How To Transport Large Furniture During a Move
After you pack up your belongings into cardboard boxes, it’s time to tackle the furniture in your home. From mattresses to appliances, these pieces of large furniture can be difficult to transport during a move, and any heavy objects could strain your body. To prevent injury, pick up these items using tools and extra hands and secure them to your transport vehicle carefully.
1. Disassemble Furniture Where Possible
Large furniture pieces, like beds or dining tables, can be much easier to move when broken down into smaller parts. Unscrew legs from tables, take apart bed frames, and remove cushions from sofas. To avoid losing any extra tools and parts, place all screws and small parts in labeled bags and set them aside in safe areas.
2. Use Moving Straps and Dollies
Use moving straps to evenly distribute weight and prevent strain on your back. As you bend down to pick up these items, always lift with your legs, not your back.
For heavy items like dressers or desks, invest in a sturdy moving dolly to make rolling them out of your home easier. Most moving or rental truck companies offer dollies as an extra charge on your rental. This will help you move heavy furniture down ramps and up staircases.
3. Wrap Furniture Properly
Protect your furniture during transit by wrapping it in moving blankets, bubble wrap, or heavy-duty plastic wrap. This extra layer of protection prevents scratches and dents on delicate surfaces like wood or glass. For framed photographs and paintings, you could also use corner blockers to avoid damaging the frame or stabbing other boxes in the move.
4. Tackle Large Electronics With Care
Televisions, stereos, and computers are among the most fragile yet bulky items you’ll need to transport. Before moving, unplug and wrap all cables securely to prevent tangles and protect electrical components during transit. For the best protection, rewrap your electronics in their original packing or boxes to transport heavy furniture during a move.
Alternatively, you can also invest in specialized TV or computer boxes with cushioning. Always load these items upright in your vehicle and secure them using moving straps to prevent tipping or shifting.
5. Secure Everything in the Moving Vehicle
Once your heavy items are in the moving vehicle, keep everything balanced and guarded during transit. Ratchet straps or bungee cords are great ways to anchor furniture firmly in place. Place heavier items toward the bottom with lighter ones on top and leave no room for items to shift.
6. Seek Help To Avoid Injuries
Large or bulky furniture often requires multiple hands. Don’t tackle this project alone—if the task feels overwhelming, hire professional movers who have the experience and equipment to do the job safely.
Moving can be a stressful time as you’re rearranging, donating, and throwing away items you no longer need. Start with the smaller, more manageable items before moving on to those large pieces of furniture. If you need an extra hand, call your friends and family or a professional moving team for support!
If you’re looking for help staying organized during your move, check out the Move Mama Move Relocation Planners with all the checklists, tips, trackers, and logs to keep you on top of it all during this major transition.
