7 Easy Ways to Transport Heavy Items When Moving

The moving day starts approaching, and you’re staring at your furniture, wondering how on earth you’re going to transport those heavy items. Don’t stress about it! We’ve prepared seven easy and practical ways to move them from one location to another, along with other useful tricks.

Ways to move heavy objects with ease

Here’s how you can move heavy objects with ease:

• Adjustable moving straps can really help when moving heavy items. They distribute the weight evenly across your body and lower your chances of getting hurt. They also free up your hands to open doors or balance yourself.
• Dismantle large or heavy furniture like beds, tables, and wardrobes into smaller, manageable parts, so that they will be easier to carry and reduce the risk of damage during the move.
• Moving heavy objects can be simple and safe due to using sliders. Sliders are placed under the legs or corners of heavy furniture and slide across the floor. It’s important to note that you should use sliders that match the type of flooring you have to prevent damage. Fortunately, there are sliders in various shapes and sizes available, which are suitable for different floor types — carpet, hardwood, etc.
• Also, remove door stops. It can create more space for moving large items through doorways.
• If you’re moving heavy objects up and down stairs, consider the size and shape of each item and plan your route to avoid any obstacles. You can use a dolly or hand truck for this task. For extremely heavy items, you might want to consider a motorized stair-climbing dolly. Also, always move slower than you think you need to — rushing on stairs when moving heavy items can be dangerous.
• Don’t forget to protect your stuff — use moving blankets, bubble wrap, or furniture covers. This can prevent scratches, dents, or other harm.
• Use your brain instead of your muscles: it’s not always about physical strength. Sometimes, a little strategy can be more effective. Think about the best and easiest way to move each item before you start lifting.

Safety should always be your primary concern when moving heavy objects. Use your legs, not your back, to lift and ask for help if necessary. The following tips will help you be even more prepared for this task.

How to move heavy objects up and down stairs

Got a heavy object that needs moving up or down stairs? There are several ways to do it:

• Ever heard of a winch? Install it on the wall at the top of your stairs and you’ll be able to lift that hefty item. However, remember to install it correctly. Ensure the wall can handle the weight and that you’re using the appropriate hardware. Also, make sure the winch has a brake or locking mechanism to prevent accidental slipping.
• If you prefer doing things yourself, you could use wooden boards. Put them on the stairs, cover them with a blanket (to avoid harm to your stairs), and easily move your item up or down. But when using wooden boards, choose the widest possible ones to create a stable surface for your item. It’s also helpful to have someone guiding the item from behind for extra safety.
• Another method involves just the blanket — no planks. Wrap your item in a blanket and slide it along. This method is great for items with flat sides, and again, it saves your stairs from any potential damage. If you’re using a blanket, choose a thick and sturdy one. An old quilt or a moving blanket is ideal. Make sure to wrap your item securely and avoid dragging any corners or edges that could cause damage to your stairs.
• If you have a companion, a 2-person shoulder dolly is perfect. It’s a special harness that both of you wear, and it makes lifting heavy items easy. But remember to coordinate with your partner. Practice moving in unison to steer clear of any sudden movements that may result in injury.
• If you prefer tools to do the job, consider a hand truck. These are designed to transport heavy stuff and are perfect for the task. Just remember to secure your item well to prevent any mishaps. You can do this using ratchet straps. They’re stronger and more reliable than bungee cords or rope. Tilt the hand truck back slowly when lifting your item to avoid tipping over.

In this case, it is also important to think about safety as moving heavy objects can be dangerous. Take your time and don’t rush things. Also, always clear your path of any obstacles before moving the item. Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves for protection. If you feel the object is too heavy or unmanageable, don’t hesitate to call professional movers who are trained and have the necessary equipment to handle such tasks.

Use rollers for big loads

Rollers can also help with big loads. The method is simple as it decreases the friction that makes moving them difficult. 

First, you’ll need some cylindrical objects, like PVC pipes. Bowling balls or other round, robust objects can also be used. You’re going to use these as your rollers. Place them on the floor in a line, then lift your heavy items onto the rollers. The rollers should be spaced evenly and close enough together to support the item properly. If they’re too far apart, the object could tip over.

Then comes the moving part. Push your item along the rollers. Aim to push it at its center of gravity, which is usually in the middle of the object. This way, you can control and prevent it from tipping. 

As the item moves forward, take the roller from the back and place it at the front. Keep repeating this until you’ve moved your item where you need it to be.

Again, always think about safety when moving big loads. Clear any obstacles from your path before starting, and ensure there’s enough clearance on all sides of your item. If the item is too heavy, don’t attempt to do this alone — always ask for assistance. Wearing gloves can prevent blisters, and sturdy shoes can protect your feet. If you’re moving the item across uneven ground, you might want to lay down a plywood path for the rollers to move on.

Use plastic wrap, not tape, to secure items

Now let’s discuss one of the most valuable tools for transporting heavy items: plastic wrap. You might be thinking, “Wait, isn’t tape used for securing stuff?” Well, not always.

When you’re dealing with bulky stuff, tape can sometimes do more harm than good. It can leave a sticky residue, damaged surfaces, or even worse, it might not hold up under the weight. That’s why plastic wrap is a mover’s best friend.

This plain kitchen tool is great because it can be used in many ways. It can be wrapped around household items like furniture, appliances, and boxes. What’s more, it won’t leave any residue since it sticks to itself.

Plastic wrap is also great for keeping drawers and cabinet doors closed during the move. Just wrap it around a few times, and you won’t have to worry about drawers opening while carrying a heavy dresser downstairs.

And let’s not forget about protection. Wrapping your items in plastic wrap can help prevent scratches, dings, and other potential damage. It’s also waterproof, so in the event of rain, your items will remain dry.

So, next time you’re preparing to move, skip the tape and opt for a roll of plastic wrap instead.

Don’t strain your back and let the professionals do the heavy lifting!

Well, remember the golden rule of moving heavy items: don’t strain your back and let the professionals do the heavy lifting. You might think you’re saving money by doing it yourself, but trust us, a hurt back can cost you more in the future.

And that’s where the experts at Paradise Moving & Storage can help. We offer a variety of services, including local moving, interstate moving, loading and unloading help, sports and event logistics, packing services, storage services, piano moving, and even create services.

One of our specialties? Transporting heavy items. Our trained professionals have the skills, the know-how, the appropriate equipment, and the muscle to handle all your heavy lifting needs — in other words, they can move anything.

Paradise Moving & Storage thinks about safety — both yours and ours. Our experts know how to move heavy items without injuring themselves or damaging your precious belongings. Rather than risking back strain or injury, why not entrust the task to us? Moving can be a pain (literally), but Paradise Moving & Storage is always ready to help.