Article Sponsored by Correlra Brothers’ Moving & Storage
Whether you’re rearranging a room or preparing for a big move, lifting and shifting large furniture can be risky to both your home and your health. Without proper planning, you might end up with scratched hardwood, torn carpets, or a strained back. Fortunately, there are smart ways to get the job done safely.
Prepare and Plan Before You Lift
The first rule for moving heavy furniture safely is to never rush. Take the time to assess what needs to be moved, how heavy it is, and the path you’ll take through your home. Clear any obstacles, rugs, or items that could cause you to trip or get in the way.
Measure doorways and hallways to ensure your furniture will fit. It’s better to know upfront if a couch won’t clear a doorway than to get stuck halfway through your move.
Essential Equipment for the Job
You don’t need super strength to move large pieces—just the right tools. Investing in or renting the following items can save your back and your floors:
- Furniture sliders: These pads go under the legs or corners of furniture, allowing heavy pieces to glide smoothly across hardwood or carpet.
- Lifting straps: Shoulder or forearm lifting straps help distribute weight evenly, improving control and reducing strain.
- Dollies: A sturdy furniture dolly is ideal for heavy bookcases, appliances, or dressers. Make sure it can handle the item’s weight.
- Moving blankets and stretch wrap: Use these to protect both the furniture and your walls during the move.
Using the proper equipment for moving heavy furniture makes the task much safer and less damaging to your surroundings.
Protecting Floors and Carpets
If you want to protect floors when moving furniture, always start by cleaning your floors. Small rocks or grit can cause scratches when dragged beneath furniture. Use furniture sliders designed for your flooring type or place cardboard, towels, or thick blankets under each leg.
For carpets, sliders help minimize friction while preventing damage from dragging weight. On hardwood or tile, sliders prevent scratches and dents—just make sure they match the floor type (some are made specifically for hard surfaces versus carpet).
Safe Lifting Techniques
One of the most important DIY furniture moving tips relates directly to your physical safety. Always:
- Bend at your knees, not your waist.
- Keep the object close to your body.
- Lift with your legs, not your back.
- Avoid twisting while carrying.
- Get help. Even with the right technique, some items simply require more than one person.
Also, break down furniture when possible. Remove drawers from dressers, take cushions off couches, and dismantle bed frames to reduce weight and bulk.
When to Call the Pros
No matter how handy you consider yourself, some items are best left to professionals—especially when moving pianos and antiques safely. These pieces are not only heavy but also valuable or delicate. Improper handling can result in costly damage or even personal injury. That’s when enlisting furniture moving specialists makes the most sense.
Additionally, if you live in a multi-story house or need to navigate tight stairwells, a pro team can manage heavy lifting and disassembly more quickly and securely.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to move heavy furniture safely is all about preparation, the right gear, and knowing your limits. Protecting your floors and preventing injuries is much easier when you follow strategic steps and use appropriate tools. And when in doubt, call in professional help to keep your move stress-free and safe.