Moving furniture can be a challenging and physically demanding task. However, employing a few clever tricks can make the process easier and more efficient, reducing the risk of damage to your belongings and injuries to yourself. Here are some expert tips and tricks for moving furniture like a pro:
- Use Furniture Sliders
What They Are: Furniture sliders are small, often felt or plastic pads that you place under the legs or corners of your furniture.
How They Help: They reduce friction and make it easier to slide heavy items across floors without damaging the surface. This is particularly useful for hardwood, tile, or laminate flooring.
How to Use: Simply lift each corner or leg of the furniture and slide a slider underneath. Push or pull the furniture gently to move it across the floor.
- Leverage a Furniture Dolly
What It Is: A furniture dolly is a flat platform with wheels, designed to support and move heavy items.
How It Helps: It makes moving bulky items, like dressers and sofas, much easier by allowing you to roll them rather than lift them.
How to Use: Tilt the furniture onto the dolly, ensuring it’s centered and stable. Use the dolly to move the furniture, and secure it with straps if needed to prevent it from shifting.
- Wrap Furniture Properly
What It Is: Using moving blankets, plastic wrap, or bubble wrap to protect furniture.
How It Helps: Protects furniture from scratches, dents, and other damage during the move.
How to Use: Wrap each piece of furniture thoroughly, securing the wrap with packing tape or stretch wrap. For upholstered items, cover them with a protective plastic layer.
- Use the Right Lifting Techniques
What It Is: Proper lifting and carrying methods.
How It Helps: Reduces the risk of injury and makes lifting heavy items easier.
How to Use: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs, not your back. Avoid twisting your body while carrying heavy items.
- Measure Before You Move
What It Is: Measuring furniture and entryways before moving.
How It Helps: Ensures that items will fit through doorways and tight spaces.
How to Use: Measure the dimensions of your furniture and compare them to the dimensions of doorways, hallways, and staircases. If necessary, remove doors from hinges or disassemble furniture to make it fit.
- Get Help from Friends or Professional Movers
What It Is: Enlisting the help of additional people or hiring furniture movers.
How It Helps: Provides extra hands and expertise for handling heavy or awkward items.
How to Use: Coordinate with friends or family for moving assistance, or hire professional movers who have experience and equipment to handle the job efficiently.
By applying these furniture moving tricks, you can streamline the moving process, reduce physical strain, and protect your belongings. Whether you’re moving across town or just rearranging your current space, these tips will help ensure a smooth and successful move.