Moving heavy furniture can be daunting and might feel like you’re gearing up for a weightlifting event, except you won’t see a crowded room, just you and your heavy sofa.
The moving process requires careful preparation and physical labor. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment or a two-bedroom apartment, you will need assistance to move such awkwardly shaped furniture through narrow hallways and restricted spaces.
Try taking the help of a professional moving company if you have the budget. They are trained in handling heavy and bulky furniture, including bed frames, sofas, gym equipment, pianos, etc.
But if hiring a moving company is out of your budget, then you can refer to this blog. Here, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to move heavy furniture yourself.
But first, let’s look at the list of essential equipment you’d require to move heavy furniture.
Essential Equipment Needed For Moving Heavy Furniture
Moving heavy furniture requires strategy; using the right equipment can turn this difficult task into an easy one.
Here is a list of equipment you’ll need to move your heavy furniture:
1. Furniture Sliders
The furniture sliders help you to slide heavy furniture across the floor with ease. They come in various sizes and are designed for different types of flooring.
2. Moving Blankets
Moving blankets are usually used to protect walls and furniture from any scratches or damage during the move.
3. Furniture Lifter
A furniture lifter is a lever-like tool that helps you lift heavy furniture, just slightly enough to slide a furniture slider below.
4. Furniture Moving Dollies
Dollies are wheeled platforms that make furniture moving easy, especially when you don’t have someone to help you.
5. Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps are used to properly secure furniture on the moving truck so it doesn’t shift during transit.
6. Tape Measure
A tape measure is used to measure all the entryways in your home so that the furniture can fit through them.
7. Plastic Bag
Plastic Bag is used to secure small screws and parts that are disassembled from the furniture.
Where Can I Buy The Moving Equipment?
Most of these moving supplies can be purchased from local hardware shops like Home Depot, IKEA, and online stores like Amazon.ca.
Step-By-Step Guide On Moving Heavy Furniture
1. Plan Your Move Ahead of Time
Create a detailed moving checklist before you plan to move. This way, you’ll be able to create a proper plan, break down the tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and avoid the last-minute rush.
This is important because you’ll need ample time to figure out how to move heavy furniture, and this involves planning your route.
Then measure your furniture to know its size, and then check the path- see if there are stairs, narrow hallways, or any obstruction blocking your way to the entrance.
See if you’ll need more people to help lift heavy furniture or tools, like a moving dolly or lifting straps. The goal is to get your furniture to the new stop safely, and for that, a proper plan is a must.
2. Measure All The Doorways and Entryways
After making the detailed list of all the items you need to move, including furniture, electronics, appliances, and any personal belongings, start measuring the dimensions of your furniture- its width, length, and height.
Next, you must measure the height and width of every doorway, hallway, and entryway your furniture needs to pass through.
If your furniture is larger than the opening of the doorway, then it won’t fit, no matter how much you try to twist and turn it. Don’t stress if the measurements don’t align; several types of furniture, such as bed frames, tables, and shelves, are designed to come apart.
3. Get Help From Professional Movers
Moving heavy furniture is not an easy task; it requires all your strength, and most importantly, there is always a risk of getting injured.
Try taking the help of some friends or family members and see if they can assist you with moving the bulky furniture.
If you can’t find any volunteers, then hire a professional moving company; they are well-trained in moving all the heavy and specialty items.
From moving gym equipment and a pool table to moving a heavy sofa or bedframe, professional movers ensure everything is packed and transported safely to your new home.
It is advisable to hire local movers when planning a move, that way you’d be able to pass on the stress of heavy lifting and moving to experienced movers, while you can focus on other essential tasks.
4. Disassemble Large Furniture
Whenever possible, disassemble large furniture pieces. Removal of arms, legs, and other detachable parts can make heavy items easier to maneuver through tight spaces.
You can keep all the screws, bolts, hinges in a plastic bag and label it properly to make the reassembly easier.
Disassembling your furniture not only makes it lighter and more manageable but also reduces the risk of any damage that could occur during the move.
If you are unsure how to disassemble furniture, watch a tutorial on YouTube on how to disassemble furniture items.
