Decide what is worth moving
The easiest piece of furniture to move is the one you leave behind. Before you plan how to carry something, ask whether it is worth it. Items that are damaged, do not fit your new layout or that you have not used in a long time may be better sold, donated or discarded; our guide to downsizing when you move can help you decide. Moving companies charge based on volume or time, and DIY moves cost you effort and risk, so a quick declutter can save both.
If you are not sure what will fit in the new home, measure the rooms and the furniture, then sketch a simple floor plan.
Measure first and plan the route
Measure the furniture (height, width, depth and diagonal for tall pieces) and then measure doorways, hallways, stair turns and elevators on both ends. Measure the narrowest points, including door handles that protrude into a doorway. Remove doors from their hinges if it gains you a few centimeters. Experts quoted by home improvement publishers suggest that a back door or even a window may sometimes be easier than a tight front entrance.
Then walk the path, clearing obstacles such as rugs, plants and loose items, and propping doors open.
Plan where each piece will land
Decide in advance which room and which wall each item will go to. A floor plan with measurements helps you avoid carrying a heavy piece in, then moving it again. Taping a copy of the plan to the wall of each room lets helpers see at a glance where things belong. For what to do once the furniture is in, see our tips for unpacking after a move.
Gather the right gear
Useful items for a furniture move:
- Work gloves and sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip
- Moving blankets, stretch wrap and corner protectors
- A hand truck or dolly, with straps
- Furniture sliders for hard floors or carpet (the right type for the surface)
- Lifting straps, if you have a helper and heavy pieces
- A screwdriver, Allen keys and small bags for hardware
- Plastic bags and tape, so screws stay with the piece they came from
A back brace is sometimes recommended, but good technique and help matter more.
Take pieces apart
Removing legs from tables, taking bed frames apart (see how to store a bed frame if it is not going straight into a room) and detaching shelves or drawers makes most pieces lighter and smaller. Keep screws and bolts in labeled bags taped to the item. Take photos of complicated assemblies before you disassemble. Remove drawers and secure the doors of cabinets so they do not swing open. Empty furniture of contents first, since a full dresser is heavier and can damage itself.
Protect furniture, floors and walls
- Wrap wood and upholstered pieces in blankets or stretch wrap. Be careful with plastic directly on wood or leather over long periods, as it can trap moisture.
- Add corner guards to sharp edges.
- Lay down runners or cardboard along the path to protect floors.
- Pad door frames and stair railings.
- Wrap mirrors and glass carefully, and carry them upright rather than flat.
Lifting and carrying safely
Moving heavy furniture is a common cause of back strain, so go carefully.
- Bend at the knees, keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting.
- Lift with a partner for anything heavy or awkward, and agree on signals before you start.
- Slide rather than drag or carry when you can, using sliders or a blanket.
- Tilt tall pieces and carry them with a high person and a low person.
- Hook chairs around corners and stand sofas on end if that is the best way to clear a doorway.
- Take breaks, and stop if something feels wrong.
If you have a health condition, a back problem or concerns about your strength, hire help.
Moving heavy pieces
For a very heavy item such as a piano, a safe, a large appliance or a solid wood wardrobe, the safest option is professional movers with the right equipment. For heavy but manageable items, a dolly with straps, sliders and a ramp for stairs can help. Never rely on a single friend to hold a piece balanced on a staircase.
For mattresses, a few people can carry them folded or in a cover. Box springs sometimes need to be folded or cut to fit around corners, though that ruins them, so check whether replacing is more practical.
Loading the truck
Load heavy items first and towards the front of the truck, and place lighter items on top. Keep big pieces upright and flat against the walls where possible, and fill gaps with boxes and soft items. Secure everything with straps or rope so it does not shift when the vehicle brakes. Load in reverse of how you want to unload, so first-needed items such as beds and essentials come out first.
What do movers find hardest to move?
Professional movers often say heavy, bulky, awkward or fragile items are hardest. Typical examples are pianos, safes, large sectional sofas, big solid wood furniture, gym equipment and aquarium tanks. Poorly packed boxes, overstuffed or too-heavy boxes, and anything that is not prepared in advance also create problems. Telling your movers about any unusual items in advance helps them prepare.
Tipping movers
Tipping is voluntary and practices differ by country, company and the difficulty of the job. There is no fixed rule, and whether a specific amount per mover is right depends on the service, the length of the move and your budget. If you are unsure, check what the moving company recommends, and consider a smaller tip for good service on a short move and more for a long or difficult one. Offering water and food is a welcome gesture too.
When to hire professionals
Consider professional help if you have a long list of heavy items, narrow stairs, a long distance, a tight schedule, or health limitations. Get quotes and check that the company is licensed and insured where required.
FAQ
How early should I start packing? There is no single timeline. Many moving companies suggest starting several weeks before the move for a typical household, and sooner for larger homes. Start with items you rarely use. For a broader plan, see moving into a new house: what do I need?
What is the best way to move a heavy piece of furniture? Plan the route, empty and disassemble it, protect it, and use sliders, a dolly or help from a second person.
Should I move furniture myself? It depends on the size, your health and your budget. When in doubt, ask a professional.