Moving is undoubtedly one of the most stressful, backbreaking chores you’ll have as an adult. From planning and packing to lifting, loading, and unloading, every step of moving is physically stressful. That’s especially true for large furniture and heavy objects and even more when moving them down stairs.
In most cases, moving large, heavy items means you’ll need the help of at least one person, if not more. If you’re single, however, one question you might have is how to move heavy furniture by yourself. If that’s you, below are several tips, tricks, and moving hacks to help you. Read on if you’re by yourself and need to move heavy furniture without hurting yourself or destroying your furniture.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Is it Possible to Move Heavy Furniture Alone?
One of the main reasons that so many people hire professional movers is that moving is backbreaking work. Moving heavy items like sofas, refrigerators, dressers, desks, large tables, and other items is difficult and risky. While not impossible, trying to move them yourself demands you do it right and have the right tools. It also demands you have strong legs, hands, and a strong back. If you do it right, your back is the last thing you’ll need.
How to Stay Safe while Moving Heavy Furniture Solo
Below are several tips, tricks, and hacks for moving a heavy piece of furniture and other heavy objects.
1. Disassemble Items as much as Possible
Anything that you can disassemble should be done before you move it. Bed frames, for example, large tables, dining room buffets, wherever. If you can take something heavy apart into smaller and lighter pieces, don’t hesitate to do it. Taking mirrors off of vanities is also a good idea, as well as disassembling racks, shelving units, etc.
2. Remove Drawers
Anything with drawers should have the drawer removed before you move it. That will significantly reduce weight, especially dressers, night tables, etc. If the drawers are full of heavy items, take them out and move that stuff separately. (Or pack it into a box.)
3. Wear a Back Support Belt of Brace
A back support or brace can be a blessing when moving heavy objects. These devices support your lumbar spine and reduce the stress heavy objects place on it. They also reduce abdominal pressure and prevent inguinal hernia, and thus are essential when moving heavy items.
4. Lift with your Knees, not your Back
Professional movers know that to stay healthy, they need to lift with their legs, not their backs. To do that, you need to keep your back straight and bend your legs. Also, don’t twist your back when moving heavy items, and go slowly. Lastly, keep the item as close to your body when moving as possible. This position will reduce the strain on your arms and hands.
6. Use Helpful Tools and Devices
An experienced mover will always use tools that make their work easier and takes the load off their back. If you can, you should have these tools and devices on hand when you’re moving heavy furniture. (Some are great for moving boxes, too!) The best moving tools and devices include:
- 2-wheel hand trucks
- 4-wheel moving dollies (aka a furniture dolly)
- Lifting straps
- Moving blankets
- Moving straps
- Furniture sliders
7. Slide Heavy Objects on Moving Pads
This hack is one that professional movers use all the time.
- Place a moving pad on the floor, open up flat
- Place a piece of furniture on one end so that it’s completely on the pad
- Grab the other end of the pad and slowly pull
- The furniture should slide easily across the floor, carpet, linoleum, tile, etc.
How Do you Move Heavy Furniture Down Stairs Alone?
Moving anything down stairs requires the proper lifting techniques. There are a few methods to move heavy items down a flight of stairs alone. One caveat is that you need skill and strength to do it. Without either of the two, you should wait until someone can help you.
1. Slide the Furniture Down the Steps on a Moving Pad
- Wrap the furniture in moving blankets
- Tape the blankets on so they don’t fall off
- Set the piece of furniture flat on its back at the top of the steps.
- Get on the top step and slowly pull the furniture towards you.
- Let it start to lean on the steps
- Back down, one step at a time
- Stand the furniture back up at the bottom of the steps.
2. Use Lifting Straps
This technique works like a charm, but you need strong legs, arms, and hands.
- Wrap a lifting strap around the piece of furniture
- Place your back to the front of the furniture piece
- Bend your knees and bring the two strap ends over your shoulders.
- Pull the strap so that it’s tight against the furniture
- Wrap the ends and hold them firmly in front of your chest
- Lift the furniture with your legs
- With the furniture safely lifted onto your back, go down the steps
- Bend down and put the piece of furniture back on the floor
What Furniture Should you Not Try to Move Alone?
There are a few things that, if you’re not a professional mover, you should not try to move alone. They include:
- Refrigerators
- Pianos
- Large fish tanks
- Large, thick glass tabletops
- Washing machines
- Large dressers
- Sofas
- Hide-a-bed sofas
- Hot tubs
- Pool tables
- Large DIY items
Make your Move Go Smoothly with Southern Self Storage
You can count on Southern Self Storage to help things go smoothly when you’re moving. If you need storage between homes, Southern is a great choice! We have several different storage unit sizes, for example, and car storage too. If you’re storing leather furniture, we also offer climate controlled storage to ensure they stay pristine while stored.
If you need to find storage, visit Southe Self Storage’s main website. You can also find commercial storage at many of our locations. Call Southern today, and let us take care of all your storage needs when you’re moving!