When moving house one of the biggest obstacles you will encounter is getting large and cumbersome pieces of furniture out of your home and into your removal vehicle. Many homeowners are left scratching their heads trying to work out how to shift items that sometimes haven’t been touched since they first moved in. Thankfully, we have prepared a quick guide to help you move your furniture efficiently and safely.
Equip yourself properly
A major key to effectively moving furniture is in preparation. That means equipping yourself with the right tools for the job. First, check how you’re dressed. Choose light clothes that will allow for a full range of motion and avoid any jewellery that can become caught or trapped. Also, make sure your footwear is appropriate. You best bet is work or walking boots, but any closed shoe with a decent tread is ideal. If possible, try and get work gloves that will give you a good grip on the heavy furniture. You could also consider preparing bubble wrap or another packing material and even a hand trolley or moving dolly if you can get your hands on one.
Prepare your route outside
This seems obvious but you’d be surprised how many people do a great job picking up a wardrobe or chest of drawers, and then struggle because the sofa is in the way, or the front door is locked. Plan and clear a path out of your home that you can manoeuvre your furniture through. Make sure other furniture is out of the way, children and pets cannot suddenly interfere, open doors, and make small ramps to cover steps using planks of wood if need be.
Get your furniture ready
Make sure your furniture is as light and manoeuvrable as possible before you attempt to transport it. Take items off shelves, remove drawers, and detach any legs or other components if feasible. If there are any catches or mechanisms that might get caught on a corner, or drawers that can’t be removed, consider taping them down so they shift while you’re moving the furniture. You might also want to cover it in a protective or packing material. This will help protect it from sustaining damage or from accidentally damaging other parts of your home. Bubble wrap or packing sheets are best suited, but even a blanket or towel can work.
Proper lifting technique
It is always important to observe the proper techniques when lifting and carrying, doubly so for heavy and bulky items like furniture. Plant your feet shoulder width apart with one slightly ahead of the other, then bend down at the knees and hips. Keep your back straight by keeping your shoulders back and chest forward. Grip the object securely and slowly lift by bending your knees and hips, not your back. Wherever possible, hold the load as close to your body as possible, around your lower torso. When moving your furniture, make sure not to twist or bend your back as this can cause strain or injury. Lead with your feet and hips as you change direction and try your best to keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you move.
Pack your furniture carefully
Once your furniture is out of your house and at your moving vehicle, the next step is to make sure it is stored securely. Make sure to pack the heaviest items first. This will often be white goods such as fridges and washing machines but can also include your large furniture items. Place your furniture in upright and secure them with ratchet straps to keep them from shifting during transit. Consider covering each item in a packing blanket or other protective material to keep them from getting damaged. Where possible, make use of the empty space inside wardrobes and under tables by placing boxes and other items inside them.
If you’re looking for a quality vehicle to transport your furniture, get in touch with H&H Van Hire. We are a highly regarded van hire company in north London serving customers with all their van hire needs. For moving lots of heavy furniture, we’d recommend a Luton van, but are always happy to listen to your needs and find an individual solution that suits your needs. Just give us a call on 020 7916 6616 or send an email to vans@hhvanhire.co.uk to get started.
