Let’s face it, no one likes the process of moving. The most difficult, and possibly, dangerous part of moving is navigating the task of moving your largest pieces. Although a moving company is your best bet, that is not always an option. Regardless of your age or experience with moving, make sure you take the time to prepare before your big moving day. Take a look at our top 5 tips to move your heavy furniture safely and successfully!
1.- Truck Size Counts
Especially if you are going to tackle your move by yourself, picking the right moving truck for the job is essential. Nearly all truck rental companies have guides to help you pick a size that fits the size of your house. Keep in mind that these estimates are frequently geared towards movers so if you are unsure play it safe and go for a bigger option. Whether you are moving locally or across the country, one surprise you don’t want to encounter is that you have to rearrange your heaviest possessions after you have already started loading them into your moving truck.
2.- Chart and Clear Your Path
A critical and often missed step in moving heavy furniture is to plan out your route ahead of time. Before you move your first dresser, take the extra time to plot out where you will walk and move any possible hazards. Using a measuring tape will also ensure that you can get your heaviest items through any hallways and doorways along your way. Taking these precautions will help you keep your walls scratch-free, your items protected, and your body in tip top shape during your move!
3.- Protect Your Person
Before you begin to move, make sure that you have prepared your person to move heavy furniture. As your heaviest items can also be awkward to carry, invest in proper gloves to protect your hands and also improve your grip strength while moving difficult items. Make sure that you have work boots or at least proper exercise shoes to protect your feet. Even professional movers sometimes have accidents and slip ups, so having your extremities protected is essential. Also, make sure that you buy a back brace. Although you should be focused on using your legs to lift, the extra support can make a huge difference in making it through your move in good health.
4.- Rent Proper Equipment
Besides buying your own protective gear, make sure that you rent the equipment to make your move easier. Most truck rental companies have options to get everything you might need. Since you are already saving on your move by doing it yourself, make sure that this isn’t an area that you look to cut costs in. Have your truck outfitted with both standard and furniture dollies, furniture pads and plastic wrap to make sure that, regardless of conditions, your furniture is protected during the move. Also, consider watching a Youtube tutorial on how to properly utilize the tools at your disposal during your move. Using a dolly incorrectly can be just as risky to yourself and your possessions as trying to move without them.
5.- Enlist Help
If you are moving on a budget and have to move yourself, it never hurts to have too many hands. Even though moving is a chore no one enjoys, friends and family are there for moments like these. Make sure you ask around and have backups so you have the help you need to move your heavy items. Make sure to share your safety and preparation tips to keep your friends and family safe during your move as well. Also, be considerate of your friends and family by having things as organized and ready as possible on the day of the move. Although heavy lifting isn’t fun, doing it with people you enjoy can make the task that much better and safer during your move!