Planning a move with heavy furniture
Heavy furniture is not only a lifting problem. Access, dimensions, stairs, floor protection, disassembly, and the route to the truck all affect how an item should be moved.
Measure before moving day
Measure the furniture as well as doors, hallways, elevators, stair turns, and other tight points. If an item will not clear the route safely, identify removable sections before lifting starts.
Reduce size and weight where possible
Remove drawers, shelves, detachable legs, cushions, and other components when the furniture is designed to allow it. Proper disassembly can make a large piece easier to control and protect.
Use equipment appropriate to the job
Dollies, moving blankets, straps, and other moving equipment can help protect the furniture, property, and people handling the load. The appropriate setup depends on the item's shape, weight, access, and surface conditions.
Protect floors, walls, and corners
The moving route should be prepared before a heavy item starts moving. Clear obstacles and protect vulnerable surfaces where contact is possible.
Communicate the route
Everyone handling the item should understand where it is going and where the difficult turns, stairs, thresholds, or elevation changes are located.
Know when to get help
Large, unusually heavy, fragile, or awkward items may require professional movers and appropriate equipment rather than an improvised lift.