Whether you’re moving home or putting items into storage, one of the biggest challenges you will face is getting your furniture from one place to another. Large, bulky items like sofas, bookcases, tables, display cabinets, and other awkward items can all be difficult and potentially dangerous to move unless you know what you’re doing.
As a well-established provider of , we have plenty of experience moving large furniture around. In this blog, we offer some handy tips to help you make the move with the minimum of risk. When moving to a new house, planning ahead is crucial to ensure a smoother transition.
Preparation and Planning
Moving heavy furniture requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Before you start, take the time to plan the route through your home. Consider the size and shape of the furniture, as well as any narrow paths or doorways it will need to pass through. Measure both the furniture and the doorways to ensure a comfortable fit, and clear any obstacles that might be in the way.
It’s also essential to prepare your furniture for the move by disassembling any parts that can be easily separated, such as legs or shelves. This will make the furniture lighter and easier to maneuver, reducing the risk of damage or scratches during the move. Additionally, consider the weight and size of the furniture and plan accordingly. If the furniture is too heavy or bulky, consider enlisting the help of a friend or hiring a professional moving service.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools and equipment can make a significant difference when moving heavy furniture. Here are some essential items to consider:
- Furniture sliders: These can be placed under the legs of heavy furniture to reduce friction and make sliding easier, especially on hardwood floors.
- Furniture pads: These can be used to protect furniture from scratches and dents during the move.
- Bubble wrap: This can be used to wrap fragile furniture and protect it from damage.
- Moving blankets: These can be used to wrap furniture and protect it from scratches and dents.
- Door frame protectors: These can be used to protect door frames from damage when moving heavy furniture through doorways.
It’s also essential to have a dolly or hand truck to help lift and move heavy furniture, as well as straps or harnesses to secure the furniture during the move. By using these tools and equipment, you can protect your furniture and make the moving process much easier.
Protect your feet with furniture pads
One of the biggest risks involved in moving heavy furniture is suddenly losing your grip and dropping it on your foot. For this reason, it’s essential that you wear strong and sturdy footwear to minimise the potential damage from falling furniture. If you’ve got steel-capped boots or a solid pair of hiking boots, that would be ideal. If not, simply look for the most robust pair you have that actually fit you. What we’re trying to avoid here is bare feet, open-toed shoes and sandals, or anything else that leaves your feet exposed and unprotected.
Lift with your legs and feet shoulder width
This is common advice for lifting heavy objects and one that’s worth repeating. If you lean forward from an upright position to lift a heavy object off the floor, you are likely to tear all kinds of muscles in your lower back.
The trick is to make use of your most powerful muscle group which, for most people, is typically their leg muscles. Bend your legs at the knee, keeping your back and torso straight. When you move furniture, it is crucial to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury. Get a good grip on the piece of furniture in question and raise yourself to a standing position by straightening your legs.
Empty out cupboards and drawers
This feels like an obvious thing to do, as a professional removal company, we can promise you not everybody thinks that way! Whether you’re moving a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, a bookshelf, a vanity table, or any other piece of furniture that provides storage space, make sure all its contents are removed and put into boxes. This can even apply to furniture. Taking the seat cushions and pillows off your sofa might not seem like it’s making a difference, but you’d be surprised.
Dismantle your furniture
If you are able to take your furniture apart without hurting yourself or damaging the item, you should do so. Even something as simple as removing the legs from a table or the doors from a cabinet can make all the difference in terms of size and weight. Dismantling furniture can make moving furniture easier and safer, helping you navigate challenges like carpets and stairs more efficiently.
Navigating Stairs and Tight Spaces
Navigating stairs and tight spaces can be one of the most challenging parts of moving heavy furniture. Here are some tips to help make the process easier:
- Use a ramp or hydraulic lift to load heavy furniture into a moving truck or up stairs.
- Consider disassembling furniture to make it lighter and easier to maneuver.
- Use furniture sliders or pads to reduce friction and make sliding easier on stairs or hardwood floors.
- Take your time and proceed with caution when navigating tight spaces, using straps or harnesses to secure the furniture as needed.
- Consider enlisting the help of a friend or hiring a professional moving service if the furniture is too heavy or bulky to move alone.
By following these tips and using the right tools and equipment, you can make navigating stairs and tight spaces easier and safer when moving heavy furniture.
Know where you’re going when moving house
Few things are more frustrating than having lifted up your heavy furniture, only to have no idea where you’re putting it or how to get there. When moving to a new house, it’s crucial to plan the organization of furniture in advance to ensure a smoother transition. Whether you’re leaving it outside for the removal company to load onto the truck or taking it into your new home at the other end of your move, you should plan the journey from point A to point B. Not only does this limit the amount of time you spend holding heavy items, you also get to clear away any trip hazards of obstructions.
Whether you’re storing your furniture in self-storage or moving it to a new property, the team at Stokes Removals can help. Call to discuss your requirements and request a free, no-obligation quote.
