Tips for moving big & bulky furniture

Moving can be as challenging and difficult as it is exciting, and when you have oversized furniture to move the difficulty can be compounded. There are some simple ways, however, of making the experience easier. Planning your move, using the right equipment and making sure that you have the appropriate assistance can make moving oversized furniture a breeze.

Plan for moving oversized furniture

Planning is the key to any successful, low stress moving experience. When you are planning to move your oversized furniture, consider transport, help, where your huge furniture will go in your new home, and what will be required to move it. Use a cardboard cut out of the furniture to test whether it will fit through doorways.

Before you move, consider how you will physically relocate the furniture. Will you need a trolley (if you use one ensure that it has secure straps for safe moving, particularly of very large awkward items such as wardrobes, beds or large whitegoods)? Does the furniture have its own wheels? What sort of transport will you require and how will you get the furniture onto the trailer or into the truck?

Plan for safety; always use a trolley, or safe lifting device such as the 'forearm forklift' straps to move heavy items, and ensure that the path is clear of any obstacles that may cause tripping. Dollies, including mechanised ones, and skidboards may also be required.

Who will be required to assist you? It is rarely safe or advisable to move large furniture on your own - arrange to have friends to help, or consider hiring professional removalists.

Plan out exactly where each item of oversized furniture will go in your new home, and pack it accordingly. You may need to dismantle some very large items.

Moving is also a great time to reconsider your needs. Is that old wardrobe really essential, or could it find a new home with a friend or relative? Charities such as the Salvation Army will collect furniture for you - this may be more economical than dragging large items about with you.

Removalists and oversized furniture

Removalists are generally easily able to move oversized furniture, but you will need to give them a comprehensive list of what you have, how large it is, and where you will need it moved from and to. Oversized furniture may affect the cost of the move; if extra people, larger vehicles and more time are required, it may be more expensive, so have an accurate inventory ready when you get quotes.

Oversized furniture

Moving oversized furniture may seem like a daunting task, but with pre planning it can be done with relative ease. Ensure that you have the appropriate equipment, enough people, and have considered safety aspects of the move before the day, and you will find yourself and your precious belongings happily ensconced in your new home with a minimum of fuss.