Moving isn’t easy, especially when you have to move heavy objects by yourself. When you have to lift heavy furniture, it can be stressful on your mind and body.
Desks, couches, and mattresses are just some of the heavy and bulky objects we must take with us when moving. Don’t forget about bookshelves, pianos, bed frames, or gun safes, either, and if you’re about to move into a new space without any help, you’re most likely wondering how you’re going to move your heavier items by yourself.
Luckily, at Little Red Wagon Moving Inc., we’ve helped complete countless residential and commercial moves, so we personally know how daunting it is to move big pieces of furniture. First and foremost, keep yourself safe at all times! If you can, ask for help, but we know it’s not always possible to get professional moving services.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips. Keep reading to learn the best advice to keep yourself safe while moving heavy furniture by yourself! Let’s get started.
How to Move Heavy Furniture By Yourself
There are multiple reasons why you may need to move heavy furniture by yourself. Perhaps you need to reorganize your home for a holiday party, move fitness equipment, or you need to adjust office furniture to make room for your growing company.
By following the steps below, we will help make sure you move heavy objects by yourself as safe as possible.
Step 1: Make a moving plan
Before you even begin to move heavy furniture, you need to plan out exactly what you’re trying to accomplish. For example, if you’re moving a sofa upstairs, is it even going to fit through the door frame?
An easy way to avoid moving mishaps is by taking measurements beforehand. Check door frames, stairways, and hallways to make sure your heavy furniture will fit. If not, you’ll have to look for alternative routes, like getting the furniture through a large window.
It’s always best to use the help of professional movers if you can, especially with large pieces of furniture or appliances. If you can’t afford that, ask a friend or family for moving help!
We understand that not everyone has access to that money or network of support, however, so move slowly and don’t attempt to lift something you doubt you can carry. The last thing you want to do is experience a serious injury or damage something during an already stressful (and expensive) time in your life.
Step 2: Create a pathway and clear obstacles
Once you have your plan in place and you know where you’re going to move your heavy stuff, you want to push any obstacles out of your way.
Make sure to create a pathway and remove any blankets, wires, boxes, dog toys, or large items that could cause you to trip and fall. Once you have a clear path, it will be significantly easier to lift and move your furniture.
Step 3: Dress properly for your move
If you are ready to move heavy furniture, it’s crucial to wear the appropriate attire. Make sure to wear breathable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movements.
It probably goes without saying, but flip-flops and high-heeled or wedged shoes are a no. Closed-toe shoes are the better option in case you drop something on your feet while doing heavy lifting.
Lastly, avoid loose clothing, as it can get caught on something and cause you to trip and fall.
Step 4: Protect your furniture and hardwood floors
It’s probably realistic that you’re going to bump into something or drop a few things when you move heavy objects by yourself.
As such, you ought to take the necessary precautions to protect your belongings. You can use moving blankets, towels, sheets, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and furniture covers to keep your furniture safe.
Furniture pads are a great idea to protect your floors specifically. Place these on the bottom of your furniture to protect your hardwood floors and walls from scratches and dents.
Step 5: Get the right heavy-moving tools
In order to safely and successfully move your belongings, you need to acquire the right equipment for moving heavy furniture.
This includes furniture dollies, ramps, lifting straps, sliders, and work gloves. Having these items when you move will make for easy lifting!
Don’t think brute force will allow you to carry all the weight of your items. If you’re not careful to use the right tools, you’ll hurt yourself.
Pro tip
Don’t lift a heavy item if you have doubts that you can’t carry the weight. Instead, do the heavy lifting with a friend — not your back!
Dollies
A furniture dolly is used to move heavy objects with ease. A two-wheeled hand truck or four-wheeled square platform is your best bet. It allows you to carry items close or far, regardless of their weight.
It’s one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have when moving by yourself. You’ll also save time!
Ramps
There’s no way you’re going to push or pull heavy furniture up or down stairs. If you need to move a heavy piece of furniture somewhere up or down a staircase, you will need a ramp.
Also, if you have a moving truck, you will need a ramp. This allows you to get your furniture up on a raised area. You can find these at most hardware stores.
Moving straps
Moving straps, also called lifting straps, are great for a few reasons. First, these long, durable straps help you secure your furniture to a furniture dolly. Moving straps will prevent your furniture from slipping or falling off while in transit.
Plus, moving straps come in handy while moving heavy furniture because they help distribute weight across your body. You don’t want to put it all on your back, for example.
Furniture sliders
If you’re moving on hardwood floors or tile floors, place furniture sliders down! This can make sliding or pulling heavy furniture on hard floors or tile floors so much easier.
You’ll also protect your floors from damage in the process. If you have carpet, they do have carpet sliders, so look out for those.
Work gloves
Wearing work gloves will help you get a better grip on your furniture and prevent any cuts or scrapes on your hands. Sharp or jagged edges can do some damage. You’ll also stop dirt from transferring onto your furniture.
Step 6: Stretch Before You Lift
While this may seem silly at first, it’s important to stretch beforehand and make sure your body is warmed up. It is extremely strenuous on your body to move heavy objects by yourself.
For example, you wouldn’t begin your weightlifting routine without doing some type of warm-up, so why not before you move heavy furniture?
If you’re not careful when you lift heavy items, you could do damage to your body. Make sure you do your back, sides, legs, shoulders, and arms stretches before getting started.
You might be sore the next day, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Step 7: Lift with your legs
If you’ve ever moved before, you’ve probably been told to “lift with your legs.” Bending at the knees instead of using your back when moving heavy items is one of the best ways to make sure you lift items properly.
Be careful not to twist your body, either. You could lose balance or throw out your back. Instead, keep the heavy item close to your body to maintain your balance.
When you go to set it down, make it a point to move your legs so your knees are bent. Lead with your legs’ strength — not your back or shoulders.
Bonus tip: Turn with your feet
Even though your instinct will be to turn with your body, it’s important to make sure your feet are always guiding you. By turning with your feet instead of your hips, you’ll be able to keep your balance and make sure you don’t strain your back.
Step 8: Lighten the load
It’s not a weightlifting contest! Make sure you take off any removable parts of your furniture. So, if you’re moving a couch, make sure to take off the cushions and carry them separately.
Step 9: Pace yourself
Moving heavy objects by yourself can be exhausting. It’s crucial to take breaks and pace yourself throughout the process.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you’re struggling to move your heavy furniture, it’s not worth the risk of injury. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or a professional moving company for assistance.
Take it slow, and remember to take your time. Use the proper equipment, and, as always, safety comes first!
Get Help from a Moving Company in Colorado
Moving is never an easy task, especially if you have to move heavy objects by yourself. However, if you find yourself moving without help, these tips can make the process a little easier. Remember, above all, safety comes first!
If you need professional help moving your home or business, contact Little Red Wagon Moving, Inc. As a full-service moving company in Colorado Springs, our professional movers are ready to provide you with easy and affordable moving services. Request a free quote with our team to get started!
