Handling large items like beds and dining tables presents unique challenges because of their size and awkward shapes. Navigating tight corners, narrow doorways, or stairs can be difficult without a strategic approach. But, with proper preparation, proven techniques, and the right tools, these obstacles can be managed with ease.
This guide provides expert strategies to move bulky items efficiently, allowing you to focus on settling into and enjoying your updated home.
Preparation is the foundation of a smooth and efficient move. Before attempting to move a bed or dining table, take the time to develop a clear plan. Take a few extra minutes in organising and strategising can prevent unnecessary challenges and save significant time and effort down the line.
Measure: Take measurements of your furniture, doorways, hallways, and even your elevator, if you have one. Keep these measurements handy to avoid surprises like a bedframe that’s too wide by just a few centimetres.
Disassemble furniture: If possible, break down furniture into smaller, more manageable parts. Beds, tables, and lounge chairs often have removable legs or components. Store screws and bolts in labelled bags to make sure reassembly’s easy.
Clear the route: Remove obstacles like rugs, shoes, or furniture along the path. Outdoors, watch for uneven surfaces like gravel driveways or garden paths.
Choose the right vehicle: Hire a ute or van with ample space to fit your items comfortably. For larger items, consider trucks with a hydraulic lift to make loading easier.
Equipping yourself with the right tools is essential for turning a challenging move into a straightforward process. These are the key items you’ll need to get the job done:
Protective materials: Wrap furniture corners with moving blankets (available for around $10–$20 from Bunnings), use bubble wrap for fragile surfaces, and secure padding with heavy-duty tape.
Moving straps: These handy tools distribute weight evenly, making it easier to lift heavy items like fridges or washing machines.
Furniture sliders: Place these under heavy furniture. They help glide items to protect your floors and avoid damage.
Trolleys and dollies: Use a flat dolly for bulky furniture or an appliance trolley for fridges and dishwashers.
Toolkit: Make sure you’ve got a toolkit with essentials like Allen keys, screwdrivers, and pliers for disassembling and reassembling furniture—nothing derails progress faster than needing a tool you don’t have.
Moving large items isn’t a test of brute strength—it’s more about technique and safety.
Wear gloves: Improve your grip and protect your hands from scrapes and splinters.
Proper footwear: Avoid thongs or sandals; sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must.
Lift correctly: To protect yourself and avoid injury: bend your knees, maintain a straight back, and use the strength of your legs. Let your lower body do the heavy lifting.If an item feels too heavy or awkward to handle, prioritise safety by getting help.
Communicate: If you’re working with a partner, discuss your plan and communicate clearly to avoid accidents.
If a task feels too daunting—like hoisting a bedframe over a balcony, for example—don’t hesitate to call in the professionals.
Upmove’s platform connects you with vetted, reliable Sydney removalists and Melbourne removalists. Movers on the platform specialise in handling large, heavy, or delicate items with care and efficiency. They bring expertise, proper equipment, and a streamlined process to make your move hassle-free.
Once you’ve made it outside, the next challenge is loading up the ute or truck.
Start with the heaviest items: Place these at the bottom for stability.
Secure with straps: Use strong straps or ropes to hold everything in place, preventing movement during transit.
Distribute weight evenly: Avoid overloading one side of the vehicle to maintain balance while driving.
Even the best-laid plans can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
Underestimating weight or size: Overestimating your ability to lift heavy items can lead to injury.
Skipping measurements: Always make sure your items will fit through doorways, hallways, and elevators before moving.
Using the wrong tools: Lack of the right tools can turn a manageable move into a frustrating experience.
Some of your larger items might need some extra attention when you're moving them in or out. For example:
Fridges and appliances: Defrost your fridge at least a day before moving to prevent leaks.Tape cords to the appliance to keep them out of the way, and cover surfaces to prevent scratches.
Outdoor equipment: For BBQs, garden furniture, and tools, remove any detachable parts and clean everything beforehand to avoid dragging dirt into your new home.
Couches and beds: Angle them when moving through doorways, and wrap them in protective materials to keep them clean and damage-free.
For large and fragile items, hiring professional removalists might be your best bet. Using Upmove, you can find and hire trusted movers who handle these tasks with care, making sure your belongings stay safe and sound.
Once the heavy lifting is done, take a moment to catch your breath, but don’t skip the final steps. Reassemble your furniture and check everything for damage. If you spot any scratches or dents, it’s best to handle them right away to avoid bigger issues later.
Finally, store your moving tools in an organised way so they’re ready for future use. When it’s time for your next move, you’ll be thankful everything is easy to find and in good condition.
When you’re moving large items, the right preparation, like measuring, clearing routes, and using the right tools, can make the process much smoother. Prioritising safety and getting professional help when needed will mean the experience will be much less stressful. Upmove has trusted removalists Melbourne ready to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Every move is a fresh start, an opportunity to change and transform your space. With these tips and a little help when needed, moving that king-sized mattress might not be too awkward after all.
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