Moving can be a daunting and physically exerting experience. It can be gruelling to move large, heavy and awkwardly shaped furniture through doorways. Inappropriate planning for a move can result in hurting yourself, damaging your furniture, and scratching doorways, floors and walls.
However, moving heavy furniture doesn't have to be a herculean task. Avoid stress, reduce clutter and prevent injuries by following these tips by house removalists when moving heavy furniture.
1. Create a Strategy
Primarily, the initial step to a successful move that most furniture removalists follow is to create a strategy for how to successfully execute your move. Classify the items that will fit through doorways and halls safely without dismantling. Which pieces need to be disassembled?
If some items are significantly huge and require removing the hinges to make room. You would need to invest some money in getting floor gliders, and dollies, and get some assistance to make sure you don't scuff the floors or walls. You can also utilize moving blankets to place over your furniture and avoid scuffing.
Form a game plan for the route and the order of moving the large items, including measuring tight spaces and keeping in mind how these items will be unpacked.
2. Disassemble
Make the task of moving heavy furniture easier by disassembling everything possible. Try to recall the time when the furniture initially arrived. Many times, furniture has to go through disassembling to make it easier to move.
Such items are mainly tables, study desks, dressers, vanity mirrors, sectional sofas, and large TV stands.
3. Hire Professional Furniture Movers
If furniture items are giant and bulky, it is advised to seek the services of professional furniture removals. You can rule out the possibility of hurting yourself and your possessions by hiring furniture movers. A professional team of movers can pack and transport your heavy furniture for you.
You need to do a little research on companies to make sure you hire such removals who can be trusted with your possessions. Such experienced and skilled house removalists are capable and trained of handling these projects safely and without damaging furniture.
4. Be Organized
During the moving process, it is vital to keep things as organised as possible to avoid more stress once everything is transferred to the new location. While dismantling the furniture items, save yourself later stress by placing nuts and bolts in ziplock bags. Label each bag with a piece of furniture it is associated with.
Always use the appropriate equipment, including dollies and furniture slides to move large furniture. Straps should be used for especially expensive items, such as your couches, dressers, etc. This will prevent damage to both you and your furniture.
5. Wrap the Furniture Properly
The most important tip that each needs to follow is to pack and wrap the furniture properly. Your furniture items may get bumped around during transit. To protect the furniture from getting damaged, you can utilize some supplies:
Packing Paper: It protects fragile furniture from shattering or breaking during lifting and dragging.
Corrugated Cartons: Stabilize your furniture while placing it properly and protect edges from chipping.
Bubble Wrap: It absorbs shock and provides padding to protect breakable furniture.
Covers and Blankets: To add an extra layer of protection and to avoid furniture from being scratched during your move, it is necessary to use covers and blankets for that.
6. Lift Heavy Furniture the Right Way
Sometimes this situation can occur where lifting is the only way. This is the step where getting hurt is likely to occur. So, it's important to be careful and take proper time. Lifting heavy furniture while having clear communication with the partner can make it easy to lift it properly.
Try to observe the body language of furniture removalists and imitate the same, while keeping your back straight. If you are already struggling with the back issues, then it is better to not lift the items, however, if you have to lift them, then you can pick up a back brace for the move.
7. Watch Out for Stairs and Doorways
According to furniture movers, moving big furniture up or downstairs and through doorways is a team task. So, do ensure to have at least one other person for your assistance.
If you are lifting furniture over stairs, use the high-low method, which means having the person lower on the stairs carry the item by the bottom surface, while the person elevated on the higher stairs carries the item by the top surface. Following such tips will help to evenly distribute the item's weight.
8. All Items Cannot Be Moved
There is a list of a few items you shouldn't lift yourself, no matter how much strength you have. Some items are so hefty and bulky that the only way to get the job done safely is to find professional help.
Other items might be large and fragile, so they require special care and attention, as well as a few specialised moving tools. Here are some items which are forbidden for moving, such as pool table, fish tank, piano, exercise equipment, washing machines and other appliances.
Any moving cannot be done properly in a hassle. One needs to be very patient and plan everything well in advance. Using the appropriate and latest equipment can make your task much easier and more comfortable.