How to Move Large Furniture: Safety Tips and Techniques

Posted Mar 7th, 2025

Moving large furniture can be challenging. It’s heavy, awkward to carry, and can be dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions. Whether you’re moving to a new home or just rearranging your furniture, knowing the best safety tips and techniques can help you avoid injuries and prevent damage to your belongings. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about safely moving large furniture.

Plan Ahead Before Moving

Before you start lifting anything, take a moment to plan. Moving furniture isn’t just about strength—it’s about strategy. Follow these steps before you begin:

Measure Doorways and Hallways: Make sure the furniture will fit through the doors and hallways before you start moving it. If necessary, remove doors from their hinges to create extra space.
Clear the Path: Remove rugs, shoes, and other obstacles that could cause you to trip.
Disassemble When Possible: If the furniture can be taken apart, do it. Remove legs from tables, take cushions off sofas, and detach the headboard from a bed frame. This will make things easier to carry.
Gather the Right Tools: Items like moving straps, dollies, furniture sliders, and gloves can make moving large furniture much safer and easier.

Lift with Proper Technique

One of the most important things to remember when moving heavy furniture is to lift correctly to avoid back injuries. Use these safe lifting techniques:

Bend Your Knees, Not Your Back: Always squat down and use your legs to lift, rather than bending over and using your back.
Keep the Item Close to Your Body: Holding the furniture close to your torso gives you better control and reduces strain on your muscles.
Don’t Twist Your Body: Move your entire body rather than twisting your waist when carrying heavy items.
Use a Team Approach: If something is too heavy, ask for help. Trying to move large furniture alone can lead to injury or damage to your home.

Use Moving Equipment

Professional movers use special equipment to make moving heavy furniture easier. You can do the same by using these helpful tools:

Dollies: A two-wheeled hand truck or a four-wheeled furniture dolly can help transport heavy items with less effort.
Furniture Sliders: Place these under the legs or corners of furniture to slide it across floors without lifting.
Lifting Straps: These straps help distribute weight evenly and allow you to use stronger muscle groups when lifting.
Blankets and Pads: Use moving blankets or pads to protect furniture from scratches and to cushion sharp edges.

Protect Yourself and Your Furniture

Safety should always be a priority when moving large furniture. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your belongings:

Wear Proper Clothing: Avoid loose clothing that can get caught on furniture. Wear gloves to improve your grip.
Use Protective Covers: Wrap furniture in blankets or plastic wrap to prevent scratches and dents.
Secure Drawers and Doors: Use tape or straps to keep drawers and cabinet doors from opening while moving.
Take Breaks: Moving heavy furniture is hard work. Take breaks to avoid exhaustion, which can lead to accidents.

Moving Up and Down Stairs

Stairs add an extra challenge when moving large furniture. Here’s how to do it safely:

Use a Spotter: Have someone guide you from below if moving furniture down the stairs or from above if moving up.
Move Slowly: Take one step at a time to avoid losing control of the furniture.
Use a Dolly with Straps: If the furniture is too heavy to carry, use a stair-climbing dolly with straps for extra support.
Tilt and Slide: Instead of lifting a piece straight up, tilt it slightly and slide it along the steps when possible.

Loading and Unloading a Moving Truck

If you’re moving furniture into a truck, follow these tips to make the process easier:

Load Heavy Items First: Place heavier items like dressers, sofas, and mattresses against the walls of the truck for stability.
Distribute Weight Evenly: Make sure the weight is balanced in the truck so it doesn’t shift while driving.
Secure Everything: Use straps or ropes to tie down furniture and prevent it from moving during transportation.
Use a Ramp: If the truck has a ramp, use it to roll furniture in with a dolly instead of lifting.

Final Tips for a Safe Move

Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask friends or hire professional movers for large, heavy items.
Protect Your Floors: Use blankets, cardboard, or rugs to prevent scratches when sliding furniture.
Be Patient: Rushing can lead to accidents. Take your time and move carefully.
Double-Check Everything: Before moving an item, ensure it’s secure, balanced, and won’t tip over.

Conclusion

Moving large furniture doesn’t have to be difficult or dangerous. With the right techniques, equipment, and planning, you can move heavy items safely and efficiently. Whether you’re shifting furniture within your home or moving to a new place, these tips will help you avoid injuries and protect your belongings. Take your time, work smart, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed!