How to Move Furniture And Appliances

How to Move Heavy Furniture Downstairs

To move a large or heavy piece of furniture downstairs you will need help, lifting straps, or a sack barrow.

• Check your route: Make sure the route you intend to take to the removal van has no tripping hazards and that the item will fit through the available space.
• Make the item lighter: Remove drawers, legs, and shelves to make the item as light and easy to move as you can.
• Lift the item onto a sack barrow: With the help of a friend lift the item onto a sack barrow and secure it in place with straps.
• Move to the top of the stairs: Move the item to the top of the stairs and prepare to maneuver it. Have a friend go down a few steps so that they can steady the item as you move downwards.
• Tilt the load: Standing behind the barrow and gripping the barrow handles firmly, tilt the load back towards you so that your body supports the weight of the item.
• Roll down the steps: Slowly roll the truck down the first step with your helper guiding and holding the load from the front.
• Continue downwards: Keep moving the load down one step at a time with the helper ensuring the item is secure and centralized on the hand truck.

How to Move Heavy Furniture Upstairs

There are a couple of options for getting furniture up a flight of stairs. Both will require the assistance of a helper. Be aware that moving heavy furniture up and down stairs can be extremely dangerous so take extra care.

• Use a sack barrow: With the load securely attached to the hand truck pull the sack barrow slowly up each step. An assistant in front can help push the load up and ensure it is safely kept on the hand truck. You can also hire a motorised hand truck that is specially designed for this task.
• Make a ramp: Using plywood or something similarly sturdy create a ramp up the steps. Then pushing from the lowest bottom point of the item push it up the ramp. You can also tie a strap around the item and your helper can haul the item up whilst you push from below.

How to Move Heavy and Large Furniture Without Lifting

Using rollers is an age-old way to move very large and heavy items of furniture without the need to lift them great distances.

• Create rollers: Fence stakes and solid pipes make ideal rollers. You will need enough that you can fit the whole item on the rollers and still have a few in front of and behind the item spare.
• Lay the rollers out: Put a line of the pipes in front of the item you intend to move.
• Tilt the item: Gently tilt the piece of furniture backward so that you can place a roller under the front of the item. Then carefully lower the item onto the roller.
• Move forward: As you move the item of furniture along the rollers remove the roller that has now been exposed behind and place it in front of the item to create a continuous forward rolling motion.

How to Move Heavy Furniture on Carpet

• Place furniture sliders under the legs of the item to help it glide over the carpet
• Use sheets of cardboard beneath the furniture legs to help it move smoothly over the carpet.
• Plastic lids also make good furniture sliders

How to Move Heavy Furniture over Tiles or Hardwood Floors

• Slide the furniture using old towels or blankets
• Use furniture sliders, ensuring that they have protection to prevent scratches to your floor

How to Move a Mattress

• Never use the handles on the side of a mattress to move it
• Cover the mattress before moving it to prevent it from getting dirty
• If possible, fold the mattress in half and use ratchet straps to secure the two halves together. Then just slide it down the stairs or put it onto a trolley to move it.
• For large mattresses, you can create handles by slipping ropes under each end and using them as carrying handles. You may also need to use a strap in the centre of the mattress.

For more detailed information read: How to Move a Mattress

How to Pack and Move a Bed by Yourself

To move a bed by yourself you will need the following packing materials and tools:

• Mattress cover
• Packing boxes
• Bubble wrap
• Packing tape
• Small plastic bags
• Screwdrivers
• Spanners or adjustable wrench (you may also need hex keys)

Measure the bed to ensure it fits in the available space in your new home before you start dismantling or packing it.

How to pack a bed for moving to a new home

• Remove all the sheets and blankets and pack them into boxes or a bin liner
• Wrap the mattress in a cover to prevent it from getting dirty
• Dismantle as much of the bed as possible to make it easier to move
• Put all the screws, nuts and bolts, and fittings in a bag and label them so you know which parts they are for. Keep them safe so they don’t get lost.
• Wrap the disassembled parts in bubble wrap and secure them with tape.

How to move a bed frame by yourself

• Plan your route to the removal van ensuring there are no tripping hazards and that the item being moved can be maneuvered through the available space.
• Wrap the frame in bubble wrap and moving blankets to prevent them from being damaged.
• Get help as the bed frame will be too big to handle by yourself
• Be especially careful moving it downstairs. Have someone available to help you move the bedframe downstairs.
• It may be easier to slide the bed frame down the stairs if it is particularly heavy. Use ropes to lower the frame if that is the case or have someone in front of it to guide it down each step.
• Load the bedframe towards the cab end of the van and secure it with ropes to the sidewalls if possible.

