A large wardrobe, a heavy dining table, a double bed with a thick mattress â these are the items that slow down a move and cause the most injuries when handled incorrectly. Professional movers handle heavy furniture every day. They use specific tools, follow specific steps, and communicate constantly while they work.
Here is what they do and how you can apply the same approach to your own move.
Plan Before You Touch Anything
The most important step happens before any furniture is lifted. Walk through your current home and measure every large piece of furniture. Then measure every doorway, hallway, and elevator it needs to pass through. Compare the numbers.
If a wardrobe is 90 centimetres wide and your hallway is 85 centimetres wide, it will not fit through without being disassembled first. Discovering this on moving day wastes time and can cause damage to both the furniture and the walls.
Identify What Needs to Be Disassembled
Make a list of every large piece that should be broken down before the move. This typically includes beds, wardrobes, large bookshelves, L-shaped sofas, and dining tables with removable legs. Disassemble these items the evening before moving day so they are ready to carry out when the movers arrive.
Keep all screws, bolts, and fittings in a sealed, labelled ziplock bag. Tape the bag to the inside of the item so it travels with the furniture and is easy to find during reassembly.
The Right Equipment Makes All the Difference
Professional movers do not just rely on muscle. They use tools that make the job safer and protect both the workers and your belongings.
Furniture Dollies
A furniture dolly is a low, wheeled platform. Heavy items are placed on top of it and rolled across flat floors instead of being carried. A dolly allows one or two people to move something that would otherwise require four. If you are hiring professional movers, they will bring their own dollies. If you are renting one, book it in advance from a tool hire shop.
Moving Straps and Shoulder Harnesses
Moving straps go over the shoulders and allow two people to lift and carry a large item without straining their lower backs. The weight is distributed across the shoulders and core, where the body is strongest. Professional movers use these for fridges, washing machines, and heavy wardrobes on stairways.
Furniture Sliders
These are flat discs placed under the legs or corners of heavy furniture. They allow the piece to glide across a floor instead of being lifted. They are particularly useful in rooms where a dolly cannot fit. Sliders protect both the floor and the furniture from scratches during repositioning.
Moving Blankets
Every piece of furniture that goes onto a moving truck should be wrapped in a moving blanket. This prevents scratches, dents, and scuffs during transit. Professional movers carry blankets for every job. When you book National Shifting, your furniture is wrapped before it is loaded.
Protect Your Floors and Walls
Before moving any heavy piece of furniture, lay down protection. Thick cardboard sheets work well on hard floors. They prevent scratches from chair legs, trolley wheels, and dragging. Felt furniture pads placed under heavy items also prevent floor damage when you slide them.
Protect door frames with cardboard padding or foam strips. A large wardrobe passing through a tight doorframe can easily scrape the wall on both sides. Take a moment to add padding before the carry, not after the damage is done.
How to Lift Safely
Back injuries from lifting furniture are very common. The correct technique makes a real difference. Always bend your knees, not your waist, when picking something up from the floor. Keep your back straight. Hold the item close to your body. Never twist your torso while carrying a load â turn with your feet instead.
If an item is too heavy for one person, do not try alone. Use two, three, or four people. Communicate before every lift â one person counts, and everyone moves together on the count.
Moving Furniture Down Stairs
Stairs are where most furniture accidents happen. The person at the bottom of the staircase bears more of the weight and has less control. Always go slowly on stairs. Use clear verbal communication â the person at the top announces each step. Never rush a staircase carry.
For very heavy items on stairs, use a stair-climbing dolly. This specialized equipment has a mechanism that steps over each riser. It should only be operated by someone familiar with the equipment. When in doubt, let the professionals handle staircase moves.
Moving a Sofa Through a Doorway
A sofa often seems too large to fit through a standard door. The trick is to turn it on its end. Stand the sofa vertically and angle it through the doorway. This works for most standard sofas. If the sofa is an L-shape or has a very deep back, you may need to remove the legs first, or consult a professional before forcing it through.
Moving a Mattress
Always use a mattress bag. This keeps the mattress clean during the move and provides a slight layer of protection. Never bend or fold a spring mattress â it damages the internal structure. Carry it flat or on its side with two people, one at each end.
Leave the Heavy Lifting to National Shifting
Moving heavy furniture safely requires the right tools, the right technique, and an experienced team. The professionals at National Shifting handle wardrobes, refrigerators, beds, and large sofas every single day. We come equipped with dollies, straps, blankets, and sliders to protect your furniture and your home from start to finish. Contact us today for a free quote.
