August 30, 2024 Posted in How-to
Maya Brown

Born in Atlanta, Maya has called many places home in her lifetime. She's a content writer and moving expert who loves to help people relocate smoothly.

How Do You Move Heavy Furniture When Relocating Across the Country?

Heavy furniture doesn’t just magically move itself – if only! For this task, you either have to call in cross-country movers or be particularly cautious with your loading technique. So, how do you move heavy furniture without hurting yourself? Let’s dive into the secrets of handling the relocation heavyweights, ensuring your move is smooth and injury-free.

Cross-country movers carrying the couch overlay
It's the toughest challenge of relocation - but there's a way to do it!

This task requires strategy and the right tools. Start by disassembling large items and using specialized gear like straps, sliders, and dollies. Safety is crucial, so lift with your legs and keep the load close. Enlist friends or hire professional movers for help. Pack the truck carefully to prevent shifting and ensure a smooth ride.

The Pre-Move Workout – Prepping for the Heavy Lifting

The average American home contains around 300,000 items. That’s right, more than a quarter million knick-knacks! Just imagining that number can make anyone break out in a sweat, especially when it’s time to move.

It’s already chaotic enough to keep track of all the small stuff, let alone the bigger, heavier items that can’t just be tossed into a cardboard box. From the comfy sofa to that dining table that seats 12 but feels like it weighs 12 tons, transporting these big boys is where the real relocation stress begins.

Americans spend an average of $746 on furniture each year

Relocating furniture is one of the biggest challenges when it comes to moving cross-country. Most pieces are not only heavy but also oddly shaped and incredibly stubborn. There’s the challenge of lifting without breaking your back, maneuvering through narrow doorways without taking out a chunk of the wall, and then the ultimate test – getting everything to fit in the moving truck. It’s enough to make anyone consider a minimalist lifestyle!

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Create an Inventory and a Checklist to Keep Track of Everything

To keep the chaos in check, creating a home inventory and a relocation checklist to match is essential. You’ll need to list every piece of furniture and big item you plan to take with you – this will help you keep track of everything. Moreover, a well-organized checklist can prevent you from realizing halfway across the country that you left your favorite armchair behind. Plus, checking things off a to-do list is oddly satisfying!

A person making a list overlay
This can't be done with a meticulous list of tasks to take care of

Make Large Items Manageable by Disassembling What You Can

When it comes to relocating to another state, size definitely matters. Disassembling furniture is like turning a colossal problem into bite-sized pieces. Instead of trying to squeeze a fully assembled bed frame through a narrow doorway, taking it apart can save you from a lot of grief (and possible property damage). Also, if you want to get rid of any pieces, now’s the perfect time to do it. You can donate them to charities such as the Salvation Army, who will even arrange the pickup for you!

To take each piece apart, start by digging out that instruction manual or searching for it online. Grab the toolkit and begin with the obvious parts – legs, shelves, and removable cushions. Lay everything out in an organized manner so reassembling at the new place doesn’t feel like a scavenger hunt.

Bagging and Tagging – Keeping Track of All Those Screws and Bolts

The key is to bag and tag all those screws and bolts. Tossing them into the abyss of a random box is a recipe for disaster. Trust us, there’s nothing worse than staring at a half-assembled bed and wondering if those extra screws are actually important.

Instead, use small plastic bags to collect the hardware for each piece, and label them clearly. You’ll know exactly where everything is and save yourself the emergency run to the hardware store just because you’ve misplaced a critical bolt.

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As you take apart the pieces, make sure those screws and bolts don't vanish

How Do You Move Heavy Furniture? With the Help of Specialized Gear

Sure, bubble wrap and packing paper are the ultimate relocation supplies, but you’ll need more than that to transport and pack furniture. For the big stuff, you need the equally big guns. We’re talking about specialized gear that will make you feel like a pro from one of those cross-country moving companies. Here are the tools you need:

Specialized Furniture Straps

These straps, also known as lifting straps, make it easier to lift and carry heavy items by leveraging your strongest muscles – the legs and shoulders. By distributing the weight more evenly, they help prevent back injuries and make those heavy loads feel a lot lighter. Just make sure to follow the instructions and adjust the straps properly to avoid any awkward relocation mistakes.

Sliders for Heavy Objects

Sliders are little discs that can be placed under the legs or corners of different pieces, allowing you to slide heavy items across floors without scratching them. Whether you have hardwood floors, tile, or carpet, sliders make handling heavy objects a breeze. They’re perfect for those moments when you need to reposition that hefty bookshelf without calling in reinforcements.

