Tips for Moving Heavy Furniture

Moving heavy furniture is challenging and, to most people, impossible, especially without the proper approach. Whatever the case, whether it’s relocation into a new home or just adjusting any room, wrong handling of bulky items propels one into a problem of damaging belongings, one house, or even worse, an injury to oneself. 

This is why one should be prepared and apply proper techniques to move heavy furniture securely. In this post, we will provide some practical pointers on how to make the process smoother and safer. 

We will consider everything from planning to knowing when to call the pros at Megashift Logistics and get heavy items to their following location in the same shape they left.

Plan and Clear the Landing Area to Move Furniture Easily

When moving heavy furniture, one must create a clear path from point A to point B. The time you invest in planning your route will serve you well to ensure nothing stands in your way. Even minor obstacles can make a move challenging or cause a trip hazard. 

Whether moving furniture around the room or across town, clear the landing area so you have plenty of room to maneuver those heavy items.

Take note of narrow hallways, low ceilings, or tight corners. If you are moving into a new place, check the width to see if the furniture has enough room. Midway through moving, you would not want to realize that the couch is too wide to fit through a doorway.

Clearing out clutter or obstacles in advance will make moving furniture much easier and safer. It will also prevent possible scratches to walls, flooring, or furniture.

Measure the Furniture and Space

Another very critical move is to measure both the furniture and the space through which you move it. Nothing is worse than struggling to move a large sofa or cabinet only to find out it doesn’t fit through the doorway. Save yourself the hassle by taking the dimensions of your furniture first, then measuring with different doorways and hallways to compare.

It becomes especially true when big furniture such as couches, wardrobes, or entertainment units are considered. One can make all the required measurements in advance to plan the route to avoid embarrassing and time-wasting situations when pushing an oversized piece of furniture through improvised small passages.

Disassemble Your Furniture

Disassembling your furniture can make a cumbersome move much more accessible. Oversized items, including beds, dining tables, and sectionals, are usually much easier to move when broken down into smaller components. Removing table legs, bed frames, and cushions will lighten the weight and allow for easing into narrow areas.

In cases of dismantling, follow the order using the proper screwdrivers, wrenches, or Allen keys. Be sure you keep all the screws, nuts, and bolts together using labeled bags or containers so you do not lose any critical parts when reassembling. Keep instructions about the assembly if needed when setting up the furniture again.

Separating bulkier pieces decreases the chance of damage, making moving furniture from one place to another simpler and safer.

Protect Furniture With Blankets and Plastics

Safeguarding your furniture during a move is essential to prevent scratches, dents, and other types of damage. Using packing materials not only shields your belongings but also helps prevent heavy furniture from scraping against walls or getting scuffed during transport. Moving blankets, plastic wrap, and padded covers act as a protective barrier, ensuring both your furniture and home remain safe and unblemished throughout the entire moving process.

Moving blankets work great for oversized items, like sofas or dressers, and plastic wrap is ready for smaller ones to keep them in their place, insets, or drawers. If your move involves crossing over floors that might be scratched—hardwood or tiles—consider investing in furniture sliders. Moving sliders reduces friction and makes moving heavy items more accessible on your floors.

Use the Correct Lifting Technique

One of the most significant risks when moving heavy furniture involves harming one’s self, particularly within the back area. Strains, sprains, and any severe injuries may be disposed of using proper lifting techniques.

Here are some general rules to follow when lifting heavy furniture:

• For anything heavy, lift with your legs instead of your back. Bend at the knees and squat down to pick up furnishings using your legs to lift instead of your back.
• Keep your back straight. This way, you are not putting too much pressure on the spine.
• Don’t twist your body while lifting. Twisting while lifting can cause back injuries. To change direction, pivot with your feet instead of your body.
• Engage your core. It will help you in stabilizing and not straining on your lower back.
• Ask for help. If the furniture is too heavy, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or a family member for help. It is much wiser than getting injured in an effort or something.

Specialized equipment-book dollies or straps-can also lighten the work of heavier items, like pianos or larger appliances.

Also, read this blog for avoiding common mistakes while removing furniture: https://megashiftlogistics.co.za/common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-removing-furniture/

Hire Professional Movers

Moving heavy furniture may become overwhelming even with the best preparation and effort. In such situations, hiring professional movers provides a safe way, particularly when heavy items are involved. The expert movers for heavy items, like those offered by Megashift Logistics, have vast experience and equipment that ensure large and heavy furniture is handled safely.

Professionals use the right techniques and apply proper tools, moving straps, dollies, and ramps to ensure your furniture is moved without damage or efficiently. Moreover, insured moving professionals give you peace of mind, knowing that your items are covered should something go wrong.

That is particularly important for moving valuable or delicate items, such as antiques or custom furniture. They will know how to care for your belongings and safely deliver them to your new home.