How To Move Large & Heavy Furniture Without Damage

Movers Carrying Furniture Safely

Relocating heavy or oversized furniture can be one of the most physically demanding parts of moving house. It’s also one of the riskiest, not just to your property and prized items, but also to your health. Without the proper planning, tools, or technique, trying to manoeuvre a bulky lounge or massive wardrobe could quickly turn into a stressful experience.

Whether you’re shifting things to a new room or loading up for a big move, it’s worth investing time in doing it properly. The steps below are designed to help you avoid common pitfalls when moving large furniture, keeping you, your belongings and your home damage-free.

Assess the Furniture & Your Surroundings Before Moving Anything

Before you reach for a corner of that oversized buffet or bed frame, take a moment to plan. This first step is crucial and often overlooked—rushing into it can cause unnecessary damage or delays.

Make sure you evaluate:

  • The dimensions and weight of the furniture to determine how many people or tools are needed.
  • The path to the exit, including doorways, staircases, and narrow hallways that could cause obstruction.
  • The furniture’s shape and protruding parts, such as legs or handles that may catch or scrape surfaces.

By properly assessing both your furniture and environment, you’ll reduce the risk of damage such as:

  • Walls getting scratched due to tight corners or misjudged turns.
  • Floors marked or dented from dropped furniture.
  • Door frames chipped by bulky edges during an awkward move.

Gather the Right Tools & Equipment for Safe Lifting

When moving large furniture, trying to do it with bare hands is rarely a good idea. Professional movers rely on tools for a reason—these make the job safer, easier and far more efficient.

Here’s a list of essential tools and why they’re worth using:

  • Furniture dollies allow you to roll heavier items safely across the floor without straining your back.
  • Moving sliders placed under legs or corners makes it easy to slide furniture across carpets or tiles.
  • Lifting straps and harnesses help distribute weight evenly and enable more controlled lifting.
  • Padded moving blankets can be wrapped around furniture to protect edges, corners and delicate finishes.
  • Work gloves improve grip and protect your hands from splinters, scrapes or pinches during lifting.

Disassemble Furniture When Possible to Lighten the Load

Many people don’t realise how much easier and safer a move becomes when furniture is disassembled. Not every item can be disassembled, but it’s highly recommended for those that can.

Items that are commonly worth disassembling include:

  • Bed frames, especially those with large slats or attached headboards.
  • Dining tables with removable legs or leaves.
  • Modular sofas that come apart in sections for easier handling.
  • Wardrobes or cabinets with detachable doors or internal shelving.
  • Desks with multiple segments or attached storage.

Use Proper Lifting Techniques to Avoid Injury

Incorrect lifting is one of the fastest ways to injure your back or shoulders, especially when handling heavy objects. If you’re attempting to move large furniture without a professional, follow safe lifting practices.

Key tips for lifting correctly include:

  • Always bend at the knees, not the waist, and lift with your legs rather than your back.
  • Keep the item close to your body and avoid twisting while carrying it.
  • Communicate clearly with your lifting partner so you move in sync.
  • Never try to lift furniture over your head or carry more than you can manage comfortably.
  • Use tools like straps or dollies to reduce the need for lifting altogether.

Protect Floors, Walls, & Door Frames During the Move

Damage to your home is all too common during a big furniture shift. Sharp corners, heavy bases, or accidental bumps can result in scratches, gouges, or worse.

To prevent damage during your move:

  • Lay floor coverings or runners in high-traffic areas to prevent scuffs and dents.
  • Use corner guards or padding on door frames and tight corners where impacts are most likely.
  • Wrap furniture with moving blankets or cardboard to soften any contact with surfaces.
  • Keep furniture upright and stable as it’s moved—dragging often causes unnecessary wear to floors.

Enlist Help or Hire Professionals for Oversized Items

Some furniture is simply too large, heavy, or awkward to move safely without extra hands. Knowing when to call for help is key—trying to move a fridge or pool table solo can quickly become dangerous.

Consider asking for assistance or hiring professionals when moving:

  • Appliances such as fridges, washing machines or ovens that are both bulky and delicate.
  • Upright pianos or large musical equipment that require careful handling.
  • Tall wardrobes, buffets or antique furniture with fragile detailing.
  • Large sectional lounges or recliners with built-in mechanisms.
  • Glass-top tables or heavy mirrors that could shatter if dropped.

Secure Furniture in the Moving Vehicle to Prevent Shifting

Once your furniture is loaded onto the vehicle, your job isn’t done yet. If not properly secured, items can shift during transit, leading to breakage or damage on arrival.

To secure your load in the moving truck:

  • Use ratchet straps or ropes to anchor larger pieces against the vehicle’s side rails.
  • Distribute weight evenly across the truck floor, with heavy items at the bottom.
  • Place soft items like mattresses or cushions between wooden or metal furniture to act as padding.
  • Fill empty gaps with boxes or padding to minimise movement while in motion.
  • Avoid stacking too high, which could lead to tipping over during turns or stops.

What to Do if Damage Happens Despite Best Efforts

Even with the most careful planning, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to respond is essential if your furniture or property is damaged during the move.

Follow these steps if damage occurs:

  • Inspect all items and your home carefully after the move for any signs of damage.
  • Photograph the damage immediately to keep a visual record for claims or repairs.
  • If you hired movers, report the issue promptly and check whether insurance covers the loss.
  • For minor scuffs or scratches, use repair kits or furniture markers to fix the issue yourself.
  • For major structural damage or antique pieces, seek a professional restorer or furniture repair specialist.

Let the Professionals Handle Your Heavy Lifting

At Caloundra Removals & Storage, we take the hassle out of heavy lifting with the right equipment, skilled staff, and proven techniques to protect your home and belongings. Get in touch via our contact page or give us a call to arrange your next move.