Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, moving is a significant undertaking. There are so many factors to consider, from how you’ll pack certain items, to which things you might sell or give away rather than take with you.
But there’s perhaps nothing more daunting than trying to decide what to do with some of your more challenging furniture. If you’re not using a moving company to get the job done, which we obviously recommend, especially for certain items, we’re still here to help. Below are some of the most difficult pieces of furniture to move, and how to get the job done.
Appliances
If you own your refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, or other large-scale appliances, these are going to be some of the biggest challenges you’ll face during your move. Not only are these items bulky, they can also be fragile, as they are complex machines.
Before moving any larger appliance, you’ll need to take measurements and make sure it’s going to fit through the doors that you need it to. You’ll also want to make sure that you take steps to protect your floors and walls while moving them, as even a slight bump can leave a big dent.
To properly move your appliances, you’ll need a dolly and furniture pads. Once you’ve got the item on the dolly, take it as slow as you can. While moving day can cause you to feel like you’ve got to rush, certain items — especially larger ones — require the utmost attention. Not taking your time can lead to damage and even injury.
Bulky Furniture
While appliances obviously fall under the category of bulky furniture, we’re specifically referring to oddly shaped or very heavy items – or both! These are things like tall, wooden cabinets, fold-out couches, or pianos. For certain pieces of furniture, it’s going to be extremely difficult to move them on your own, if not downright impossible, and at the very least unsafe.
For example, a grand piano is not only gigantic, extremely heavy, and weirdly shaped, it’s also a delicate instrument, and even minor bumps can end up costing you. For those reasons, it’s not a good idea to move one on your own, as even smaller pianos can be a big challenge.
Additionally, you’ll need to be careful when moving heavy items; it’s easier than you’d imagine to injure yourself if you’re not using the proper technique. Always lift with your legs, not your back, and take your time.
Fragile Items
When people think of challenging furniture, the first things that come to mind are the ones we’ve mentioned so far – heavy, bulky, and cumbersome pieces that barely fit through doors – but you also need to consider fragile items, especially ones with sentimental value.
Chinaware and glass need to be properly packed, using packing paper and bubble wrap, to ensure a safe and simple move. We also recommend doing an inventory of all fragile items before beginning to pack.
Special Equipment
This section specifically refers to musical instruments and sporting equipment. Items such as guitars, keyboards, and drum sets need special care to make sure that once they’re in the car or truck, they’re not going to get bumped around too much. When it comes to a stringed instrument, it’s especially important to purchase a hard case rather than a soft bag, as the necks of these instruments can snap under duress.
For sporting equipment, we don’t just mean tennis rackets and soccer balls. We’re referring to home gyms, dumbbells, and even pool tables. For home gyms or treadmills, you’ll need to disassemble and take care as you move them because they’re often heavy and can damage your home. With dumbbells, these are easy enough to move into the vehicle, but make sure they’re secure, as you don’t want 25-45 lbs just rolling around inside your truck or in the trunk of your car.
For specialty sporting equipment like pool tables, we recommend hiring professional moving help. But if you’re doing it yourself, you’re going to need friends. You’ll also need multiple dollies as well as the time to take the table apart entirely.
Art
While not necessarily difficult to move, art is important and can be extremely valuable. That value decreases significantly when damaged. That’s why with artwork, including not only paintings or prints but also sculptures, you need to make sure these items are secure in your truck. For art on canvas or paper, you can use a blanket or towel to protect the face.
Electronics
Finally, electronics. Gaming consoles, computers, and TVs are among the most popular items moved, and also among some of the most frequently damaged. TVs can be damaged easily, with their massive screens, and once a pixel dies in your TV, it’s usually not even worth repairing, and you’ll end up with a big expense if you want to replace it.
That’s why we recommend taking every available precaution when moving electronics. Put gaming consoles in bubble wrap; pack your TV in a cardboard box with a moving blanket or towel inside to protect the screen (and never pack a TV face-down); and keep your computer or laptop in its case.
If this all sounds like a lot, that’s because it is! Moving is hard work and requires care and attention throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for an expert team capable of doing that work for you, you’ve come to the right place. Simple Moving Labor can load and unload your items safely and efficiently, making sure your move is as smooth as possible. Visit our website for a quote today!