If you’re one of the 15.3 million households on the move this year, you’re likely feeling a tad stressed. Moving, simply put, is rarely fun: it takes a lot of effort before and after the day itself, and all that physical labour can take its toll.
While you’re navigating a heap of packing and sorting, read on for our top tips on how to move your heavy furniture with ease (or as easy as it can be, anyway)!
Table of Contents
Get Foam Padding
When we buy wooden tables, dressers, bookshelves and other signature pieces of furniture, the last thing on our minds is how we will move them later. You’re unlikely to have kept the original packaging from a piece you bought years ago.
If this is your case, look for foam padding or an extra-large, plush blanket to wrap the furniture in.
Dismantle When You Can
If it’s possible, dismantle the furniture. Take legs from dining tables and headboards from beds. Not only is the furniture lighter when it’s taken apart, but it’ll be much easier to get through doors and down flights of stairs. Remove drawers and shelving when you can, and elastic band handles together to prevent them from swinging open mid-move.
Keep a paper bag close by for hardware and label each bag so that you know the piece it belongs to when you get to your new home.
Consider Renting a Dolly
If you’re renting a van for your move, you’ll likely be able to add a dolly to your rental. If this isn’t an option, consider renting a dolly from a local hardware store. This will make the move so much smoother.
Make the Path as Short as Can Be
Once your piece is dismantled (if possible) and wrapped up safely, you’re ready to move. Make sure the path to your moving truck is as clear as possible. Measure doorways to ensure the piece can fit through and pull the truck as close to your exit as it can be, reversing into place when you can.
A bonus pointer: If you live in a condo building, remember to prebook the elevator for a window of time on the day of your move and to reserve a parking space out front.
Assume the Correct Posture
We’re all familiar with the adage, ‘lift with your legs.’ This old saying still rings true — your legs are stronger, and lifting with them protects the muscles in your back. So remember to keep your back straight, crouch, and bend at your knees when lifting.
Your feet should be facing the piece of furniture, but not under it or too close to it in case of an accidental slip.
Engage your core and lift, making sure not to turn or pivot at the waist, and keep the furniture as close to your body as possible.
For Awkwardly Shaped Furniture …
Some pieces of furniture will require a bit of reversing and swivelling. For longer pieces, like a harvest tabletop, you may need to move back and forth in and out of a room to edge it diagonally through a doorway.
If you have a small mudroom or porch that’s difficult to angle through, you might need to stand the furniture upright, floor to ceiling, then topple it forward to get it through the door.
Whatever your route, take your time. If you’ve spent energy and money on bundling your furniture correctly, don’t see your hard work come undone by hastily bashing it through a doorway at the last minute.
The Bottom Line
Moving is no fun. It’s very rare to meet someone who enjoys the moving experience. However, by preparing a little in advance and taking your time on the day, you’ll have your big pieces of furniture moved in no time. Then, all that’s left to do is to settle in and enjoy your new home.
