Moving furniture can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done safely and efficiently. Whether you're relocating to a new home or rearranging your current space, following a few essential tips can prevent injuring yourself and causing damage to your belongings. In this blog, Skipton Self Drive shares five practical tips to help you move furniture safely, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. From proper lifting techniques to using the right equipment, these tips will make your next move a breeze.
1. Plan ahead
If you’re renting a van to help you move heavier furniture, then you’ll be keen to keep your eye on the clock and avoid having to extend the rental or hire another van at a later date. For that reason it’s important to plan ahead and be as organised as possible. To avoid any nasty trips or accidents, ensure that the path to where you will be lifting your furniture is clear and hazard free. This includes making sure children and pets can’t come and obstruct the path. If you have the option for childcare or to move during school hours, we’d advise it. Similarly, if there is anyone that can watch your pets, it might be advisable to drop them off for a bit or keep them in an area of the house where they can’t get under your feet!
Also think of any furniture where pieces can become loose. Drawers on cabinets should be removed to prevent them from sliding out and can be put back in whilst packing. Similarly, all items in drawers should be removed so that they don’t slide or bump around in the back of the van. Also, many tables can have legs removed so the top can slide into a narrower space and legs stacked nearby. Pack all fragile items such as vases that usually sit on top if your furniture, in lots of bubble wrap. You don’t want to find any broken glass from ornaments when it comes time to take your furniture out or risk any nasty cuts.
2. Clothing and Equipment
You’ll probably also want to ensure that, weather permitting, you wear loose light clothes that allow you a full range of motion, to tie your hair back and take off any jewellery or accessories that could get caught or snagged. Solid footwear such as work or walking boots are also advisable, but in general any closed shoe with a decent tread will ensure if any furniture gets dropped your feet at least have some protection. To minimise the risk of dropping any furniture, you might also want to consider any equipment that might help on the day of moving. Using a hand trolley or moving dolly is a good option if lifting by yourself or for bulkier pieces such as wardrobes, drawers and cabinets.
If you have any sudden drops such as a step down from your front door or kitchen, perhaps make a temporary ramp to help you wheel down any heavier furniture. Taller pieces of furniture such as wardrobes may end up being a two person job. Tip the wardrobe backwards so one person can grab the top and the other the bottom to share the load and make sure the weight is more evenly distributed.
3. Use a proper bending and lifting technique
Using proper bending and lifting techniques is crucial to prevent injuries and make the task of moving furniture more manageable. When lifting heavy items, always remember to bend at your knees and hips, not your waist. This technique allows your legs, which are stronger than your back, to do most of the work. Keep your back straight and your core engaged to maintain stability and reduce the risk of strain.
Before lifting, ensure you have a firm grip on the furniture and stand as close to the item as possible. This minimises the leverage and reduces the strain on your body. As you lift, rise slowly using your legs, keeping the item close to your body. Avoid twisting or turning your body while lifting or carrying heavy objects; instead, move your feet to change direction.
4. Slide, wiggle and take the back off
If your home has hardwood flooring, you understandably might be a bit apprehensive about moving heavier furniture or scratching your flooring. What you might like to consider for most pieces of furniture such as washing machines, fridges or cookers is laying down a sheet or any kind of fabric. You can then pull the heavy item by pulling the fabric which will avoid any scratches. For sofas, you would be better advised to stand it on one end and tactfully ‘wiggle’ the sofa out by rotating one side towards the door then the other. If there are any protruding feet on the bottom, you may be able to take these off to help slide it through any doorways. This can also apply to most furniture pieces, any knobs, accessories or ornaments may catch on the way to the van and if possible, should be removed to give you that extra inch to get it through.
5. Store your furniture securely
Our best advice when it comes to packing the van is to put heavier and bulkier items in first and tie them down where appropriate. This will prevent them from moving around and damaging smaller or more fragile pieces. You can make use of the space in between the bigger items to squeeze items such as chairs, table legs etc. Smaller items can also be wedged in, but you might wish to consider wrapping them in bubble wrap. If you've run out of bubble wrap, a blanket or towel can also offer some protection and avoid scratches to the surfaces of your furniture. You could also pack smaller items like boxes into a wardrobe or drawers to utilise the most out of your space, but always ensure the doors and drawers are securely shut and can’t swing open during transit. Don’t forget to make full use of the space by packing to the ceiling!
Do you need a van to help you move home or clear away old furniture? We’re here to help. If you live in Skipton or its surrounding areas, contact us today on 01756 792911 or use our contact form here.
