. Use furniture sliders to glide the item, reducing the risk of getting stuck. If necessary, remove doors from their hinges to open up additional space.

Dealing with Staircases

Staircases can be tricky, especially with bulky items. The key is to ensure safety and prevent furniture and staircase damage. First, measure the width and height of the staircase and compare it with the furniture's dimensions. Use furniture straps or a shoulder dolly to secure the furniture and distribute its weight evenly. It's helpful to have someone guiding you from below to navigate each step and ensure balance. It may be necessary to angle the furniture differently for spiral or curved staircases. Take it slow, and use padding to protect both the furniture and the walls during maneuvering.

Securing Furniture in a Moving Vehicle

Transporting furniture without damage is a significant concern. The inside of a moving vehicle can be an unstable environment, especially during long-distance moves. Secure the furniture inside the truck using ratchet straps to prevent it from moving or tipping over. Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Use tie-down anchors in the moving truck to secure furniture and prevent it from shifting during sudden stops or turns. Use moving blankets to wrap each piece of furniture, protecting them from scratches and dents during transit.

Assembling and Reassembling Complex Furniture

Some furniture pieces are complex and require careful disassembly and reassembly. This process can be overwhelming, especially for those without technical expertise. To tackle this, take pictures of the furniture before disassembling it for reference. Label each part and store screws and small parts in labeled bags. If the furniture comes with assembly instructions, keep them handy for reassembly.

Protecting Sensitive Surfaces During the Move

Moving heavy furniture can risk damaging sensitive surfaces like hardwood floors or carpets. To prevent this, use furniture pads or cardboard to cover the path you'll be moving the furniture across. Use a thick plastic film to protect carpets against tears and stains. Additionally, place corner guards on furniture to avoid chipping or scratching walls and door frames during the move.