Tips for Moving Heavy Furniture Alone

Moving is always heavy work, and it always pays to have help.

But there may be a time when you’re entirely on your own. No help. No time to hire a mover. What then?

Kitchen supplies are one thing, but what about the sofa? Your mattress?

And what if you’re:

• Painting a room?
• Reorganizing your living space?
• Converting a bedroom to an office?

There’s an art to moving heavy things without exposing yourself to injury.

Plan Before You Lift

Before lifting that bulky sofa or massive wardrobe, step back and plan.

Map Out Your Route

Know the route you’ll take. Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure your furniture will fit through.

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck halfway through a doorway with a heavy dresser! Also, clear any obstacles that might trip you up or snag the furniture.

Use the Right Moving Tools

• Furniture Sliders: Place these handy devices under furniture legs to slide heavy items across floors without damage.
• Hand Truck: Am indispensable for the one-person manipulation of washers, refrigerators, and couches.
• Dolly: Use a hand truck for upright items or a flat dolly for larger, heavier pieces.
• Lifting Straps: These distribute weight evenly and secure loads, making it easier to lift heavy objects.
• Protective Gear: Gloves, sturdy shoes, and a back brace (if needed) can help prevent injuries.

Enlist Help

Okay, we’ve already determined you’re handling the move on your own, but if possible, enlist help or hire professional movers. Extra-bulky items like consoles are virtually impossible to move solo unless you disassemble them.

Proper Lifting Techniques

How you lift is just as important as what you lift. Always use proper lifting techniques to prevent strains, sprains, and other injuries.

Bend at the Knees, Not at the Waist

You’ve heard it a million times, but do you always do it?

• Bending at the waist to lift strains your back.
• Instead, bend at the knees and squat, keeping your back straight.
• Use your legs to lift the object. Your leg muscles are much stronger than your back muscles.

Keep the Load Close to Your Body

• Keep the load as close to your body as possible.
• This reduces the strain on your back and makes the object feel lighter.
• Imagine hugging the object to your chest — this is the safest way to lift it.

Avoid Twisting

• Twisting while carrying heavy furniture is a big no-no.
• If you need to turn, move your feet instead of twisting your torso.
• This keeps your spine aligned and reduces the risk of injury.

Moving Heavy Furniture Through Tight Spaces

Navigating large furniture through narrow doorways or tight corners can be tricky, but you can manage it with a few smart techniques.

Tilt & Pivot

• Use a hand truck to move tall items like sofas or bookshelves. Strap down unstable loads.
• For bulky items like a mattress or dresser, angle the furniture as you approach the doorway.
• Tilt the piece to an upright position and pivot it through the doorway.

Remove Doors & Drawers

• If room permits, remove doors and drawers from large items like dressers or wardrobes before moving them.
• This reduces their size and weight, making them easier to handle.

Disassemble When Possible

• If you must move a large or awkwardly shaped item, consider disassembling it first.
• This will make it lighter and more manageable for one person to move.

Moving Heavy Furniture Up or Down Stairs

Slide Downstairs

• For large, bulky items that you cannot lift, use the hand truck to slide them down the stairs.
• Strap the load down and have someone help guide it from below (if possible).

Pull Upstairs

• Load the item onto a hand truck and strap it down.
• Pull the item up one step at a time while walking backward. Always keep your back straight.

Protecting Your Floors & Walls

The last thing you want is to scratch your gorgeous hardwood floors or ding your freshly painted walls. Here’s how to prevent it.

Use Furniture Sliders

• Place furniture sliders under heavy items to protect your floors from scratches and scuffs.
• These are especially useful for moving large, bulky pieces like sofas or dressers.

Wrap Furniture in Blankets

• For extra protection, wrap your furniture in blankets or bubble wrap before moving them.
• This will prevent any accidental damage to the furniture and walls.

Roll Instead of Dragging

• Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor.
• Instead, roll the furniture to its new location using a hand truck or dolly.

Other Helpful Tips

• Portable ramps can be your best friend for moving items up and down short staircases with less effort and more control.
• Lay down cardboard or protective sheets on the floors and cover corners or door frames with towels or padding.
• As you disassemble furniture, label each piece and keep screws and small parts together in bags. This will make reassembly faster and easier.
• Before moving large furniture, double-check all measurements to ensure they fit comfortably through without forced maneuvers.
• Consider where each item will go in your new space to avoid extra heavy lifting later.

FAQs: Moving Heavy Furniture by Yourself

Q: What should I do if the furniture is too heavy to lift by myself?

Don’t try to lift it alone. Either recruit help or use tools like lifting straps, dollies, or sliders. If all else fails, consider hiring professional movers.

Q: How can I protect my back while moving heavy furniture?

Always lift with your legs, keep the load close to your body, and avoid twisting. Wearing a back brace can also provide additional support.

Q: Is it possible to move heavy furniture upstairs without professional help?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. Use a hand truck with straps, and have another person guide the furniture and maintain balance.

Q: What precautions should I take when moving heavy furniture through narrow doorways?

Measure the furniture and doorway to ensure clearance. If necessary, disassemble the furniture or remove doors from their hinges to create more space. Always move slowly and use proper lifting techniques.

Q: How can I protect my walls from damage while moving heavy furniture?

Wrap furniture in blankets or bubble wrap to cushion any potential impacts. Consider using corner guards or padding around door frames to further protect your walls. Clear the pathway of obstacles to reduce accidental scrapes.

Q: What should I do if I encounter resistance when moving furniture on carpet?

To decrease friction, use furniture sliders designed for carpets. Alternatively, place a sturdy board under the sliders or wheels of a dolly to create a smooth path. Always push gently to maintain control and avoid strain.

Q: Is it safe to move heavy furniture during inclement weather?

Rain or wet conditions can make moving unsafe. If you must proceed, use tarps to cover furniture and paths. If conditions are hazardous, consider postponing the move.

Q: Are there any special considerations for moving glass-top furniture?

Glass components should be removed whenever possible and packed separately. If the glass can’t be removed, wrap it securely with moving blankets and label it fragile. Use extra caution when carrying or tilting these items to prevent breakage.