There’s a heap of things to do to prepare for a move, and it may feel like your relocation to-do list is constantly expanding. You’ve got to pack, make sure all of your home’s services are cancelled or transferred, rent a moving van, keep the kids from having meltdowns, sell your unused items – the list just seems to go on and on.
You’ve got a lot on your plate. So, it’s entirely understandable if you haven’t had time to even consider how you’re going to safely move your furniture. That’s where we come in.
We understand that it may not always be feasible to hire pros to help you with a move. That’s why we created an article with the DIY mover in mind. This article will give you the information you need to safely move heavy furniture like tables, chairs, and sofas without assistance from professional movers.
1.) Evaluate your furniture needs and plan accordingly
Make a list of all the furniture you plan to move, organizing it from largest to smallest. This way, you’ll know what to load into the truck and when. It’ll feel like you’re just making another tedious list, but in the long run, it will save you time and effort that won’t need to be spent on rearranging the contents of the moving truck.
Measure your largest items in order to determine what needs to be disassembled. If disassembling a piece isn’t an option, you can use a larger window that’s padded on each side to move the furniture, instead of squeezing it through a doorway.
2.) Gather the necessary moving supplies
You can purchase or rent most moving equipment. Here’s what you’ll need.
Moving straps
These straps will save your back by allowing you to lift heavy furniture properly. According to The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the most common home and workplace injuries are caused by strain from improper lifting.
Furniture sliders
Furniture sliders make it easier to maneuver any large, awkward pieces. They also limit the risk of damaging your floors. If you’ve got carpet, you may need to get specialized sliders.
Furniture dollies
Dollies allow for individuals to move hefty items without the need for an entire crew. If you’re moving upstairs or downstairs, a hand truck will be useful.
Other essential packing materials
You’ll also want to stock up on tie down straps, packing tape, stretch wrap, and moving blankets.
3.) Disassemble furniture
Items like dressers, desks, bookshelves, tables, and media consoles are easier to move if disassembled. Wrap each part up with bubble wrap or moving blankets for larger pieces. Be sure to keep all of the nuts and bolts with their respective furniture.
Loveseats, recliners, and other chairs can be moved by being turned on their side, and then “hooked” through the doorway and rotated to the other side to go through.
If you’re moving a bulky couch, remove the legs and detach any arms, if necessary. For futons and sleeper sofas, remove the mattress so that it’s lighter and easier to transport. Use moving blankets to wrap the entire sofa, starting at the base. Secure the blankets to your couch with packing tape.
4.) Protect doors and doorframes
Your route to the moving truck will likely involve moving large pieces around tight corners. Removing doors and padding molding will protect them from being damaged during the move.
5.) Start loading up the truck
Once you’ve wrapped the furniture, it’s time to lift the furniture up and onto the moving truck. Be sure to bend your knees when you lift, so that you don’t put too much pressure on your back. Then, carry the furniture close to your body. Remember, using lifting straps and dollies will make this process a whole lot easier.
Load the largest items first, putting your heaviest items toward the front of the truck bed and around the sides to help balance the load.
6.) Plan for unloading
Get a general idea of where you’d like to put your furniture in your new home, and make sure that you have all of the supplies and help needed for unloading. If moving heavy furniture sounds like too much work, we get it, and we’d love to help. We provide a range of quality relocation services at affordable prices. We can customize a plan that fits your specific needs and budget. Let us deal with the heavy lifting. We’ll get your move done as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ll tailor every aspect of your move to you. There’s no pressure and there are never any hidden fees. Find out why Colonial Van Lines is the nation’s top moving company, get a free quote from us.