The Best Ways to Transport Bulky Items During Your Move

Moving can be a huge headache, to say the least. And while planning and organization do help with the mind-numbing minutiae that inevitably follow a decision to change residences, they still leaves one very tall hurdle to get over: moving the heaviest, bulkiest things in your possession. We’re talking sofas, entertainment centers, bookshelves, and any appliances like fridges, washers/dryers, or stoves that may be accompanying you to your new digs.

While many apartment dwellers won’t have to worry about moving bulky appliances like refrigerators or ovens (these will usually stay put for the next tenant), there will probably always be something heavy and unwieldy to transport from one place to another (on top of the million or so boxes you’ve packed with other stuff).

So how can one intrepid mover get their largest, weightiest things from Point A to Point B with as little hassle as possible?

While you may be tempted to ask Homer Simpson-style, “Can’t someone else do it?” (and we can’t blame you), there are ways that you can get those hard-to-carry items out of your place without the professionals. It just takes some additional planning and, of course, heavy lifting.

Below are some of our best tips for transporting heavy, bulky items during a move:

Getting Started

There are some important steps to take before you even attempt to transport bulky items or appliances during your move:

Plan Your Path

Be sure that the route you intend to use is clear of obstructions and obstacles so you don’t have to stop mid-move to shift anything out of the way.

Measure Your Items and Spaces

It’s always a good idea to take measurements of your largest items to ensure they can fit comfortably around corners and through doorways. This applies to both your old digs and your new ones!

Use Protection

Moving heavy items through tight spaces or sharp corners? You may want to consider using some sort of protection on your walls to prevent potential damage like divots or dents in the wallpaper or paint.

Tools Matter

If you’re planning on moving everything yourself (or with reluctant friends or family), make sure you have the right supplies and tools for the job. Hand trucks, dollies, lifting or tie-down straps, moving blankets, packing tape, and moving pads are all useful items to have on hand when moving bulky items without professional help.

Safety First!

While professional movers can be expensive, they still might be the best option if you don’t think you can safely move certain items on your own and you can’t find anyone to help you. After all, it’s not worth a trip to the ER for trying to lift or shift that fridge solo.

Hello Dolly!

You may be tempted to just drag those heavy hitters across the floor, rather than actually lift them, but try and resist the urge. Dragging items along the floor can damage both your items and the floors – a huge no-no if you’re thinking of getting your security deposit back. This is where a dolly can be an indispensable tool during a move, as it goes a long way towards saving your floors and your back. The superstars of the moving world, dollies are really some of the best tools when it comes to handling bulky and unwieldy items.

Tip: If you really want to slide your furniture instead of lifting it, furniture sliders are the way to go, as they’ll protect your floor and make it easier for you to shift heavy pieces like dressers and desks.

Protect Your Path

A dolly is a great step toward protecting your floor, but it’s always a good idea to have an extra level of protection, too. This is where items like moving sheets or pads, old pieces of carpet, or even flattened cardboard comes in handy, as they offer another damage-proof layer to your floors. Just be sure that whatever you’re laying down is completely flat, or your dolly may get caught at a crucial moment.

Tip: Doing as little damage to your apartment as possible while moving is a great way to help you get that security deposit back, and extra cash certainly comes in handy during a move!

Disassembling Duty

Another great way to move heavy items is by taking them apart, if possible. Obviously, this doesn’t work for everything. But if you had to put it together, chances are you can also take it apart, too. Think desks, bookshelves, tables, and dressers – anything to make the item more portable and easy to lift.

Tip: Wrapping your furniture in a moving blanket or stretch wrap secured with packing tape is a great way to protect your items from becoming scratched or damaged during the move. Just be sure that whatever you use is completely secure so it doesn’t slip during transport.

Upstairs, Downstairs

Unless you’re fortunate enough to live on the first floor, or have a large service elevator in your building, chances are you will have to figure out how to get those heavy items down one or more sets of stairs. Again, safety is the most important thing here. Do not attempt to move heavy items up or down stairs yourself! This is a multi-person job that also requires care and planning. As mentioned above, hand trucks and dollies are moving superstars. Believe it or not, they can also help you shift heavies on the stairs.

If moving downstairs, secure the item to the hand truck using straps to tie it firmly in place (make sure to center it correctly, too). With one person in front and one behind, tilt the hand truck and take the stairs one at a time.

If moving upstairs, roll the loaded hand truck toward the stairs backwards (handles facing you). Tilt the hand truck toward you, and begin pulling it up the stairs. Another person should be also be in front of you in case anything shifts or moves—and to lend a hand if you need a breather.

Tip: Hand trucks are best for moving items up and down stairs. Always be sure items are securely fastened before attempting to move them with either a hand truck or dolly.

Hire the Professionals

Short on time? Don’t feel comfortable or confident moving heavy items by yourself? Then don’t hesitate to call on a professional to assist with your move. After all, it’s their job, and they have the right tools and expertise to get it done safely and efficiently. Some professional movers will even come out just to lift your heaviest item(s), so don’t be afraid to call in help if you feel like you can’t lift certain items safely.

One of the most daunting tasks of moving is trying to get those bulky appliances and furniture out of your apartment and into the moving truck, especially if stairs are involved. But with a bit of planning and help, it’s possible to make your moving mission a success even without the professionals. No matter how you decide to get moving, always remember that planning is key when it comes to a big move, and safety always comes first.