Moving to a new home involves a long to-do list, but no task is more physically demanding or potentially dangerous than moving heavy furniture. That oversized sofa, solid wood dresser, or king-size mattress can be a formidable opponent. Attempting to move heavy furniture without the proper techniques and equipment is a leading cause of moving day injuries and damage to your belongings and your home. While the best solution is always to hire professional movers, if you must move some items yourself, understanding the basics of safe lifting and preparation is crucial.
Preparation is Everything
Before you lift anything, you must prepare the item and the path.
- Empty and Secure: Completely empty all drawers and cabinets. A dresser full of clothes can be hundreds of pounds heavier than an empty one. Secure all doors and drawers with painter’s tape or moving wrap so they don’t fly open during the move.
- Disassemble When Possible: Take apart anything you can. Unscrew the legs from tables, disassemble bed frames, and take apart modular shelving. This makes items less awkward and lighter. Keep all hardware in a clearly labeled plastic bag and tape it securely to the largest component.
- Clear a Path: Before you start, walk the entire path from the furniture’s current location to the moving truck. Remove all obstacles like rugs, small tables, and boxes. Prop open all doors you will need to go through. As safety resources like the Mayo Clinic explain, a clear path is essential to prevent trips and falls while carrying heavy objects.
The Art of the Safe Lift
Proper lifting technique is the key to preventing a serious back injury.
- Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back: This is the golden rule. Keep your back straight, bend at your knees and hips, and use the power of your leg muscles to lift the load.
- Keep the Item Close to Your Body: Holding a heavy item close to your center of gravity gives you more stability and control.
- Communicate Clearly: When lifting with a partner, communication is everything. Designate one person to be the leader who will call out instructions like “Lift on three,” “Turn left,” or “Lowering down.”
Using the Right Equipment
Professional movers never rely on brute strength alone; they use specialized equipment to make the job safer and easier.
- Moving Dollies: A four-wheel furniture dolly is essential for moving heavy, flat-bottomed items like dressers and boxes. An appliance dolly (or hand truck) is necessary for tall items like refrigerators.
- Furniture Sliders: For moving heavy furniture across a room, especially on carpet, furniture sliders are a lifesaver. You can place these plastic discs under the legs of a sofa or a heavy cabinet and easily slide it across the floor.
- Moving Straps: Professionals use special straps, often called “Forearm Forklifts” or “hump straps,” which use leverage to make heavy and awkward items feel significantly lighter.
Why Professional Furniture Movers Are the Smartest Choice
A professional moving crew has the training, the teamwork, and all the right equipment to move your furniture safely and efficiently. They will expertly wrap every piece in thick, padded moving blankets to protect it from scratches. They understand how to navigate the tight corners and stairwells of Southern California homes and apartments without damaging your walls or your furniture. The small cost of hiring professionals is a worthwhile investment to protect your back and your valuable belongings.
Your Southern California Furniture Movers
Don’t risk injury or damage on moving day. For residents throughout Southern California, the experienced and careful team at Right Way Movers has the expertise to handle your heaviest items. We are your trusted furniture movers. Contact us today for a free moving estimate.