Every relocation, whether it’s a local move or relocation cross-country, takes quite a bit of organizing and planning. Not to mention heavy lifting and all the furniture we have going on in our living space. Relocating all your precious furniture and staying safe can be a challenge. Let’s check out the best tips on how to do it.

Will You Move All Your Furniture?

Relocation, especially the long-distance one, is a great time for you to assess whether or not you want to bring all your furniture with you. Some furniture might not be worth relocating because of its state.

  • Evaluate Condition: Inspect your furniture for wear and tear. If an item is damaged, broken, or nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be better to leave it behind.
  • Measure Your New Space: Ensure that your furniture will fit in your new home. If the dimensions of your new space differ significantly from your current one, certain items may not work in the new layout.
  • Consider Costs: Relocating heavy furniture, especially long distances, can be costly. Weigh the expenses of transporting it against purchasing new items.
  • Donate or Sell: If you decide not to bring certain pieces, consider donating them to charity or selling them to offset your moving costs.

Ask For Help Or Hire Pros To Move Furniture

It will be difficult for you to relocate all the furniture by yourself. Particularly, please don’t try to be a one-man team. Instead, ask your friends or family for help, or hire licensed professionals who are skilled enough to manage all the heavy pieces. Many Chicago moving teams can provide you with effective service.

  • Ask for Assistance: Enlist the help of friends or family members to lighten the load. Be sure to communicate clearly and assign specific tasks to ensure everyone knows what to do.
  • Hire Licensed Professionals: Professional movers are trained to handle heavy furniture safely and efficiently. Many reputable Chicago moving companies offer furniture relocation services. While it might be an added expense, hiring pros can save time, reduce stress, and minimize the risk of injury or damage to your belongings.

If Possible, Disassemble Furniture

Massive pieces like wardrobe or bed can give you quite a headache if you try to carry it around on your own. Whenever you have the chance, take the furniture pieces apart for easier and safer transport.

  • Follow Manufacturer Instructions: If you still have the assembly manuals, use them to disassemble items correctly.
  • Label Parts: Use labeled bags or containers to store screws, bolts, and other hardware. Attach the bags to the corresponding furniture pieces to avoid confusion during reassembly.
  • Protect Fragile Components: Wrap glass tops, mirrors, or other delicate parts in bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent damage.
  • Keep Tools Handy: Have a basic toolkit ready for disassembling and reassembling furniture.

What Are Ways To Get Injured Or Damage Your Items?

Staying safe while relocating furniture is crucial. That’s why you should inspect and identify all the „problem areas“ for carrying around the items, as well as potential places where they can get scratched or damaged in other ways.

  • Inspect the Path: Check for obstacles or hazards in the moving route, such as uneven floors, narrow doorways, or loose rugs. Clear the way to ensure smooth transportation.
  • Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your legs—not your back—to lift heavy items. Avoid twisting your body while carrying furniture.
  • Use Moving Equipment: Invest in or rent equipment like furniture dollies, sliders, and straps. These tools can make the process easier and safer.
  • Protect Your Furniture: Wrap your items in moving blankets or plastic wrap to prevent scratches, dents, or other damage. Secure drawers and doors with tape to keep them from swinging open.

Another Form Of Safety – Physical Distance

COVID-19 is no joke. Even though vaccination is ongoing in the US, we still need to take precautionary measures. Communicate with your movers (or family and friends) on how to keep the needed distance to protect from coronavirus while doing all the work on a moving day.

  • Wear Masks: Ensure that everyone involved in the move wears a mask to reduce the risk of transmission.
  • Sanitize Frequently: Provide hand sanitizer and encourage frequent handwashing throughout the moving day.
  • Limit the Number of Helpers: Keep the moving team small to minimize exposure. If professional movers are assisting, ask about their COVID-19 protocols.
  • Schedule in Shifts: If possible, stagger tasks to reduce the number of people in the same area at the same time.

Conclusion

Relocating furniture during a move doesn’t have to be a stressful or risky task. By evaluating which furniture to take, seeking help from friends or professional movers, disassembling large items, and following safety precautions, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home. Don’t forget to stay mindful of COVID-19 safety measures to protect yourself and others. With proper planning and these tips, your furniture relocation can be both efficient and hassle-free. Good luck with your move!