Read more detailed instructions in How to Move a Bed

How to Move a Wardrobe by Yourself

Moving a wardrobe can be difficult, so before you begin the task, ensure that your wardrobe will fit in the available space in your new home. Also, ensure that it can safely be maneuvered through any doorways or passageways that you need to go through. Pay particular attention to tight corners, banisters, and any height restrictions.

To safely pack and move a wardrobe by yourself you will need:

• A furniture dolly
• Bubble wrap
• Industrial cling film
• Small plastic bags
• Furniture blankets
• Strong cardboard
• Securing straps
• Packing tape
• Tools for dismantling the wardrobe
• Gloves with a good grip
• Safety shoes
• A helper or two

How to Prepare a Wardrobe for Moving

• Get rid of all the clothes you no longer want or need.
• Remove all the clothing from within the wardrobe (keep the clothes on hangers, slip them into a refuse sack, and tie the top through the hangers to keep them all together)
• Clean the wardrobe ready for packing.
• Take out any drawers or shelves that are removable and pack them separately.
• Detach the doors and wrap them separately, or lock them, then cling film the doors closed.
• If the doors are kept in situ and have glass panels these will need to be protected by covering them with a piece of thick cardboard taped into place.

How to Move a Wardrobe

• Wrap the entire wardrobe in bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent any damage as it is moved.
• Tilt the wardrobe and slip the furniture dolly underneath
• Strap the wardrobe securely in place with the help of a friend.
• Ensure there are no tripping hazards on the route to the removal van.
• Then move the wardrobe to the van asking a friend to guide and support the wardrobe as you go.
• Once on the van, secure it in place so that it cannot shift during the journey.
• If you cannot move the wardrobe in one piece it will need to be dismantled.
• As you dismantle each piece, number it, or photograph it so you know how to reassemble it.
• Keep all fixings in a plastic bag and attach them to the corresponding piece so that they do not get lost.
• Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or furniture blankets to protect it.

Wardrobes are cumbersome and difficult to move, so if you are in any doubt as to how to safely move your wardrobe seek the help of a professional removal company.

How to Move a Grandfather Clock

Moving a grandfather or longcase clock is no easy task and is best left to the professionals.

However, if you are confident in your ability to dismantle, pack, move, and reassemble these precious clocks yourself, then be mindful that not all insurance policies will cover you for items you have packed and moved yourself.

In the case of a grandfather clock that could be a serious oversight, so be sure to check your insurance policy very carefully.

If you decide that moving a grandfather clock yourself is the right option for you then here is a step-by-step guide to help you.

• Examine your precious timepiece carefully for any sign of existing damage which could be made worse should you attempt to move it. If you discover any damage you should seek professional advice before proceeding.
• Disassemble as much of the grandfather clock as you can, such as the pendulum and weights (see below for detailed instructions on how to do this).
• Use gloves (preferably soft cotton) to handle the delicate brass and glass components as oils from your skin can damage them.
• Gather the packing materials that you will need such as zip ties, packing paper, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, strong cardboard boxes, packing tape, and soft gloves.

How to disassemble a grandfather clock for moving

• Gently stop the pendulum from swinging
• Cable-driven grandfather clocks: Above each individual pulley, insert thick cardboard between the cables. This will prevent the cables from twisting once the weights have been removed.
• Wind up the weights until the cardboard inserts are pressed firmly against the pulleys.
• Chain-driven grandfather clocks: Crank the weights up three-quarters of the way to the top. Do not crank them all the way up as this will damage the chain and sprockets.
• With the weights still on, insert zip ties just below the sprocket and pull them tight. This will prevent the chains from coming off of the sprockets.
• Unhook each weight paying special attention to the markings on the base of them. The weights must be put back into their original position or your grandfather clock will not function correctly.
• Mark each weight left – centre – right (as you face the clock) if the weights are not already marked, using small labels.
• Secure each of the chains in a bunch, bottom to top, and secure with soft paper and tape.
• Remove the side panel that gives access to the pendulum and guide.
• Unhook the pendulum by holding the pendulum guide with one hand whilst unhooking the pendulum with your other hand.
• Secure the pendulum guide by wrapping it in a few sheets of packing paper to prevent it from moving.
• Chime rods, if fitted, should be well protected by putting bubble wrap between each rod and taping it in position.
• Remove any glass shelves or ornaments that your particular clock may have
• Replace the pendulum side panel and secure it in place, this will prevent the glass from breaking.
• Close and lock the main case doors

How to pack a grandfather clock for moving

• Pendulums and weights should be wrapped in soft packing paper with a final layer of bubble wrap or a very soft blanket. Wrap each one individually before placing it in a well-padded box.
• The front glass section should have a protective cardboard layer placed over it, back and front. Then secure an extra layer of bubble wrap over the glass which should be taped in position (use a low tack tape to prevent any marks to the case.
• Wrap the entire case in a few layers of soft blankets to protect it whilst it is being moved. Tape them securely in place to prevent them from slipping about.
• Consider having a crate made for particularly expensive or valuable grandfather clocks. A specialist removal company will be able to do this for you.

