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How to Move Furniture by Yourself

DIY Moving Mastery: How to Move Furniture by Yourself with Ease and Safety

Wondering how to move furniture by yourself?

Alright, we’re all set to navigate the topsy-turvy world of relocating heavy furniture from one place to another. And let’s be real here, we all have a couple of gargantuan items in our homes that feel like they weigh as much as a grand piano or a jacuzzi, right?

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, and we’ve lived to tell the tale! Here at Executive Moving, we’ve got a pretty strong hunch that you may not exactly be a professional weightlifter. Fret not, we’ve written this article to prevent your back from going on strike while moving!

Here are our top 10 strategies to move hefty furniture with the finesse of a ballet dancer and the strength of a sumo wrestler.

Table of content

  • Slide don’t lift
  • Embrace furniture-moving gadgets
  • Carry tall items high and low
  • Protect your furniture
  • Use special techniques for different furniture types
  • Empty the Furniture
  • Plan Your Furniture Layout
  • Take Precautions to Avoid Injury
  • Invest in Necessary Equipment
  • Call in the Reinforcements
  • Extra tip

Slide don't lift

In order to understand how to move furniture by yourself, first we need to understand what options we have when moving them. For bulky items like couches and tables, sliding them is the new lifting. Simply put some plastic sliders under the legs and slide away. 

For added protection against dings and scratches, consider using a moving pad or a large flattened cardboard. A moving blanket can also double up as a magic carpet for your furniture. Say goodbye to lifting and the potential risk of dropping and damaging your furniture!

Embrace furniture-moving gadgets

A couple of tools can make lifting burdensome furniture feel like a breeze:

    • Moving straps: These adjustable straps can transform you into a furniture-moving superhero. They distribute the weight evenly, taking the strain off your arms. Pick these up at a local home center or order them online.
    • Moving dollies: These are perfect for moving Godzilla-like appliances. But remember, avoid stacking items higher than chest level on a dolly.

Carry tall items high and low

Got a tall item to move? Then it’s time for some teamwork. Tip the item backward at an angle, and have one person carry the top while the other lifts the bottom. This will keep the item from swinging wildly and make it easier to navigate stairs.

Protect your furniture

Now, if you’ve got a fragile or special item, it’s time to go full mama bear on it. Use moving pads, shrink wrap, or large bands to keep your beloved wooden furniture safe. Also, pay attention to your floors, walls, and large appliances. You don’t want your excitement about moving into a new house to be dampened by a hefty bill for damages, do you?

Use special techniques for different furniture types

Every type of furniture needs its own unique handling instructions. Couches need to be carried vertically, chairs turned to an “L” shape and mattresses should be handled using the built-in handles. If there are no handles, you can create a makeshift one using ropes and PVC pipes.

Empty the Furniture

Before you even start moving your furniture, you should empty it. This might seem obvious, but in the flurry of moving, it’s often overlooked. If you’re dealing with dressers, remove all the clothes from the drawers. If it’s a bookcase, take out the books. If it’s a sofa, remove the cushions and even the feet if possible.

Taking these steps will not only make the piece of furniture lighter but also makes it easier to handle. Plus, it prevents potential damage to your belongings. For some pieces of furniture, you can even remove knobs, drawers, shelves, or legs. This could potentially make it easier to navigate through doorways or narrow hallways. Imagine it as a moving version of playing Tetris!

Plan Your Furniture Layout

Relocating furniture without a plan can be as frustrating as trying to assemble a piece of flat-pack furniture without instructions. It’s essential to make a floorplan of your new place before the move. This plan should detail where each piece of furniture will go.

Trust me, the last thing you want is to move a bulky couch three times because it doesn’t fit or look right in the spot you thought it would. Not only will a floorplan save you time, but it also saves you from unnecessary physical strain.

Plus, it allows you to visualize your new place and get excited about decorating it!

Take Precautions to Avoid Injury

Moving heavy furniture is like an extreme sport, only without the adrenaline rush. Injuries can happen if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to prevent mishaps:

    • Clear the Paths: Ensure that your exit paths are free from any obstacles that could pose a trip hazard or prevent easy passage of the furniture. This includes both the interior and exterior of your home. Nothing ruins a moving day faster than tripping over a forgotten garden gnome.
    • Lifting Techniques: To prevent back injuries, remember to lift with your legs, not your back. Your arms and shoulders should be doing most of the work. Think of it like a very intense yoga class.
    • Take Your Time: This is not the time to show off your speed. Take small, careful steps and avoid sudden movements that could throw you off balance.
    • Proper Turning: Twisting your body while carrying heavy furniture can spell disaster. Instead, turn by moving your feet, not your hips.
proper lift posture

Invest in Necessary Equipment

Budgeting for a move can be a tricky balancing act but don’t cut corners when it comes to equipment that can aid your move. While plastic sliders, blankets, and a dolly may seem like a splurge, they can save you money in the long run.

They not only protect your furniture but also prevent potential injuries. Plus, it’s much cheaper than a trip to the chiropractor or replacing a damaged piece of furniture. In the world of moving, it’s a case of “Buy cheap, buy twice”.

Call in the Reinforcements

Finally, don’t hesitate to call for backup. Ask your friends or family for help. You’d be surprised how much faster moving can be with a couple of extra pairs of hands.

When dealing with extremely heavy items, having at least four people is recommended. Remember to thank them with pizza afterward!

If you’re still struggling, consider getting a quote from professional movers. It might be an added expense, but it can save you a lot of time and energy. Sometimes, the best investment you can make is in your peace of mind! Here are some best ones to consider.

Extra tip

So we hope that we help you answering how to move furniture by yourself, cause let’s face it, moving can be as stressful as trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark. 

Executive Moving is here to lighten your load. With our free moving tools, we can help you to find the best movers and know the industry price in a matter of minutes.

Check out our price calculator here or simply request a quote from 3 moving companies. Let’s make moving a breeze, shall we?

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