Whether you are moving across town or another state, one of the most physically challenging and dangerous aspects of any relocation is transporting heavy items. Not only to your back, but to your walls and floors and your sanity too.

Of course, you can get some friends, hire a truck, and do it yourself. The honest truth is that no one enjoys having to move that bulky couch. But we can offer some tips to make the process easier and safer. Otherwise, it may result in broken stuff and a hurting back.

Measure before lifting

Measure your doors, halls, and stairwells before you even consider picking up that large appliance. Measure the item and the place it must move through. Too wide or tall? Well, better know that now before you get it halfway in the front door and have no place to put it down.

When feasible, take the hinges off the doors or remove the legs off the tables to make things easier. Tearing down what is possible will save you some time and effort. It will also possibly save a few bumps and nicks on the walls.

Protect the items and yourself, too

Do not underestimate the speed at which heavy objects can be damaging. A single misstep and your hardwood floors, newly painted walls, or even your fingers may bear the cost of it. Do the following:

• Cover furniture with blankets or stretch wrap so as to ensure that both your house and the item remain safe. 
• Place furniture sliders under furniture so that they do not scratch the floor.
• Use proper gloves to maintain a good handle.

And, do not forget about your body. When lifting, it should not be with the back but with the knees. 

Utilize proper equipment 

Would you attempt to make a cake without a cake pan, so why make the attempt at moving a 300-pound appliance without using the proper equipment? Dollies, lifting straps, and sliders are not invented out of thin air: they make the work less dangerous and much more manageable. 

Getting the right gear is one thing. However, using it correctly is another. Professionals like the Schroeder Moving team will know how to balance the load and turn corners without damage. They know how to move bulky items without toppling or banging into barriers.

Seek professional help

The thing is, not everyone wants to carry a large washing machine up the stairs. Not all work is worth the trouble. Moving large furniture and appliances requires competence, strength, and experience to do it safely.

And that is why, in the end, people understand the worth of employing professionals. It is not due to the fact that they are incapable of doing it; rather, they are aware that there exists a smarter, safer way of doing the job right.

The takeaway

You can pass that burden to professional movers who specialize in doing it daily. That way, you are really not paying for labor, but peace of mind. And honestly? It is worth every penny.