How to move a grandfather clock by yourself

• Get as much help as you can.
• Use a furniture dolly to move your grandfather clock to the van, ensuring it is secured to the dolly using ropes or straps.
• Keep it upright at all times as the clock can easily be damaged by laying it down.
• Strap the clock to the side of the removal van to ensure that it cannot move as it is transported to your new home.
• Place your grandfather clock on a flat surface in your new home, using the four levelers underneath to make adjustments as required.
• Reassemble all the parts of your grandfather clock in the reverse order of how you dismantled it.
• Reset the hands of the clock and enjoy the familiar tick-tock of your fine timepiece.

More detailed advice and instructions can be found in this Guide to Moving Grandfather Clocks Yourself

How to Move a Refrigerator by Yourself

Before going to the trouble of packing and moving your refrigerator, be sure that it will fit in the available space in your new home.

Also, measure that it will pass through any doorways or passageways you have to maneuver it through.

As always, your safety is the main priority, so if you have any doubts as to your physical ability to move a heavy fridge, do not attempt it yourself.

To safely pack and move a refrigerator by yourself you will need:

• A furniture dolly
• Bubble wrap
• Industrial cling film
• Small plastic bag
• Furniture blanket
• Strong cardboard box
• Securing straps
• Packing tape
• Gloves with a good grip
• Safety shoes
• A helper or two

How to Prepare a Fridge for Moving

• Plan to use up the fridge contents in advance of your moving day
• Unplug from the mains and disconnect the water supply if your fridge has a water or ice dispenser.
• Be careful not to lose the washers out of the water feed pipes by placing a bag over the end of the pipes
• The freezer compartment should be defrosted fully before any packing takes place.
• Remove all shelves and drawers, pack them in bubble wrap, and box them. Remember to clearly label the box.
• Thoroughly clean and dry the appliance

How to Pack a Fridge for Moving

• Secure the doors closed with industrial-strength cling film or rope. Avoid using tape as this may damage the fridge cabinet.
• Secure the power cord safely out of the way to prevent damage to it
• Wrap the entire fridge in bubble wrap then with a furniture blanket. Tape it securely so that it does not fall off.

How to Move a Fridge with a Furniture Dolly

• Pull the appliance away from the wall, enough to allow you to tilt it slightly to get the dolly under it
• Secure the fridge to the furniture dolly with straps
• Try to keep the fridge as upright as possible at all times
• If you are moving the fridge down steps have someone guide you down and hold the fridge steady on the dolly.
• Use a ramp or tail lift to get the fridge into the van, you will need help to do this.
• Load the fridge towards the cab end of the van and secure it to the walls with straps to stop it from moving about.

Bonus Tips for Moving a Refrigerator

• Can you lay a fridge on its side or back? No, avoid doing this as the oil in the compressor may run into the cooling pipes causing damage to the cooling system.
• How long should a fridge stand before turning it back on? Leave your fridge standing for at least 3 hours before turning it back on.

Further reading: How to Move a Refrigerator by Yourself

How to Move an Oven by Yourself

• Measure the oven to ensure that it will fit in the available space in your new kitchen
• Plan your route to the removal van. Measure the doorways, for example, to ensure that the oven will fit through the available space.
• Get quotes to disconnect and reconnect the cooker from a qualified tradesperson. Then take into account how much packing and transportation costs will be to decide if it is cost-effective to move your oven.

What equipment do you need to move an oven?

• Furniture dolly
• Furniture rollers
• Pieces of hardboard or carpet
• Cardboard for wrapping
• Bubble wrap
• Wrapping blanket
• Tape
• Safety shoes
• Gloves with a good grip

Can you move an oven on its side? Yes as there are no gases as there are in a fridge for example

Can you move an oven without a dolly? Yes, you can use shoulder straps which can easily be hired or bought online

