How to Move Heavy Furniture Safely Without Hurting Yourself

Whether you’re rearranging a room, clearing space for new pieces or getting rid of an old sofa, sooner or later you’ll need to move heavy furniture. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the easiest ways to strain your back, crush a finger or ding a wall. With the right preparation and tools, though, you can move heavy furniture much more safely.

1. Plan Before You Lift

First, measure the furniture and every doorway, hallway and stairwell along the route. Then clear the path completely, including rugs, cords and toys. It also helps to decide exactly where the piece is going before anyone picks it up, so you’re not stuck holding a dresser while deciding.

2. Lighten the Load

Next, make the furniture as light as possible. For example, empty drawers, remove shelves and take off cushions. If possible, disassemble legs, headboards, table leaves and bed frames. Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags taped to the furniture so reassembly is easy.

3. Use the Right Tools

• Furniture sliders: placed under legs or corners, they let you slide heavy pieces across floors.
• Moving blankets: protect furniture and walls from scratches.
• Hand truck or dolly: ideal for dressers, appliances and stacked boxes.
• Lifting straps: shift weight to your legs and shoulders when two people carry an item.
• Work gloves: improve grip and protect your hands.

4. Lift With Proper Technique

Good form matters more than strength when you move heavy furniture. So keep these rules in mind:

• Bend at the knees and hips, not your back
• Keep the item close to your body
• Avoid twisting; instead, turn by moving your feet
• Lift slowly and smoothly rather than jerking
• Communicate with your partner, and agree on when to lift and set down

5. Handle Stairs Carefully

Stairs are where most accidents happen. Ideally, the stronger person should be on the lower end, since that position carries more weight. In addition, move one step at a time, keep the load level when you can and take breaks on landings. Never try to carry heavy furniture down stairs alone.

6. Know the Tricky Maneuvers

Couches Through Doorways

Turn the sofa on its end and “hook” it through the doorway, rotating it around the frame. In many cases, removing the legs gives you the extra inch you need.

Dressers and Cabinets

Remove drawers and doors first. Then tilt the piece onto a dolly and strap it in place.

Appliances

Refrigerators and washers should stay upright when possible. Also, secure doors with tape or straps and use an appliance dolly.

7. Protect Your Home

Lay down cardboard or blankets on floors, pad door frames, and use corner guards on walls. Similarly, sliders protect hardwood and tile from scratches.

When to Call Professionals Instead

Sometimes the safest choice is not to move heavy furniture yourself. Consider getting help if:

• The item weighs more than two people can comfortably lift
• You’re dealing with pianos, safes, pool tables or sleeper sofas
• There are long or steep stairs
• You have back, knee or heart concerns
• You’re getting rid of the item anyway

After all, a trip to urgent care costs far more than hiring a crew.