7 Essential Tips for Moving Furniture

Published: October 01, 2024

Moving furniture is often the most challenging part of any move. Heavy, awkwardly shaped pieces can be difficult to maneuver, and without proper care, you risk damaging both your belongings and your home or, worse, injuring yourself. Luckily, with the right strategies and a bit of planning, moving furniture doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are seven essential tips to ensure you’re moving furniture safely and efficiently. 

1. Plan Your Route in Advance

Before you begin moving furniture, take the time to plan your route. Map out how you’ll get the furniture out of your current home and into your new one. Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure your larger pieces can fit through without any issues. By knowing the route for your furniture ahead of time, you’ll avoid unexpected roadblocks and ensure a smooth moving process.

2. Protect Your Furniture

When moving furniture, one of the most important steps is to protect your pieces from scratches, dents, and damage. Wrap fragile items and furniture edges with blankets, towels, or bubble wrap. Plastic wrap can prevent scratches on wooden or leather furniture. Secure drawers and doors on dressers and cabinets with tape to keep them from swinging open during transport. 

3. Use Proper Moving Equipment

Moving furniture by hand alone can lead to injuries or accidents, so using the right equipment is essential. Furniture sliders are great for moving heavy pieces across floors without damaging them. A dolly or hand truck can make transporting bulky items much easier, and lifting straps can help reduce the strain on your back and arms. Investing in proper moving equipment makes moving furniture easier and safer.

4. Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back

It’s crucial to use the right lifting techniques when moving furniture to avoid injury. The golden rule is to lift with your legs, not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back straight as you lift heavy items. Avoid twisting your body while carrying furniture, as this can strain your back. Instead, turn your whole body by moving your feet. If a piece of furniture is too heavy to lift on your own, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

5. Disassemble When Possible

Large furniture pieces are often easier to move when they’re broken down into smaller components. Take the time to disassemble items like bed frames, tables, and bookshelves before moving them. Remove legs from tables, take drawers out of dressers, and detach headboards from bed frames. Be sure to keep all screws, bolts, and other hardware in labeled plastic bags so they don’t get lost during the move. 

6. Clear Pathways to Avoid Hazards

One of the easiest ways to ensure safe moving is by keeping your pathways clear. Before you start moving furniture, make sure there are no obstacles like rugs, cords, or clutter in the way that could trip you up. Clear outdoor walkways of leaves, debris, or any objects that might make it difficult to move large items in and out of the house. A clutter-free environment helps you avoid accidents, making the process smoother.

7. Get Help Moving Furniture When You Need It

Moving furniture is not a one-person job. Even with proper equipment, large or heavy pieces are best handled by multiple people. Ask friends or family members for help with moving furniture safely. Not only will you avoid injuries, but the move will go much faster and more efficiently when you have a helping hand. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, it’s always better to have help when tackling big items.

Moving furniture can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right tools, you can do it safely and efficiently. Always remember to protect your pieces, use proper equipment, and get help when needed to avoid injuries or damage. Moving furniture doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these essential tips, you can ensure that your moving day goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, these steps will make the process easier and more manageable. 

For help moving your furniture, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast OH, Cleveland & Akron, or call (440) 613-7743.