Essential Tips for Safely Moving Heavy Furniture During Relocation

Heavy furniture is a piece that weighs more than 100 kg and it is difficult for an individual to carry such heavy-weight furniture. Here is the list of household items that are considered as heavy furniture-
• Dressers and Armoires
• Large sized glass
• Oversized dense furniture
• Entertain Unit
• Exercise equipment
• Refrigerators & freezers
• Stone furniture
• Safes
Transporting these heavy items requires strength and expertise. And some tips from experts can also be helpful

Before you decide to move heavy furniture by yourself, there are a few factors that you should consider. Handling heavy furniture requires preparation and the individual carrying the piece must follow some precautions.
• Access & set a floor plan- A floor plan is crucial for a move as it will remove the obstacles from the moving path and allow easy movement. So, before starting your move access the passages that you will have to cross while carrying the heavy furniture and decide the right path to move the heavy furniture safely. At this stage, also check the weight and size of the furniture and determine if you need moving equipment or additional help.
• Measure the furniture size- To ensure damage-free movement of large furniture, measure the size of the furniture and passage. If there is less space in the passage for the size of furniture then it is better to disassemble the furniture or you can find some other route to take it to the destination.
• Wear comfortable and protective dress- Clothing should be different on the moving day. Whether you plan a DIY move or you hire a professional moving company, you must wear comfortable clothes and they must not hinder your body movement. Try to wear body-fit dresses that have breathable fabric. Also, be careful with your shoes, wear shoes, not sandals or slippers.
• Communicate with other residents- Large furniture moving can take time and if you live in a shared space or moving into a shared space then you need to inform other residents about the move. Inform them about the time and date of the move. This will prevent accidents and you will have a clear path for movement.
• Safeguard your floors and walls- While moving large furniture there are high chances of scratches and dents on walls and floors. It is important to secure your floor and walls from damage to save your deposit.

Lifting a heavy object requires correct posture and handling technique. Professional movers have years of experience and are trained to carry such large items. If you are planning to move this large furniture by yourself you must follow some guidelines-

• Warm up your muscles- Before carrying heavy and large furniture warm up your muscles to carry heavy items. You can do a little stretching or light exercise. This will help you prepare for the strenuous body movement.

• Determine weight and set good posture- Before carrying large furniture it is better to determine how much it weighs and according to that you have to correct your body posture. A good posture is essential to avoid physical injuries. Keep your back straight and do not bend your waist.

• Use the right tools to hold grip- A firm grip is required to secure your furniture. If the item is difficult to carry with bare hands take support of something like lifting straps or wear gloves to hold firmly.

• Avoid injuries- There are many ways to avoid physical injuries to the body. Instead of lifting furniture on your back, use your leg muscles and lower your body in the squat position. Don’t twist your body while carrying heavy objects as it can cause strain on your back and increase the risk of injury.

• Take Breaks- Moving day is hectic and full of challenges, so keep calm and take breaks. This will help you give your body some rest and you can carry more items with a relaxed body.

Carrying a heavy item is not an easy task, it requires strength and the right tools. Some people prefer to do everything by themselves, but there is nothing wrong with using tools and equipment. The right tool will save energy, and time and reduce risks of damage and injury. Here are some tools that can help you in moving heavy furniture-

• Hand Truck/Appliance Dolly- A hand truck or appliance dolly is versatile and used to move furniture, boxes, and appliances. This is a flat base trolley with two wheels, handles and straps. The furniture can be secured using straps and the handle will allow pushing the dolly. This will reduce the efforts and enhance easy movement.

• Lifting Straps- These are amazing tools as they help distribute the weight of heavy furniture across the body and make it easy to lift. These are nylon straps with handles that can be adjusted according to the body.

• Airbags- Airbags are used to lift large and heavy furniture by placing the inflatable bags under the furniture to create a space and lift it off from the ground. These can help adjust the height and level of furniture when required. When you use sliders for furniture, then these are used to lift them slightly from the side.

• Furniture glide- These are round discs or pads that can be attached to the bottom of furniture legs and allow sliding of the furniture. The furniture glides make it easy to move furniture on different surfaces. Furniture that is too heavy to lift can be moved using furniture glide.

• Heavy Duty Gloves- These gloves help lift heavy furniture without damaging your hands and improve your grip.

• Furniture Pads- To secure the furniture from scratches and dents cover them with furniture pads or blankets. These can be replaced by old carpets, rugs, or bedsheets.

Once you are ready to move your furniture you can start preparing it. Here are some tips you should follow to avoid any mishappening or damage-

• Assess the furniture- The first step is to access the furniture because each item is different and you need to check the following things-
o Any damage to the furniture will result in falling apart of the furniture during the move.
o Check the assembling of the furniture and determine the right way to lift the furniture.
o The right position for placing the furniture in the moving truck.

• Disassemble the furniture- If you disassemble it, it will be easy to pack and lift. This will divide the weight into smaller fragments and it can be easily carried without any damage. But before disassembling the furniture, check the user manual, read the instructions properly, and keep nuts and bolts safe.

• Add safety to furniture- Make sure your furniture is safe and there is no chance of damage. You can prevent scratches, dents, and other damages by wrapping the furniture with blankets or bubble wrap. If you move during bad weather, add protective sheets like plastic wraps to prevent moisture.

• Determine right moving equipment & strategy- If you know what furniture you will be moving then you can decide what tools and equipment you will need. So, create the list of moving tools you need and gather them beforehand. You can also set the path for movement and lifting or carrying the large furniture.

Secure Furniture in Moving Truck- Most damages are caused to the furniture while they are in transit. So, it is important to secure your furniture when loaded in the moving truck. Secure them using straps and lock them in one place. There will be no movement and no damage to the furniture.

House Shifters provides moving services for all household and commercial goods. We also assist families in making their shifting easy and simple. We can help you move and carry the furniture with utmost safety.