We provide custom services for every stage of the moving process. Through this guide you will learn how to move large items without risking injury, damage to your possessions or to your home. To learn more about any of the strategies discussed, or to speak with a removal specialist about your upcoming move, contact us today on 13 25 54 or fill out the online quote request form.
If you’re planning a move with any of the following items, then this guide is for you:
- Large mirrors
- Large potted plants
- Hot tubs
- Large appliances
- Heavy machinery
- Lawnmowers
- BBQs
- Fire Extinguishers
- Pool Tables
Start Early
The biggest mistake you can make when moving large items is to leave it until the last minute. There is nothing worse than being short on time and high on stress when you need to carefully and strategically navigate oversized items through doorways, corridors and rooms with delicate items. There is only one way that can end. Broken items, injuries, lost time and tears of frustration. By starting the process as early as possible you give yourself the best chance of success and the least chance of disaster. The more time you have to consider every important step of the process, the more likely you are to identify and avoid potential hiccups or injuries.When you begin early you also increase the likelihood that you will be able to acquire all the equipment you need, devise a plan of attack, recruit any necessary assistance and execute it all to perfection. Over the next few steps we will outline some of the key tips and tricks for moving bulky items. Each one of these steps will be made simpler and more effective with more time. However, if you’ve come across this guide and have already missed your opportunity to start the process early, don’t stress! Our removal specialists can help with fast and secure removals of even the largest and heaviest of items. If you’re short on time and need professional moving assistance, skip the next steps and contact us today.
Strategise
One of the most overlooked and under-rated tips for moving large items is to devise a plan and approach each task strategically. Creating a plan for your move that deliberately lays out the entire process for preparing your large items might sound like a lot of work, but in the long run, this effort will pay dividends. When you begin to run short on time and stress levels are rising, having a clear plan to refer back to can provide immense clarity and peace of mind. It also ensures that nothing gets overlooked, even small things like screws that you may need to put your large items back together after the move.The key to creating an effective plan for preparing your large items is to start with the basics and then incrementally add details as you go.We recommend starting with an inventory of any possessions you deem to be large, bulky or heavy. Some common household items that require some preparation include washing machines, barbecues, fridges, furniture and pool tables. Once you have a complete list of the items you need to sort out, break each item down into the steps you need to take to get it ready for removal. If you still have the instructions available for any of these items it will tell you how to remove any parts that could get damaged in transit. If not, you can look up the specific item online or call our removal specialists to have them talk you through the process. Once you’ve noted down all of the items and steps to prepare them, then include any specific tools that you might need to carry out the plan.
Use the right tools
You don’t need to be an Olympic powerlifter to move the large items in your house, you just need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Customers of Allied don’t need to stress about finding, buying and using all of these tools as our removal specialists come equipped with the tools and ready to do all the heavy lifting for you. For those doing a DIY removal, the following tools are essential for doing so in the safest and smartest way possible.Dolly
A dolly is one of the most common moving tools because it is a simple and effective means of transporting heavy items without exerting much effort. There are a range of dolly types for different purposes, with the main two being a utility dolly and a furniture dolly. A utility dolly has an upright frame, two wheels and a relatively small carry panel. This can be used for most heavy items, but is not advisable for oversized items that may slip off the slim base. A furniture dolly, on the other hand, is flat, four-wheeled and more spacious for bulkier items. Between these two tools you should be able to move most large items without too much effort, though it is highly recommended that you have assistance in loading, unloading and moving the item on the dolly.Moving Straps
Also known as lifting straps or a shoulder dolly, two person moving straps can help you and a friend to move even large heavy appliances safely and securely. Moving straps are also ideal for securing oversized items to your dolly. Just remember, even with these straps it can be tricky to navigate narrow corridors or staircases.Stair Rollers
If you need to move large items or heavy furniture up and downstairs, then stair rollers are an absolute necessity. Stair rollers look like a utility dolly, but with six wheels instead of two. With a rotating set of three wheels on each side, stair rollers allow you to easily move large items up and downstairs.Glides (slides)
Moving heavy objects over wooden floors without protection is a recipe for scratch marks and exorbitant repair bills. Glides (or slides) are a simple way to avoid the stress and the hassle of damaged floorboards. Placing glides under the object you need to move will allow you to slide it easily and safely across wooden floors.Mattress sling
Mattresses can be deceivingly heavy and pose a real health risk to those who attempt to lift them without the right tools or assistance. A mattress sling can make the job significantly easier by providing a securing means of handling the weight while also lowering the centre of gravity and stabilising the mattress. It is still advisable to seek assistance when lifting or transporting a heavy mattress.Safety First: Proper Techniques
Even with all the right tools and a detailed plan of attack, it is important to be very conscious of how you move large objects. Incorrect posture or excessive loads can throw out your back or risk injuries to your joints.- Bend your knees. You must engage your core, stabilise your back in a good straight position, pull your shoulders back and bend your knees whenever you lift an object from the ground. This posture ensures that the weight goes through your legs rather than your back.
- Rotate objects before you move. Tall pieces of furniture should be carried at an angle to fit through doorways. Chairs should be on their side in an L-shape to bend around corners. Whatever position is easiest to transport the item, make sure that you correctly position it before you start moving to ease the pressure on your back.
- Remove excess pieces. Whether it's legs from a couch or draws from a cupboard, taking off the extra bits and pieces from your large items can significantly reduce their weight and size. A lighter, smaller item is far easier to move and poses far less risk of injury.
- Empty before your lift. If the furniture or items you’re moving are full, empty them immediately. There’s no use carrying around a cupboard full of clothes, a drawer full of cutlery or a fridge full of food. It’s always better to do more trips than trying to load up everything at once.
- Push instead of pull. Pulling can put a lot more strain on your back and neck muscles than pushing. So wherever possible try to push items rather than pulling them. This may require Glides to make sure you don’t damage your floors in the process!
Get the right help
It is highly recommended that you seek help when moving large or heavy items. Any mistake while moving large items on your own can easily result in an injury, a broken item or a damaged home. A group of friends can make a world of difference, though it is still important to use the right tools and have a plan of attack. If you don’t have the time or desire to wrangle up a group of strong volunteers, buy the right tools and devise a comprehensive moving plan, our professional movers can take care of it all for you.With services covering every step of the moving process, we can take the weight and the stress off your shoulders. Simplify your moving day with the support of our removal specialists. To get a free quote and find out more about Allied’s moving services, get in touch with our friendly customer service team today on 13 25 54.