8 Simple Tips for Moving Furniture
Preparing to move large pieces of furniture and white goods can be a daunting task. However, there are plenty of ways to make things easier for yourself. Here are 12 simple tips to try out the next time you’re moving house.
Disclaimer: This article is written with the assumption that you will be following proper moving and handling techniques. If lifting, make sure you know what those techniques are so that you don’t cause yourself an injury.
1. Prepare your Home First
There are many ways to move heavy furniture and protect your home from potential damage from moving furniture (and vice versa). From specialist products like floor runners and corner protectors to DIY methods like sticking bubble roll over door handles and on protruding corners, the more time you spend on preventing accidental damage, the less chance there will be of scuffs, tears and chips.
2. Protect your Furniture with Furniture Moving Pads
Furniture moving pads are a great invention and can decrease the chances of damaging your furniture or home even more. Not all moving pads are made alike though so be sure to choose a quality product. This article has some detailed advice about furniture moving pads and why everything from the filling (batting) and stitch pattern are important.
3.Collect Cardboard for Sliding on Carpet
The next time you get an Amazon delivery, don’t throw out the box. Flatten and store it ready for moving day. Gently rock your furniture back on its various legs and position the cardboard underneath. You will need a big enough piece so that there is enough protruding cardboard to pull the furniture gently over the carpet. Get help and take your time, making sure the furniture doesn’t slip off the cardboard.
4. Collect Carpet Tile Samples for Sliding on Vinyl, Lino or Wood
Cardboard doesn’t work so well on hard floors but carpet is usually much more effective when sliding furniture. Visit some carpet shops and take some samples home with you. These can then be put under the feet of furniture items to help you slide them. Make sure you sweep the floor thoroughly first as the smallest particles can cause damage. As with the previous tip, take it slowly.
5. Use Furniture Skates or Scuff Shields to Slide Furniture
If you don’t mind spending a bit of money for a dedicated product, furniture skates are a worthwhile investment. Made of high-density plastic with foam inserts, these handy discs are placed underneath furniture legs to enable sliding on almost any surface. Plastic scuff shields are an alternative product for moving heavy furniture across hard floors.
6. Consider a Shoulder Dolly
Shoulder dollies are fantastic inventions if you have a helper. They comprise a pair of harnesses and a lifting strap and can be adjusted for lifters of different heights and sizes. The weight of the furniture is borne by the strongest muscles of the body (shoulders and legs), leaving the arms free for guiding the item around objects.
7. Empty Heavy Furniture First
The time spent on emptying furniture and white goods prior to movement is well worth it in terms of easier moving and handling. It can also prevent damage to the furniture and any items inside which might otherwise bounce around during transport.
8. Use Weight to your Advantage
As a good martial arts instructor will tell you, fighting bigger opponents can be made easier by using their own weight against them. Similarly, when you destabilize furniture it will often move surprisingly easily. This tip is best used when you have one or more people to help you as you still need to make sure you are being safe and controlled.
By preparing your home and furniture first, investing in some quality products and following the tips above, you will clear your home of those heavy items and be on the road in next to no time.