Can you move heavy furniture yourself?

Absolutely! Check out the tips above to help you with seamless heavy object moving. Remember, while it's possible to move heavy furniture solo, recruiting a friend or hiring professional movers can offer additional support. Stewart Moving can assist with Interstate Moving of heavy items from state to state. Call 804-509-1659 to speak to a professional today.

What is the best thing to use to move heavy furniture?

One of the most efficient tools for moving heavy furniture is the furniture dolly—a flat platform on wheels designed for large items. For heavier furniture pieces, such as sectional sofas or hefty wardrobes, consider using a shoulder dolly or shoulder straps for moving.

What is the easiest way to move heavy furniture?

The best way to move heavy furniture efficiently involves preparation. In the post above, we show the most important steps to consider. Remember, safety should always be your top priority—never hesitate to hire professionals for the job of moving big furniture if it’s too much to handle alone.

What is the best way to move heavy furniture easily?

To ensure the safety of yourself and your items, the best way to move heavy furniture is to enlist the help of a moving company. They have the tools and strategies to make your move a breeze.

How do you move heavy furniture by yourself?

Before you begin, take precise measurements of your furniture and doorway. You can make the job easier by dismantling any large furniture into smaller, more manageable pieces.

How to carry heavy things upstairs?

When moving furniture upstairs, it's crucial to have a partner to help maneuver the furniture around corners and up the steps. If the item is excessively heavy or bulky, consider using a furniture dolly to roll it up to the base of the stairs.

How can we judge if a piece of furniture is too heavy for us without lifting it?

Bulky items made of solid wood or metal tend to be heavier than those crafted from lighter materials like particleboard or aluminum. Pieces with compact, dense structures or built-in storage are likely to be heavier due to the added material. For more specifics, you can look for any branding or manufacturer labels that might indicate the model, which can then be searched online to find the specific weight.

Do furniture sliders really work?

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

What do I put under furniture to move it easily?

Stores sell specific furniture sliders made of plastic, rubber, or felt that are a great option for moving heavy furniture. Extremely heavy items, like a safe, may require a PVC pipe roller. At Stewart Moving & Storage , our movers have all the equipment needed to move heavy items and protect your flooring.

How to move 500-lb. furniture?

There are a few ways to make this process a bit easier. You can start by purchasing furniture sliders or lifting straps to ease relocation. It’s also recommended that you disassemble extremely heavy products. Always move heavy furniture with a team—never try it solo! If your 500-pound furniture is proving too much for you, call in the help of trusted movers! At Stewart Moving & Storage , we offer competitive pricing for any move. No piece of furniture is too heavy for us!

How much does it cost to move a large piece of furniture?

There are a few things to consider when calculating the cost to move a large piece of furniture. The weight and size of the item, the distance of the move, and the logistics of the move, like stairs, all factor into the cost. Need help moving it within your own home? We can do that, too! Most moving crews will cost $160-$235 per hour, depending on the details of your move. Call Stewart Moving & Storage to receive a quote for moving a large piece of furniture today.

Can you hire people to move furniture easily around your house?

Yes! Moving companies offer a variety of services that include moving heavy furniture within the same home. If you need to rearrange a room, move in a new piano or dining table, or stage your home, calling in support is a great option.

How To Move Heavy Furniture By Yourself: 19 Ways to DIY

March 31, 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Considered Heavy Furniture?
How to Move Heavy Furniture By Yourself: 19 Tips
1. Collect Essential Moving Supplies and Equipment to Move Heavy Furniture
2. Plan Your Route and Clear The Landing Area to Move Furniture Easily
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing When Moving Large Furniture
4. Clear Out Loose Items From Shelves and Dressers
5. Use Proper Lifting Techniques to Lift Your Heavy Furniture
6. Disassemble Your Heavy Furniture When Possible
7. Turn Chairs and Sofas Sideways to Hook Them Around Doorways and Corners
8. Use Furniture Sliders to Move Heavy Furniture or Heavy Objects
9. Considerations When Moving Heavy Objects Upstairs
10. Moving Heavy Furniture Downstairs
11. Protect Your Furniture and Home with Blankets and Plastic
12. Consider Carrying Valuable Items With You
13. Remove Doors or Door-Stop Molding
14. Use Furniture Carrying Straps or a Dolly
15. Cut and Fold a Box Spring
16. Make a Mattress Sling for Easy Carrying
17. Transport Mirrors and Glass with Suction Cup Handles
18. Zip Tie Plastic Moving Bins to Prevent Spills
19. When to Consider Hiring Professional Heavy Furniture Movers?
FAQs About Heavy Furniture Moving

Have you ever stood at the bottom of a staircase, a looming furniture piece in tow, wondering just how you'll conquer the task of moving heavy furniture to its new home? Fear not, because with the right strategies and a bit of know-how, even some of the heaviest items can be managed without a pro!

