Relocation can get pretty hard and physically challenging, and moving furniture may be the hardest part of it. Those household objects are massive, bulky, heavy, almost backbreaking to move around, and always seem to lack that one inch to be squeezed through the doorway. Well, that last part may not be entirely accurate. With our tips, you’ll be an expert in DIY hauling of even the largest pieces.
Are Movers Really Necessary When Moving Furniture?
The first image that comes to mind when one thinks about relocation are professional movers loading boxes with your belongings onto a truck. In the spirit of our times, you can now cut out the middleman, and move your furniture by yourself (and preferably friends). There are some really simple tricks to it, as you’re about to see. So, if you’re moving on a low budget or wish to reduce the overall costs in case you expect a higher price because of moving during holidays, packing and hauling furnishings on your own may be the right option for you.
Another potential advantage of the DIY approach is that the company’s regulations won’t constrain you. There are some items that movers won’t move, but you can carry in your rented semi. Think twice before doing that, however, since there are undoubtedly good reasons why such rules are in place, especially for long-distance moves. Always remember that anything that you deem useful in any way can wait in storage.
Use the Services of Your Friends and the Right Techniques to Move Heavy Stuff
Since the choice of whether to move furniture or buy new one went in favor of keeping it, the next decision, not to hire professional assistance, means that you’re left with a single pair of hands to do all the heavy lifting in your home. Namely, your own. But here’s an idea. Isn’t it what friends are for? So call them up and propose a deal, somewhere in the range of “You carry my wardrobes and vintage oak table with me, and I’ll get you some sodas and snacks.” They’ll be mad to refuse to help you, right?
Apply Proper Techniques For Moving Furniture
As for any physically challenging endeavor, there are proper techniques for lifting and carrying furnishing. Indeed, they won’t make those objects any lighter, but may at least ease the burden to those happy few who agreed to lend you their service. Among the most lauded ones are those related to body stance. So make sure to stick to them and do a huge favor to your body.
For starters, let your legs and knees bear the weight, not your back. So squat when you lift and protect your spine from harm. The next one would be to try to keep still while carrying items. Any sudden or fast movements, or even twists, can hurt you.
Keep the items close to you. That way, weight goes to your shoulders and upper arms, instead of much weaker forearms. It also helps in the vital task of keeping balance.
When it comes to item-related advice, always carry massive chairs on the sides and move them through the doors like an “L,” first carry in the lower part, then the upper. Also, don’t carry higher (in this case longer) pieces leveled. With one end higher, balance will be better.
Having the Right Equipment Makes Lifting Easier
If you wish your life, and therefore your moving, to be more comfortable, use some or all of the available equipment. Among the most helpful stuff that can be found in (or brought to) your home are special straps, sliders, and dollies. All of them make heavy items much more manageable and, therefore, safer to move around. If you don’t already have them, try visiting a local retail store.
Stay Safe
This tip can’t be emphasized enough. Your safety, and of those who help you around your home, is paramount to all other endeavors. Beware of stairs, and use sliders to lower furniture down. And don’t punch above your weight. If you know you can’t lift something, don’t try it.
Disassemble What You Can
The golden rule when it comes to bulky stuff is to take it apart whatever you can. Remove the pads from sofas, take out all drawers, fold beds and chairs that can be folded, and take apart all tables, bookshelves, and other pieces that allow you to treat them in such a way. Wondering why? Stay with us and get familiar with the benefits of disassembling.
Each Removed Part Means Lighter Load
Imagine your favorite couch, only a few pounds lighter. You can achieve that by removing pads and pillows from it. Every drawer adds at least a couple of pounds to a dresser. And so on, and so on. Disassembling also means easier loading and filling up of the cargo hold.
Someone Said You Can’t Fill the Truck Without the Movers? Think Again!
You don’t need movers for loading a truck, either. Follow a few simple rules and do it like a pro. First, load large kitchen appliances, then whole or disassembled pieces. Tie chair and table legs together to save space and prevent them from shifting around. Put everything upright. Stack longer items against the cargo hold’s walls. And put the drawers back in their places and secure them with tape.
Protect Your Belongings Until Delivery
As important as proper stacking is, another equally significant step is keeping belongings safe during the long journey to your new home. Use as many paddings and layers as possible, from the moment you start packing. Numerous materials can be of service when it comes to damage protection, from paper to towels and blankets. If you are unsure whether this piece or that can survive the trip intact, revisit the idea of putting your belongings in storage.
Have an Exit Strategy
Finally, have at least an idea about what to do when you reach your new home. If you know the layout, it will be a lot easier to navigate once you’re there.
So there you have it. If you believe that you don’t need professional services, you’re all set to become a DIY mover of heavy stuff. With help from friends, of course.
But as we’ve already mentioned, safety should be your paramount concern, so if you have even the slightest doubt that you won’t be able to pull this off on your own, consider hiring professionals to do it for you.
