Load Up: Moving Heavy Furniture Alone

Moving is difficult enough with family and friends arguing over how to pack up the moving truck, but when you have to do it all by yourself, you’ll likely face even more difficulties. Without those extra sets of hands to haul boxes and furniture, you’re left to figure out how to move the couch on your own. Improperly lifting and moving heavy furniture could be incredibly dangerous, so it’s important you familiarize yourself with lifting safety before you start the process.

Do You Have To?

Let’s be honest here. If you don’t have to move something, why would you? Consider long and hard if you really need your heavy furniture or if you can afford to replace these pieces once you arrive in your new place. Moving heavy furniture alone is not only inconvenient, it’s dangerous. So, if it’s cheap, old or you can live without it, it may be easier to just sell, donate or trash it. Many companies that accept donations will come and pick them up for you. You can also sell furniture on sites like Craigslist with listings stating the buyer must pick them up.

If you decide you can’t part with it, start examining the piece to look for ways to disassemble it. Disassembling furniture ahead of time ensures you aren’t overexerting yourself and the furniture actually fits through hallways and doors.

Tools of the Trade

Hauling your home’s heaviest hutch requires a lot more than strength and pure willpower. You’ll need some tools to make sure you and your furniture get to your new home in one piece. Rent or buy equipment such as furniture sliders, a dolly or a trolley. These can help alter the furniture’s center of gravity and reduce the effects of friction while moving your belongings. Furniture sliders are especially useful when pushing a couch or cabinet across a tile or wood floor.

Plan Your Route

Before you start lifting your furniture, look closely at the piece to find grip spots. Measure each item and compare those measurements to doorways or corridors. To ensure you don’t trip or damage walls or other items, clear your exit route of furniture and boxes before beginning. Keeping your path open will make hauling items faster and easier.

Lift Like You Mean It

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015, 33 percent of all occupational injuries result from overexertion when lifting and lowering.1 Even if moving heavy objects isn’t your job, a single day of improper lifting technique could severely injure your back, arms or legs.

Take one knee beside the heavy object with your foot firmly on the ground. Straighten your back and grasp your grip points tightly. To safely move heavy objects, you’ll need to lift with your legs, not your back. Your leg muscles are stronger and can take more weight than your back muscles. Keeping the object as close to your body as possible, use your legs to push yourself into a standing position. As you move the piece out of your old home, take your time and turn carefully.
When setting a piece down, slowly descend into a kneeling or squatting position again with your back straight. Use the same technique when placing furniture on trolleys or dollies. Don’t bend over to lift something up or put it down.

Above All Else Be Safe

Remember, these are simply general best practices and suggestions. Moving items by yourself is at your own risk and we advise against it. Our movers are highly skilled professionals who have abundant lifting and safety experience. Proceed at your own risk.

Make Moving a Breeze with Humboldt

If moving your entire home alone sounds too much like a nightmare, give the pros a call. At Humboldt, our professional movers can help you haul your heavy furniture, stack boxes and even pack up last minute items! Humboldt movers are carefully screened and trained before they set foot in your home to ensure you enjoy peace of mind during your big move. Contact us online or call (781) 821-8777 to schedule your free in-home moving consultation today!