Moving Heavy Items: The Ultimate Guide to Doing it Safely (and When Not To)
Moving house is a mammoth task, but nothing quite brings on the dread like staring down a solid wood wardrobe, a double-door fridge, or that ridiculously comfy but ridiculously heavy sofa. These are the titans of your home, and moving them is the final boss battle of any relocation.
Attempting to move heavy items without a plan is a recipe for disaster. You risk serious personal injury, damage to your prized possessions, and unsightly scuffs and gouges in both your old and new homes.
But don’t despair! With the right knowledge, the right tools, and a healthy dose of caution, you can conquer these heavy challenges. This guide is your ultimate playbook for moving heavy items safely and efficiently across Perth.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Wing It! Preparation is Everything
Before you even think about lifting anything when moving house, a bit of prep work will save you a world of pain—literally.
1. Measure Twice, Move Once
Will that oversized couch actually fit through the doorway? Will the fridge clear that tight hallway corner? Grab a tape measure and check the dimensions of the item against the dimensions of every doorway, hallway, and staircase on its path. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck halfway.
2. Empty Everything
This seems obvious, but in the chaos of moving, it’s easily forgotten. A wardrobe is heavy; a wardrobe full of clothes is a back-breaker. Empty all drawers, shelves, and cabinets. Remove cushions from sofas and detach any removable parts. Make the item as light as possible before you start.
3. Clear the Path
Your moving route should be a clear, unobstructed runway.
- Remove rugs, toys, shoes, and stray boxes.
- Prop open all doors along the path.
- Check for any potential trip hazards outside, like garden hoses or uneven pavers.
4. Protect Your Property
Lay down protective coverings like flattened cardboard boxes, old blankets, or professional floor runners to prevent scratches on your hardwood or tile floors. For carpeted areas, sliders will be your best friend (more on that below).
The Right Tools for the Job: Your Heavy-Lifting Arsenal
Trying to move heavy furniture with just your bare hands is asking for trouble. Renting or buying a few key pieces of equipment is a non-negotiable investment in your safety.
- Moving Dolly / Hand Truck: This is your number one tool. An upright ‘L-shaped’ dolly is perfect for tall items like fridges and bookcases, while a flat, four-wheeled ‘furniture dolly’ is ideal for dressers and large boxes.
- Furniture Sliders: These simple plastic or felt-bottomed discs are miracle workers. Place them under the corners of a heavy item, and you can slide it across the floor (even carpet) with a fraction of the effort.
- Lifting Straps / Furniture Harnesses: For seriously heavy or awkward items, these straps use leverage to make the load feel significantly lighter. They are especially useful for navigating stairs.
- Moving Blankets: Don’t just protect your furniture from scratches—use blankets to get a better, softer grip and protect your hands.
- Good Quality Gloves: A pair of sturdy work gloves will improve your grip and protect your hands from splinters and scrapes.
- Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes: Essential for protecting your feet and ensuring you have good traction.
The Art of the Lift: Techniques to Save Your Back
Now for the main event. How you lift and carry is the single most important factor in preventing injury.
The “Lift Like a Pro” Checklist:
- Size Up the Item: Assess the weight and shape. Is it a two-person job? A three-person job? Be honest with yourself.
- Get a Firm Base: Stand close to the item with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
- Bend at Your Knees and Hips (NOT your waist): Squat down, keeping your back straight, head up, and chest out.
- Get a Firm Grip: Hold the item securely, using your whole hand, not just your fingers.
- Lift with Your Legs: Drive upwards with your powerful leg and glute muscles, keeping your back in that same straight position.
- Keep it Close: Hold the item close to your body to maintain your centre of gravity.
- Move Your Feet to Turn: Never, ever twist your torso while holding a heavy load. This is how spinal injuries happen. Pivot by moving your feet.
- Communicate! When working with a partner, communicate clearly. Plan your moves, count down to lifts (“Lifting on three!”), and warn about upcoming obstacles.
Item-Specific Strategies: How to Move Common Heavy Culprits
Different items present unique challenges. Here’s how to tackle the most common ones.
Fridges & Freezers
- Prep: Empty, clean, and thoroughly defrost the unit at least 24 hours in advance to prevent leaks.
- Secure: Tape the doors shut and secure the electrical cord to the back.
- Move: Use a moving dolly. Slide the dolly underneath, strap the fridge tightly to it, and always keep the fridge as upright as possible to protect the compressor. You’ll need a spotter to help you balance and navigate.
Washing Machines & Dryers
- Prep: Disconnect all hoses and drain any remaining water completely.
- Secure: Install the manufacturer’s transit bolts (shipping bolts) into the back of your washing machine. This locks the drum in place and prevents it from getting damaged during transport.
- Move: These are often best moved with two people and a dolly. They are dense and awkward.
Couches & Sofas
- Prep: Remove all cushions and, if possible, the legs. This can often be the difference-maker for fitting through a tight doorway.
- Move: The “pivot” method is key. Turn the couch on its end to get it through doorways, navigating it L-shape first. This often requires two or three people communicating and coordinating. Wrap it in moving blankets to protect the upholstery.
Mattresses
- The Challenge: Mattresses aren’t always heavy, but they are incredibly floppy and awkward.
- The Solution: Use a special mattress bag, which not only keeps it clean but often has handles, making it far easier to grip. Use ratchet straps to fold the mattress in half (for foam/hybrid types only) or to keep it rigid for carrying.
Solid Wood Furniture (Wardrobes, Tables, Dressers)
- Prep: If possible, disassemble it. Remove drawers from dressers, take the top off a dining table, and see if the wardrobe can be broken down.
- Move: For items that can’t be disassembled, wrap them in moving blankets to protect corners and surfaces. Use sliders to get them into position, and a furniture dolly for the journey to the truck. This is almost always a multi-person job.
The Smartest & Safest Option: When to Call the Professionals
Let’s be honest. Sometimes, the risk and effort just aren’t worth it. The single best way to move a heavy item is to let someone else do it—someone with the training, equipment, and insurance to do it right.
Ask yourself:
- Is the item exceptionally heavy or valuable (like a piano or antique)?
- Do you have to navigate multiple flights of stairs or very tight corners?
- Do you have a pre-existing injury or health condition?
- Do you lack confident, physically capable helpers?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, calling professional movers is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Professional removalists have the experience to move things you might deem impossible, and they do it safely and efficiently, protecting both your belongings and your body.
Your health is your most important asset. Don’t risk it for the sake of saving a few dollars. Whether it’s one impossibly heavy item or a whole house full of them, we’re here to take the weight off your shoulders.
Need help with the heavy lifting for your Perth move? Contact Best Movers Packers Perth for a free, no-obligation quote. We have the team, the tools, and the technique to make your move safe and stress-free.