Heavy furniture moving doesn’t have to be a burden. Discover the insider tips that will make your move easy rather than difficult. You will quickly become accustomed to your new area if you follow the proper plan.
Imagine being able to move freely through stairwells, doorways, and confined spaces without damaging your back or possessions!
1. Strategize and Prepare in Details
When planning to move heavy furniture, strategic planning is crucial.
Begin the process by taking measurements of the particular furniture, and of other things such as doorways, hallways and staircases, which the furniture has to pass through.
This will avoid mid-move surprises such as discovering that the couch in the vehicle cannot fit through the doorway. Keep in mind that disassembling large pieces of furniture can help the overall process. For instance, make sure to take off the legs of dining tables, remove headboards off beds and dissemble any other pieces.
2. Get the Right Tools and Equipment
Part of lifting heavy objects is the correct use of tools and this entails if a helper is doing the work. Furniture dollies, sliders and straps can mean the difference between a smooth, easy move and a back breaking strain.
- A dolly is a wheeled device to move large and heavy objects across surfaces.
- Furniture sliders are ideal for moving furniture legs or bases over a hard floor surface without damaging the surface or carpets.
- Lifting straps are designed to promote proper lifting techniques by transferring the weight from the arms to the body. They are great for lifting heavy items like dressers etc.
It’s easy to rent or buy these tools from moving supply stores or you may also request help from professional movers.
3. Safeguard Your Health with Proper Lifting Practices
Improper lifting technique is one of the biggest mistakes that can even result in injuries. In order to avoid back injuries, remember to always lift your legs instead of the back. When you need to lift things from the ground, squat with your legs shoulder width apart and use your leg muscles while keeping a straight back.
In addition, it’s a wise idea to wear gloves that have a good grip to prevent hand fatigue and improve control. Non-slip shoes are yet another important gear to maintain balance, especially when the surfaces are wet or uneven.
4. Pack and Cushion your Furniture
There is a possibility of scratching, denting, and damaging heavy furniture while moving if not properly protected. Consider using moving blankets, bubble wraps, and plastic wraps in order to avoid further damage on the surfaces of your furniture.
In particular, the corners should be well-cushioned to avoid damage when navigating tight spaces or hallway turns. It is important to tape the blankets well so that they do not slip off during transport.
Similarly, don’t forget to protect the floor and the walls. Lay down cardboard or protective material on the floor to prevent scratches or gouges when sliding furniture. Wall protection can also be achieved by wrapping the edges as well as the legs of the furniture.
5. Perform Duties as a Team
If you try to move heavy furniture all by yourself it is unsafe, so ask for help. It does not matter if you are calling upon your friends or employing specialists, lifting large pieces alone is impossible.
Communicate clearly and sync movements, especially when navigating staircase or narrow doors. Ensure that every person involved in the move understands their role after all preparations are complete.
To lift especially large items, it is helpful to use the “pivot and tilt” technique where one lowers the furniture while the other holds it in position. It is a useful technique for positioning the piece without lifting the full weight.
6. Where Lifting Isn’t Possible, Use Leverage and Sliding Techniques
When unexpected obstacles are in the way, leverage can come in handy for better comfort when moving heavy furniture. Gliders and sliders are most effective in instances where it is necessary to move objects over a surface without raising them off the ground.
Simply slip the sliders under the legs or corners of the furniture and push it across the floor. This technique reduces the chances of lifting heavy loads and also the risk of damaging the floor.
In addition to that, if there is a need for more leverage, then a pry bar or a piece of wood can be used to lift one side of the furniture while a dolly or a slider can be slid underneath. This is especially useful for big and heavy objects such as fridges or pianos that involve a lot of tedious maneuvering.
7. Move around Stairs with Extra Precaution
The most difficult and challenging moments in any relocation are when you have to move big pieces of furniture, especially if there are stairs. Always be ready for such challenges by having a strategic approach for each staircase.
When going up or down stairs with a piece of furniture, the strongest and most able-bodied person should stand back and assist with most of the lift. The other person is there to support and guide the furniture.
Additionally, employ lifting straps to keep the load in check and control the action.
If the staircase is too tight or steep to lift the load up without assistance, think about employing a stair climbing dolly as it is more suitable for this task. Dollies with stair climbing capabilities have wheels that can turn the corner on the step with ease, thus easing the work.
8. Don’t Rush: Take It Slow and Steady
Moving heavy pieces of furniture demands a lot of patience. Rushing while carrying furniture may result in accidents, injuries or even loss of property.
Carry out the task in small steps and restrictions should be placed whenever necessary. It’s good to practise vertical moves, especially for large items that are difficult to carry in one piece.
If any device is employed, like the dolly or sliders, use it carefully by ensuring you do not move suddenly or come close to tipping over.
9. Have the Sense to Employ the Expert Help
Although many will be tempted to save costs by relocating bulky furniture by themselves, there are certain instances where they will certainly have to engage a best moving company.
They have the skills and tools and most importantly the personnel who won’t shy away from handling the bulkiest furniture. They can also disassemble and reassemble furniture when needed, while packing and transporting the units safely.
In the case of valuable items like antiques, pianos or others, expert movers will have the appropriate training and insurance. Thus, injuries and damages to both self and property can be avoided by hiring professionals.
10. Prepare For Unpacking and Adjusting the New Space
After all the heavy lifting, or in this case, moving of furniture, the task is not done. There is as much significance in arranging furniture in the designated space after the move.
Planning ahead as to where each item goes will make the transition easy. As with loading, even unpacking in the new spaces should be done slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the furniture.
Move like a Pro with STI Movers!
Consider working with STI Movers, a reliable and top-notch moving company, for a stress-free and expert moving experience. To guarantee a smooth relocation, our knowledgeable staff makes use of cutting-edge tools and methods.
You can be sure that STI Movers will handle your bulky furniture and possessions with efficiency, care, and accuracy. Our all-inclusive moving services, which include disassembly and reassembly, let you concentrate on settling into your new location.
Conclusion
Transporting bulky pieces of furniture does not necessarily have to be challenging or dangerous. You can move large pieces without getting hurt or damaging them if you prepare ahead, have the correct equipment, and follow safe procedures. These professional suggestions will make the procedure smoother whether you choose to hire experts or do it yourself.