Whether you want to hire one of our expert teams or move furniture easily by yourself, we’re here to make sure you survive your next move with your back—and your sanity—intact.

Specialized Tips:

What is Considered Heavy Furniture?

Furniture is typically considered heavy if it weighs 250 pounds or more. Here are some common items that can be challenging to move by yourself:

Pianos
Large Dimension Glass
Entertainment Centers
Oversized Dense Furniture made of Oak, Maple or Walnut
Dressers and Armoires
Pool Tables
Exercise Equipment
Refrigerators and Freezers
Marble, Granite, or Stone Furniture
Gun Safe/Safes in General

TV Shipping Guide

How to Move Heavy Furniture By Yourself: 19 Tips

1. Collect Essential Moving Supplies and Equipment to Move Heavy Furniture

Moving Dolly: A dolly can help you transport heavy items as it allows you to roll furniture rather than lift it.
Furniture Sliders: Placing sliders under the legs or corners of heavy pieces can significantly reduce friction, allowing items to slide.
Lifting Straps: These adjustable straps are designed to assist with heavy furniture lifting and can reduce the strain on your back.
Heavy-Duty Gloves: Wearing these will protect your hands and improve grip.
Blankets or Furniture Pads: Using these can prevent scratches, dents, or damage to your furniture, flooring, and walls.
Stair Roller: Consider using a stair roller, which attaches to heavy items, making it easier to move them down steps securely.
Ratchet Straps: Use ratchet straps to secure furniture to a dolly or within a moving vehicle to prevent shifting during transit.
Stretch Wrap: Applying stretch wrap around dressers or cabinets can keep drawers closed and protect the surfaces from scratches or scuffs.

2. Plan Your Route and Clear The Landing Area to Move Furniture Easily

When you’re figuring out how to move heavy furniture, don't go into it without a solid plan in place, or you could end up damaging your furniture, your home, or yourself. Map out your exact route and use tape measures to ensure there is enough space. Test out the flooring to make sure it can handle the weight capacity. Clear your landing area completely to give yourself plenty of room.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing When Moving Large Furniture

Wearing the right clothing is essential for successfully moving heavy furniture. Opt for comfortable, close-fitting clothes that won't get caught on anything. Sturdy shoes with good grip are also important to prevent slips and provide support. Proper attire can significantly reduce the risk of injury. When thinking about how to move heavy furniture, plan your outfit in advance for comfort and stability.

4. Clear Out Loose Items From Shelves and Dressers

Before moving shelves and dressers, remove any loose items. This step prevents items from falling and breaking during the move. It also makes the furniture lighter and easier to handle. Organizing and packing these items separately will streamline the moving process.

5. Use Proper Lifting Techniques to Lift Your Heavy Furniture

When moving heavy items, start by standing close to the furniture with your feet shoulder-width apart, giving you a stable base. Keep your back straight, bend at the knees and hips, and lift using the strength of your legs. Never twist your torso while lifting or carrying heavy items, as this can lead to back strain. Instead, pivot with your feet to change direction. Remember to hold the furniture close to your body to increase control and reduce strain on your arms and shoulders. If an item is too heavy, consider hiring professional movers.

6. Disassemble Your Heavy Furniture When Possible

Taking the time to disassemble heavy furniture can seem like an annoying task, but it's a crucial step in moving furniture easily. Not only does it make the furniture lighter and easier to maneuver through doorways, staircases, and onto the moving truck, but it also helps minimize the risk of damage to other parts of the home. Start by removing any drawers, shelves, or detachable panels. Keep screws, bolts, and other small hardware in labeled bags so that reassembling your items at your new location is a breeze. You can also look back on furniture instructions to make disassembling and reassembling easy.

A man is sitting on the floor assembling a wooden chair.

7. Turn Chairs and Sofas Sideways to Hook Them Around Doorways and Corners

Moving large furniture like chairs and sofas can be challenging, especially when navigating through narrow doorways and tight corners. By turning these items sideways, you can hook them around obstacles more easily, preventing damage and making the process smoother.