Dollies for Smooth Handling

Dollies are hardy relocation devices that come with wheels and a platform to support heavy loads. Simply lift one end of your furniture onto the dolly, secure it with straps if necessary, and off you go! Dollies make it easy to maneuver bulky items down hallways, through doorways, and even up and down ramps. They come in various sizes, catering to different items. With a dolly, you’ll be rolling along smoothly, wondering why you ever tried to do this without one.

Safety First – Here’s How to Lift and Load Without Breaking a Sweat (Or Your Back)

With the furniture wrapped and snug, it’s time to get down to it. As you’re going through this task, safety should always be the top priority. After all, this is not just about brute strength – it’s about using the right techniques to avoid injuries. Let’s be real – there’s no point in getting everything to the new home if you end up in the ER. Here are some relocation tips for safe lifting and loading:

  • Lift with your legs and not your back, bending at the knees and keeping the back straight,
  • Keep the item close to your body to maintain balance and reduce the strain on your back,
  • Don’t twist while lifting because that could cause some serious accidents,
  • Ensure there are no obstacles in the way to avoid tripping or dropping the stuff,
  • Make sure you and your partner are on the same page, using clear signals and coordinating movements.

Make Sure to Stay Hydrated Through All of This Heavy Lifting

Amidst all this heavy lifting, it’s crucial to stay hydrated and well-nourished. This is a serious workout, and just like any other intense physical activity, your body needs to cool down. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and take short breaks to snack on energy-boosting foods like fruits, nuts, and protein bars.

Keeping the energy levels up will help you stay alert and strong, reducing the risk of injury. Remember, moving day isn’t the time to skip meals or rely on caffeine alone – take care of the body, and it will take care of you!

A girl and a boy sitting on the floor eating pizza after long-distance moving overlay
You've got to take some breaks - it's a crucial part of the whole ordeal

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work When It Comes to Difficult Tasks Such as This

Even if you’re relocating to another state alone and are determined to handle it like a pro, this particular task shouldn’t and really can’t be done solo. It requires at least one more pair of hands, so enlist the help of friends or family members.

Plus, having a crew means you can share the laughs, the groans, and the post-move pizza. Your friends might groan initially, but the promise of a packing party with some delicious treats usually does the trick.

A Professional Long-Distance Moving Company Is Your Best Bet

If friends and family are busy or just mysteriously unavailable for the time being, hiring cross-country movers is your best bet. These pros come armed with the skills, equipment, and manpower to handle even the most cumbersome pieces. And let’s be honest – if they offer auto shipping, a couple of armchairs are a piece of cake. They’ll make the whole ordeal smoother, safer, and, let’s not forget – less sweat-inducing.

Cross-Country Moving Services Include Both the Loading and Unloading

Basic long-distance moving services typically include disassembling furniture, loading it onto the truck, transporting it to the new home, and unloading it. This means those relocation woes are significantly reduced, with the pros taking care of the most labor-intensive parts.

For the ultimate convenience, some industry professionals such as Cross Country Moving Company add the packing of large items into the mix as well. The movers will carefully wrap the furniture, ensuring each piece is secure and organized, on top of getting the whole show on the road.

Long-distance movers disassembling a sofa overlay
You can't go wrong when you have professionals by your side

Transporting the Heavyweights – No Shifting Allowed

Packing the truck is like playing a game of giant Tetris but with much higher stakes. The goal is to make sure nothing shifts around during transit, which can turn those carefully packed items into a disastrous jumble.

If you’re doing it without long-distance movers, start by loading the heaviest items first. Fill in gaps with smaller, sturdy boxes to create a solid, unmovable wall. Use straps to secure everything in place, preventing any unwelcome surprises when you open the truck doors. And remember, always stack lighter items on top to avoid the “squashed box” syndrome.

Here’s How to Safely Unload the Items Once You Get to Your Destination

Unloading the truck is where all that careful planning pays off. Start by removing the straps and carefully taking out the lightest items first. This prevents a cascade of boxes and other items that could result in damage – or worse, a twisted ankle. Of course, with cross-country moving service booked, this part becomes a lot easier and safer. It’s the perfect way to end this long journey!

Movers transporting a fridge overlay
With movers by your side, all you've got to do is point where you want it

The Final Lift – Wrapping up Without Throwing Out Your Back

From disassembling that giant wardrobe to using sliders and dollies for a smooth ride, this crucial task can be done without breaking a sweat – or your back. Whether you’re bribing friends with pizza or hiring the experts, teamwork truly makes the dream work. So, as you’re facing this huge challenge, remember that a little preparation goes a long way.

Ready to make it a breeze? The Cross Country Moving Company is here to help! With comprehensive services that include everything from disassembling and unloading to packing assistance, we take the stress out of the whole process. Contact us today – together, let’s transform this challenge into a success story!

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