How to Move Furniture By Yourself

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency hospitals treated an estimated average of 22,500 people annually for instability or tip-over injuries related to televisions, furniture, and appliances between 2018 and 2020.

The graph below breaks down the injuries, and we can see that furniture-related injuries account for the majority of the injuries.

In this post, we will share ways you can safely move furniture by yourself. Planning is a crucial first step. Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure the furniture will fit through smoothly. Clear any obstructions along the path and ensure it's clutter-free. 

When lifting heavy furniture, remember to use proper lifting techniques to protect your back. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your leg muscles. 

Gather and Prepare equipment for Moving Heavy Furniture

Moving furniture by yourself can be a challenging task, but having the right equipment at your disposal can significantly streamline the process, making it much smoother and more manageable.

Here's a simple list of equipment you will need:

• Furniture movers sliders:
• These sliders are particularly valuable when moving furniture over surfaces like carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, or any type of flooring, as they help prevent damage, scuffs, or scratches to both the furniture and the floor. They make the entire moving process more efficient and reduce the physical exertion required.
• Furniture covers and Blankets: 
• Furniture covers act as a protective barrier against scratches, dings, and scuffs that can occur during the move.
• Moving gloves:
• One often-overlooked aspect of a successful move is the use of moving gloves. These specialized gloves are designed to protect your hands and provide a better grip when handling furniture during a move.

Best practices for moving furniture without scratching the floor

Now that you've gathered and prepared the equipment, it's time to start moving.

Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that your furniture is completely covered to protect it and your floors during the move. This extra layer of protection will help prevent any potential scratches, scuffs, or damage.

Consider Disassembly

If possible, disassemble furniture to make it lighter and more manageable. Keep track of all hardware and parts for reassembly at your destination

Clear the Path

Remove obstacles and clutter from the path you'll be taking to avoid accidental collisions and floor damage.

Lift Carefully

When lifting heavy furniture, use proper lifting techniques: bend at the knees, maintain a straight back, and lift with your leg muscles. This minimizes the risk of scraping against the floor or walls.

Tips on Moving Heavy Furniture Downstairs

Moving furniture downstairs by yourself is actually more manageable than it might seem initially. When you follow the right steps, it becomes a lot less challenging.

Step 1: Protect Your Furniture

• Begin by completely covering your furniture with furniture covers or blankets. Pay extra attention to the furniture legs and securely wrap them with tape to avoid any accidental damage.

Step 2: Utilize Furniture Sliders

• Place furniture sliders under the furniture's legs to reduce friction and make it easier to maneuver. Slowly and carefully guide the furniture towards the staircase.

Step 3: Prepare the Staircase

• To safeguard your carpet or flooring, lay down blankets on the staircase. This extra layer of protection ensures that your floors remain unscathed during the move.

Step 4: Execute the Descent

• As you begin the descent, make sure you have a proper grip on the furniture. Move slowly and cautiously, ensuring that you maintain control throughout the process. This careful approach will help prevent both floor damage and accidents.

Following these steps will not only make moving furniture downstairs by yourself less challenging but also significantly reduce the risk of any unwanted mishaps or scratches.