6 Tips When It Comes to Moving Heavy Items

Jun 19, 2024 | Moving

Do you ever look at a piece of furniture, such as a large piano, and wonder how someone lifted it and moved it into the room? Having a concrete strategy is crucial when it comes to moving heavy items. 

Whether moving furniture for the first time or the fifth time, it’s important to know that moving heavy items requires brains, brawn, and a plan. 

It’s tempting to go over to the couch, bend down, and show off the results from your time at the gym. Unfortunately, this impulsive moving behavior can lead to serious injury. 

If you’re tasked with moving heavy items, then you’ll want to consider these strategies for an efficient and safe experience. 

Useful Tips When Moving Heavy Items

Whether you’re just two people or a group of friends moving into a new home, these strategies for moving heavy items will keep you safe and may even speed up your move.

Think Before You Lift

Before you even try to lift a heavy piece of furniture, truly examine it and consider the best way to move it. Create a strategy of where you will place your hands, at which angle you’ll carry it, and how you’ll get it through the door. 

Picturing yourself moving the heavy item before actually doing it will make your move faster and more successful.

Eliminate Weight

If pieces of the furniture are removable, then it’s a great idea to eliminate some of the weight. This includes drawers in dressers and nightstands, cushions on couches, the backs of recliners, and legs on a table. 

The less weight you have the carry, the more manageable your move will be. Plus, you won’t have to exert yourself as much, leaving you feeling more energized after the move. 

Consider Pushing or Pulling

Sometimes, the best way to move heavy items isn’t to lift them, but to push or pull them in and out of the room. 

While pushing and pulling still require muscle and energy, it is a safer option than lifting something that is too heavy. 

If you decide to use this method, try to add something smooth under the item, such as a blanket or furniture sliders, to protect your floor and the item while also making it easier to push or pull.

Lift with Your Legs

It’s the oldest tip in the book when lifting heavy items, but it’s essential. Always lift with your legs, never with your back. 

When you use the strong muscles in your legs, you protect yourself from pulling a muscle in your back. If you’ve ever had debilitating back pain, you know that it isn’t for the weak of heart and can put you out of commission for days. 

Install a Ramp

If you’re moving heavy items up or down stairs, you may want to consider installing a ramp. Stairs can be the most difficult and dangerous part of moving furniture, and installing a reliable ramp will be a total game-changer. 

Always be sure that the ramp is installed correctly, sturdy, and doesn’t have too steep of an incline. 

Rely on Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers is the easiest and best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free move. 

They have the tools and strategy to effectively and safely move heavy items, such as pianos, couches, tables, armoires, and bookshelves. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous position when you have a new home to look forward to living in. 

Make the smart choice and let the professionals do the heavy lifting. 

Mike Hammer Moving: Moving Heavy Items in the Kansas City Area for 30+ Years

Reading about the best strategies for moving heavy items may seem easy and simple until it comes to the physical labor of moving. 

That’s where Mike Hammer Moving can lend a helping hand. 

For more than thirty years, we’ve been helping families and companies move in and out of spaces throughout Kansas City. With the right equipment and strategies, our professional and licensed movers can easily move heavy items. 

Are you ready to experience a smoother move?

Contact us today to get a free quote for your move.

How to Pack Kitchen Items For a Stress Free Move

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms to pack when you are preparing for a move. Between fragile glassware, heavy cookware, and oddly shaped appliances, knowing how to pack kitchen items properly can mean the difference between everything arriving safely...

Moving in Retirement: How to Prepare

Moving in retirement is one of the biggest transitions you can make after leaving the workforce. Whether you are downsizing to a smaller home, relocating closer to family, or simply looking for a fresh start, this kind of move comes with its own set of challenges. The...

Do Moving Companies Handle Furniture Disassembly?

If you have ever tried to squeeze a king-size bed frame down a narrow hallway or wrestle a dining table through a tight doorway, you already know why furniture disassembly matters on moving day. The good news is that most full-service moving companies handle this task as part of their standard offerings. Knowing what to expect can save you time, stress, and potential damage to your belongings.

Library Moving: Best Ways to Move a Lot of Books

If you are a book lover preparing for a relocation, library moving is probably one of the biggest challenges on your list. Books are heavy, bulky, and surprisingly fragile when handled incorrectly. Whether you own a few shelves or a collection spanning hundreds of volumes, having a solid plan will save your back and your books.

How to Label Moving Boxes for Easy Moving

Moving to a new home involves countless tasks, but few are as important as knowing how to label moving boxes correctly. When you label moving boxes with a clear system, unpacking becomes faster, movers know exactly where each box belongs, and you can quickly locate...