5. Remove Any Obstructions
Remove any obstructions that can cause hindrance during your move. You can look for rugs, shoes, and toys that could cause you to trip or slip.
If there are frames and other decorations on the wall, make sure you take them down before moving so that they don’t accidentally get knocked over.
If you have narrow hallways and tight spaces, move small furniture out of the way to create a clear path.
If using stairs, check for loose railings and any obstructions on the steps. Reserve the elevator beforehand to avoid the last-minute rush.
Mop or vacuum the floors so that there are no dirt or slippery spots.
6. Wrap Your Furniture In Moving Blankets
Wrap your furniture with padding and moving blankets to protect it from any damage, making it easier to slide across the floors.
You can secure the padding and blankets with packing tape to prevent the moving blankets from shifting during the move.
7. Use Proper Moving and Lifting Techniques
Incorrect lifting can lead to serious injuries. Always bend your knees, not your back, and keep your legs shoulder-width apart. Use your leg muscles to keep your back straight and firm.
Try to keep the furniture close to your body to maintain balance and reduce strain on your back.
Do not ever twist your body while carrying; instead, turn your whole body when you want to change direction.
Take the help of other people when planning to move; lifting with one or more people can distribute the weight and make the task more manageable.
8. Use The Right Moving Tools
There is a large market of tools and equipment that would help you move your furniture safely to your new location.
- Furniture Moving Dollies
Furniture moving dollies are a great option if you don’t have anyone to help you. After you’ve put the furniture onto the dolly, moving it in the right direction will be really easy.
One of the essential things that you have to keep in mind while moving is to keep the furniture stable. Though it might be challenging to maintain the stability of heavy and awkwardly shaped furniture, you should be extra careful with that.
- Floor Sliders
Floor sliders are used when you are moving heavy furniture from one room to another in the same house. Sliders will help you reduce your workload, especially if you are trying to move the heavy furniture on your own. They prevent wood floors and other hard surfaces from being scratched.
9. Load Your Furniture Into The Moving Truck
Hang on, we are closer to the endpoint. So, in this step, you have to load your furniture onto the moving truck.
Start with the heaviest and largest items first, like beds, sofas, or dressers. You can place them against the truck walls to create a sturdy base. Next, when you’re stacking items, put the heavier pieces on the bottom and the lighter ones on the top.
Ensure that items like mattresses and mirrors are standing upright to save space. Try to fill in gaps with smaller items, such as chairs, boxes, or stools, to keep everything secured and prevent them from tripping.
10. Secure Your Furniture With Moving Straps
Use moving straps to secure your furniture and tie down large and heavy items like sofas, bed frames, tables, and dressers.
Attach the straps to the built-in hooks or rails inside the truck for stability. Ensure each item is secured properly and won’t slide around in the moving truck.
Final Thoughts
Moving heavy furniture may seem stressful, but it can be done efficiently with the right plan, tools, and knowledge.
As a beginner, consider following these steps, which involve proper planning, taking the help of professional movers, and measuring your furniture. Invest in quality moving supplies so you can plan a seamless move without causing any damage to your home and furniture.
Lastly, be extra cautious when moving heavy furniture upstairs and downstairs. Take the assistance of a professional moving company if you feel you cannot do this job alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I move heavy furniture upstairs or downstairs?
Moving furniture on stairs can be quite risky. But there are a few ways to move furniture upstairs and downstairs.
Either take the help of a friend or two. Ask the one who is the strongest to stand lower on the stairs to support more weight.
The other way is you can use a hand-truck, a 4-wheeled dolly, or an appliance dolly if you are moving the furniture upstairs and downstairs. Ensure the item is balanced on the dolly and secured using moving straps.
How do I lift furniture that’s too heavy?
If you’re unable to lift furniture that’s too heavy, then don’t attempt to move it on your own. It could lead to severe injury. Take help and hire local movers, who are well-trained to handle all the heavy items carefully. In such circumstances, it’s always best to take professional help and ensure your well-being.
How do I lift heavy furniture to put sliders under?
To lift the furniture, slightly tilt it and slide the furniture slider underneath. For larger furniture, you might need a friend’s help or a professional mover’s assistance.