8. Use Furniture Sliders to Move Heavy Furniture or Heavy Objects

After successfully placing furniture sliders under the corners of your heavy item, you’re ready to glide it across the room easily. Slides are effective for moving furniture on carpet, but if you’re dealing with hardwood, laminate, or tile, opt for soft, felt-based sliders to prevent scratches and damage when sliding heavy furniture. Gently push the piece of furniture from the lower section, allowing the sliders to minimize friction and distribute weight evenly. Not only does this method protect your floors, but it also significantly reduces the strain on your body.

9. Considerations When Moving Heavy Objects Upstairs

efore moving heavy items upstairs, always assess the weight and dimensions of the furniture, and the width and shape of the stairwell. Measure doorways, landings, and ceiling heights to avoid getting stuck midway. Always keep the heaviest end of the furniture going up first to reduce the risk of it tipping backward. Communicate clearly with your moving partner, taking slow steps. If the task proves too daunting, don’t hesitate to consult professional movers for heavy furniture.

10. Moving Heavy Furniture Downstairs

When going down a flight of stairs, make sure to clear the path of any obstacles to avoid tripping or damaging the furniture. Use moving straps or a furniture dolly to reduce the burden of weight and help maintain a controlled movement. It’s also essential to take slow steps and communicate with your partner. Make sure to place the lighter end facing down the stairs and the heavy portion at the top so it will not slide down quickly, making moving furniture easy and not putting too much strain on one person.

11. Protect Your Furniture and Home with Blankets and Plastic

When moving heavy furniture, use blankets or plastic to safeguard your home's walls, floors, and door frames from scuffs, scratches, or dents. Moving blankets, often made from thick, quilted fabric, provide a barrier against bumps and jolts during transportation, effectively preventing damage to both your furniture and home surfaces. Secure these blankets with high-quality plastic wrap. Not only does the plastic shield your items from moisture and dirt, but it also helps you maintain a grip on slippery surfaces. Don't forget to cover high-traffic areas in your home with non-slip floor protectors to prevent scuffs and allow easier maneuvering of heavy items.

12. Consider Carrying Valuable Items With You

When you're traveling or moving, protecting your most valuable possessions is extremely important. Hand-carrying valuable items means they stay with you at all times, reducing the risk of theft, loss, or damage that can occur with checked luggage or shipped goods. Whether it's expensive jewelry, family heirlooms, or sensitive documents, keeping these items on your person helps you maintain control over their security.

13. Remove Doors or Door-Stop Molding

Sometimes, the pesky door frame or door edge can be the few inches that hinder your movement of large furniture. Before you begin, measure the width of your furniture and make sure that the door does not limit your movement. If you need to, remove the door from its hinges to get extra space. You can also temporarily remove the door-stop molding so that you don’t catch your furniture on anything as it moves. These precautions will also prevent damage to the door and frame.

14. Use Furniture Carrying Straps or a Dolly

Furniture carrying straps are a great option to help you maneuver heavy items, as the weight is distributed, making less strain on joints and muscles. A dolly can also help you move heavy items with ease, as the wheels take over the pressure caused by pushing the item. Don’t try to move heavy furniture the hard way! Carrying straps and dollies make moving furniture easy.

15. Cut and Fold a Box Spring

Box springs can be very rigid and tight, which makes it almost impossible to move them up tight stairwells or hallways. Thankfully, many box springs are built to fold. In most models, you can slice the center and then fold it in half for your move. After you safely relocate the box spring, reattach and rebuild it with metal brackets or wood screws. Before you cut a box spring, though, make sure that you read your manufacturer's guide so you don’t disrupt any sort of warranty.

16. Make a Mattress Sling for Easy Carrying

Although easier to maneuver than a box spring, a mattress can still be very awkward and heavy to move. Adding a sling is a great option. All you need to do is get a sling rope or strap and then loop it under the mattress and hold onto the two ends of the rope. Each person can then hold the straps securely instead of trying to wrap their hands around the soft mattress.

17. Transport Mirrors and Glass with Suction Cup Handles

Moving mirrors and glass can be a stressful process. To reduce that stress and ease your move, purchase suction cup handles from a local hardware store. These can attach to glass items without the risk of damage, but the secure hold is strong. Instead of carrying them just by hand and potentially losing grip, you instead carry them by the sturdy handles. Even with this method, it’s a good safeguard to wrap your mirror or glass with a blanket or bubble wrap to have the most protection possible.

18. Zip Tie Plastic Moving Bins to Prevent Spills

Plastic storage bins are becoming a more popular way to move your items, as they are more secure than cardboard boxes and can be used in your new home! Many of these boxes, though, have unsecured lids. For this type of plastic bins, pick up some heavy-duty zip ties from your local hardware store. Zip-tying the lid before your move will ensure that your items stay safe during the moving process.

