How to Move Heavy Furniture

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1

   Plan Your Route

   Before you move that big, heavy piece of furniture, take a moment to plan where it’s going and how you’ll get it there. First, measure your furniture to know its size. Then, check your path — are there stairs, narrow doors, or slippery spots? If your furniture is super heavy, you might need more people to help or tools like a dolly to roll it along. Think of it like plotting a treasure map where the treasure is getting your furniture safely to its new spot. 

2. 2
   Step 2

   Measure All Doorways And Entryways

   Start by using a tape measure to check the dimensions of your furniture—its width, height, and length. Next, measure the width and height of every doorway, hallway, and entryway your furniture needs to pass through. If the furniture is larger than the opening, it won’t fit, no matter how much you wiggle it around. Don’t panic if the measurements don’t align! Many types of furniture, such as bed frames, tables, or large shelves, are designed to come apart. Look for screws, hinges, or clips and carefully disassemble the pieces. Keep small parts, like screws and bolts, in a labelled bag to prevent losing them during the move. 

3. 3
   Step 3

   Recruit Help As Needed

   Ask friends, family, or neighbors to lend a hand. Explain what needs to be moved and how they can help. If the furniture is especially big or heavy, like a couch or wardrobe, two or three extra people can make a big difference. Assign clear roles—one person can guide, another can lift, and someone else can hold doors open. Remember, teamwork isn’t just practical—it’s also less exhausting!

4. 4
   Step 4

   Eliminate All Obstructions

   Remove everything that might get in the way while moving the furniture. Look for rugs, shoes, toys, or anything else that could cause you to trip or slip. If there are decorations on walls, like picture frames or mirrors, take them down so they don’t accidentally get knocked over. For tight spaces, move other furniture out of the way to create a clear and wide path. If stairs are involved, check for loose railings or obstacles on the steps. Sweep or vacuum the floors to remove dirt or slippery spots. 

5. 5
   Step 5

   Use Proper Moving Techniques

   Always bend your knees, not your back, and keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance. Grip the furniture firmly with both hands, and lift with your legs by straightening them slowly. Hold the item close to your body to maintain control and reduce strain. Never twist your body while carrying; instead, turn your entire body if you need to change direction. Communicate with your helpers to lift and move together.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Load Your Furniture Onto The Moving Truck

   Start with the heaviest and largest items first, like couches, beds, or dressers. Place them against the walls of the truck to create a sturdy base. Make sure to stand items like mattresses or mirrors upright to save space. Use moving straps to secure everything tightly so it won’t shift during the drive. Fill gaps with smaller pieces, like chairs or boxes, to keep everything snug and prevent wobbling. If you’re stacking items, put heavier pieces at the bottom and lighter, fragile ones on top.

7. 7
   Step 7

   Secure Furniture Onto The Moving Truck

   Use moving straps to tie down heavy and large items like couches, dressers, and tables. Attach the straps to the built-in hooks or rails inside the truck for stability. Check that each piece is snug and won’t slide around in the moving truck. 

   Use these simple steps keeps your furniture safe and ensures everything arrives in one piece!