Tips for Safely Moving Furniture

11
May

Moving furniture can be quite a hassle considering the average American will move 11.4 times within their lifetime. It was a great idea to get your buddy with a truck to help, right? If they happen to show up that is! Now you’re stuck hefting the furniture and it’s bound to get damaged along the way. What are some unfortunates of a move?:

• Bad timing such as an extreme winter or hellacious summer
• Dings, scratches, and breakage of your items
• Bumps and bruises and serious injury

Then you have other problems such as:

• Traffic problems and vehicle breakdowns
• Improper organization and packing
• Property theft or damage during the transit

Troubles arise when moving furniture due to a lack of safety precautions. These aren’t hard to handle if you’re willing to learn and practice safe form. Let’s take a look into different ways to stay safe during a move.

Moving Furniture: Eight of the Best Safety Tips

There’s a huge difference between hiring a moving company versus going the DIY route but one thing for certain is the absolute need for safety.

Break it down

Break down big items to reduce weight and trouble:

• Clear and remove the drawers from dressers
• Remove the cushions from couches
• Disassemble bookshelves, tables, and bedframes

It adds to the work but makes these items easier to move. Make sure to keep the parts organized and together!

Clear a path

Moving becomes chaotic when there are items in the way. It leads to frustration, an accident waiting to happen due to tripping, or damaging the furniture. Common-sense is the key component. An extra hour clearing the paths will increase safety and reduce the troubles of moving furniture. This would include:

• Assessing the pathways when moving the bigger items
• Removing obstacles such as boxes and small items
• Checking the stability of walkways and stairs
• Removing the doors

Wear comfortable clothing

Catching a piece of clothing or slipping in your shoes is guaranteed to cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s not a good choice to move in your everyday attire. Get loose with the clothing. Avoid baggy clothes but do wear an outfit that is flexible. These wears will get dirty so choose something you can live without. Wear close-toe shoes to avoid feet injury from drops. A pair of gloves will help.

Use the right equipment

The right equipment makes all the difference. It can be the difference between making the move an ease and injuring yourself. The essential items include:

• Dolly – Perfect for heavy and odd-shaped furniture
• Shoulder Dolly – Ideal for two individuals moving items like a couch
• Lifting Straps – For the heaviest of items like a safe or stone fixtures
• Slides – A good way to slip the furniture across the floor without scratching

These items are available at moving rental locations or found at big-box home improvement retailers.

Proper form/carrying techniques

Weight is the issue. It’s the reason you’re likely to injure yourself. This is avoided through proper form and techniques.

• Always lift with your legs
• Carry tall items high and low
• Slide furniture whenever possible
• Hook couches and chairs around corners

Don’t go solo

Don’t be the “moving hero”. The one that takes it upon themselves to manhandle the heavy items through sheer will & brawn. Use your skills together with the appropriate moving equipment. Use help for the heavier items such as couches, refrigerators, tables, mattresses, and the like. Take your time to avoid over-exertion. It’s better to go at it slow and do it right. Rather than to hurt yourself from trying to do it all.

Organize everything

From the individual items to using a printable guide to pack and move. Try doing this:

• Purchase sturdy boxes from a moving company or home improvement store instead of using the commonly recommend liquor store boxes

• Pre-organize items based on their location and importance which allows you to “zone” areas and pace yourself in the packing

• Do not overload boxes — keep them loose and at a weight you’re able to carry comfortably in and out of the locations

• Set valuable items (and documents) aside to avoid crushing or place them separately in your personal vehicle

Use the lead-up date to create a moving checklist. Work through the list on the day of to streamline the process.

Drive safe

The moving truck can be quite a lot to handle. The conditions on the road will be a likely challenge, too.

• Keep your distance due to the heavy weight of the truck and contents
• Slow your pace when driving through an area with bad weather
• Take wide turns and be willing to wait for better merging conditions
• Rest when you need

They don’t teach you driving a large truck too often so take your time and be doubly cautious of your surroundings. These tips will cover the basics of moving furniture. There’s another thing…

Extra Tips for Long-Distance Moving

Moving long distances or outside the United States bring about more needs for safety and concern.

• Create an emergency contact list and share it with family and friends
• Carry a small amount of cash in case you have access to your cards
• Perform an inspection and maintenance to the vehicle before the trip
• Understand the local culture and customs (this includes within the US)
• Make use of technology for GPS, translations, and fun
• Stay hydrated and stop the moment you begin to feel tired
• Get to know your new area through local meetups and events
• Protect your privacy, be careful who you talk to, and keep your wallet safe

Add these to the prior list and you’ll be set!

Whether It’s Across the Street or the World…

It’s wise to take precaution to protect yourself and your items. Moving furniture can pose a risk situation. The last thing you want to deal with is the stress of dealing with an injury and damaged items. If you’re dealing with larger or more complex moves, it might be a good idea to consider heavy machinery moving services to ensure that everything is handled safely and efficiently. Consider hiring a moving services company if you’re wary of the troubles. Ask the right questions to vet their service and expertise. Your mind and body will thank you. Stay safe out there when you’re moving furniture.