19. When to Consider Hiring Professional Heavy Furniture Movers

Professionals are equipped to handle large, bulky items with care and expertise, ensuring nothing gets damaged—including your back! If you're dealing with particularly heavy pieces, if you have to navigate narrow passageways, if you own valuable or antique furniture that requires special handling, or if you simply lack the necessary equipment and manpower, get some extra help. Professional movers have the training and tools to move heavy furniture efficiently. Hiring professionals is the best way to move furniture easily. Whether you’re looking for help with a local move or need cross-country movers, the experts at Stewart Moving & Storage can help you create a moving plan that meets your needs.

A man and a woman are moving into a new house . the woman is holding a painting.

These tips will help you move heavy furniture easily without causing damage to your furniture, your home, or your back! If you decide you need a hand with your long-distance or local move, office moving, or military moving services, contact Stewart Moving & Storage today to receive a custom moving estimate.

> Learn more about our moving services:

FAQs About Heavy Furniture Moving

Can you move heavy furniture yourself?

Absolutely! Check out the tips above to help you with seamless heavy object moving. Remember, while it's possible to move heavy furniture solo, recruiting a friend or hiring professional movers can offer additional support. Stewart Moving can assist with Interstate Moving of heavy items from state to state. Call 804-509-1659 to speak to a professional today.
What is the best thing to use to move heavy furniture?

One of the most efficient tools for moving heavy furniture is the furniture dolly—a flat platform on wheels designed for large items. For heavier furniture pieces, such as sectional sofas or hefty wardrobes, consider using a shoulder dolly or shoulder straps for moving.
What is the easiest way to move heavy furniture?

The best way to move heavy furniture efficiently involves preparation. In the post above, we show the most important steps to consider. Remember, safety should always be your top priority—never hesitate to hire professionals for the job of moving big furniture if it’s too much to handle alone.
What is the best way to move heavy furniture easily?

To ensure the safety of yourself and your items, the best way to move heavy furniture is to enlist the help of a moving company. They have the tools and strategies to make your move a breeze.
How do you move heavy furniture by yourself?

Before you begin, take precise measurements of your furniture and doorway. You can make the job easier by dismantling any large furniture into smaller, more manageable pieces.
How to carry heavy things upstairs?

When moving furniture upstairs, it's crucial to have a partner to help maneuver the furniture around corners and up the steps. If the item is excessively heavy or bulky, consider using a furniture dolly to roll it up to the base of the stairs.
How can we judge if a piece of furniture is too heavy for us without lifting it?

Bulky items made of solid wood or metal tend to be heavier than those crafted from lighter materials like particleboard or aluminum. Pieces with compact, dense structures or built-in storage are likely to be heavier due to the added material. For more specifics, you can look for any branding or manufacturer labels that might indicate the model, which can then be searched online to find the specific weight.
Do furniture sliders really work?

Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.
What do I put under furniture to move it easily?

Stores sell specific furniture sliders made of plastic, rubber, or felt that are a great option for moving heavy furniture. Extremely heavy items, like a safe, may require a PVC pipe roller. At Stewart Moving & Storage, our movers have all the equipment needed to move heavy items and protect your flooring.
How to move 500-lb. furniture?

There are a few ways to make this process a bit easier. You can start by purchasing furniture sliders or lifting straps to ease relocation. It’s also recommended that you disassemble extremely heavy products. Always move heavy furniture with a team—never try it solo!

If your 500-pound furniture is proving too much for you, call in the help of trusted movers! At Stewart Moving & Storage, we offer competitive pricing for any move. No piece of furniture is too heavy for us!
How much does it cost to move a large piece of furniture?

There are a few things to consider when calculating the cost to move a large piece of furniture. The weight and size of the item, the distance of the move, and the logistics of the move, like stairs, all factor into the cost. Need help moving it within your own home? We can do that, too! Most moving crews will cost $160-$235 per hour, depending on the details of your move. Call Stewart Moving & Storage to receive a quote for moving a large piece of furniture today.
Can you hire people to move furniture easily around your house?

Yes! Moving companies offer a variety of services that include moving heavy furniture within the same home. If you need to rearrange a room, move in a new piano or dining table, or stage your home, calling in support is a great option.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Moving to New State Alone in 2025: Must-know Tips

Young couple checks with two movers unloading boxes and furniture from a pickup truck