How to move an electric oven by yourself

• Remove all of the detachable parts such as the racks.
• Clean all the parts, bubble wrap, and box them.
• Label the boxes so that you know what the contents are and that they are for the kitchen
• Use strong masking tape to secure the door in position
• Clean the floor so that no grit damages it as you slide the oven out
• Pull the oven forward enough so that you can tilt it back to allow you to slip the rollers or sliding blanket under the front
• Slide the oven out and clean it thoroughly
• Secure the power cable so that it does not create a tripping hazard
• Tape a piece of thick cardboard to the glass of the oven door both inside and out as a layer of protection
• Re-tape the door shut
• Wrap the entire oven in at least 3 layers of bubble wrap, ensuring the knobs are well protected
• Then use furniture blankets to wrap the entire oven and tape them in position
• Then load the oven onto the furniture dolly by tilting it backward and slipping the dolly underneath. Use straps to secure it to the dolly
• Check that there are no tripping hazards on the route you are taking to the van
• Use a tail lift or ramps to load the oven onto the van
• Place the oven at the cab end of the van, to one side, with an equally heavy item on the opposite side, and strap it securely in place

Read more detailed instructions in How to Move an Oven

How to Move a Washing Machine by Yourself

Before packing and moving your washing machine measure the available space in your new home to ensure there is enough room for it. Also, measure any doorways and passageways to ensure that the appliance can pass through them.

What Equipment do you need to Move a Washing Machine?

• Non-slip gloves
• Strong or safety-capped footwear
• An old towel
• Bucket
• Industrial cling film
• Small plastic bags
• An adjustable spanner
• Furniture blankets
• Packing tape
• Floor sliders
• Furniture dolly or shoulder straps
• Securing straps

How to Prepare a Washing Machine for Moving

• Unplug the machine from the power supply
• Disconnect from the water mains supply.
• Empty the water supply hoses of water.
• Cover the ends with a plastic bag so that you do not lose the rubber washers inside the connectors.
• Allow the drum to dry for 24 hours by leaving the machine door open before packing.
• Be sure to remove any residue water from the door seal.
• Insert the drum locks before attempting to move the washing machine. Do not attempt to move the machine without these in place. The locks are inserted into the washer drum from the rear of the machine and are available from the manufacturer if you have lost the originals.
• Secure the power cord so that it does not create a tripping hazard.
• Cling film wrap the entire machine. This will prevent the door from opening and will also hold the power cord and hoses in place.
• Wrap the washing machine in thick blankets to protect it from damage.
• Tape the blankets firmly in place so they do not move.
• Now tilt the machine slightly backward so that you can position sliders under the feet of the machine.

How to Move a Washing Machine with a Furniture Dolly

• Ensure the route to the van is free of tripping hazards.
• With the help of a friend, tilt the washing machine so that you can slip the dolly under the machine.
• Secure the washing machine to the dolly using straps.
• Load onto the van using a ramp or tail lift.
• Place the washing machine as close to the load-bearing axle of the van as possible.
• Secure the machine so that it cannot move about.

How to Move a Washing Machine with a Shoulder Dolly

• You will need two people to lift a washing machine using shoulder straps.
• Ensure the route to the van is free of tripping hazards.
• Tilt the washing machine and slide the straps under it.
• Attach the straps to the shoulder harness.
• Bend your knees when lifting to prevent any damage to your back.
• Taking regular breaks if you need to, walk the washing machine to the van and load it.
• Place the washing machine as close to the load-bearing axle of the van as possible.
• Secure the machine so that it cannot move about.

How to Move a Washing Machine Down Stairs

• Use a hand truck to move a washing machine downstairs.
• Ensure the route to the removal van is clear of tripping hazards.
• With the help of a friend, tilt the washing machine backward and slip the hand truck under the washing machine.
• Secure the machine to the hand truck with a strap.
• As you go down each step, tilt the hand truck back towards you so that your body supports the weight of the machine.
• Have someone walk down the stairs in front of you to support the machine and guide you safely down.
• Take regular breaks to ensure that the machine is still securely strapped in place.
• It is extremely dangerous to move a washing machine down steps. If you are in any doubt about your ability to do this safely, hire a removal company to do it for you.

How to Move a Washing Machine Up Stairs

• Ensure the route you are taking is free of tripping hazards.
• You can hire stair climbing hand trucks which will make this far easier.
• Secure the washing machine to the hand truck with a strap.
• Pull the trolley up the steps slowly, with a helper in front to support the weight of the machine.
• It is extremely dangerous to move a washing machine up steps. If you are in any doubt about your ability to do this safely, hire a removal company to do it for you.

Read more detailed instructions in How to Move a Washing Machine

Peter Langley

Peter is a regular contributor to the blog and a relocation specialist. He is also a seasoned UK and International homeowner, who now brings the knowledge gained from those moves, to add real-life experience to his work. Peter has also been at various sales and marketing positions within companies in the industry so he has deep knowledge of the relocation process. Since 2017, Peter is involved with the relocation industry in the USA as he has extensive knowledge on long distance household relocation. With his articles, he have helped tens of thousands of people plan their relocation. His work have been featured on many industry blogs and publications. You can contact Peter at peter@mymovingreviews.com