How to Move Heavy Furniture on Wood Floors
2nd July, 2018
Learning how to move heavy furniture on wood floors can save you a lot of grief. Many of us have tried to move furniture and large objects by ourselves, only to end up with unsightly marks and blemishes across our floors. However, with the right care and materials, learning how to move heavy furniture on a wood floor is simple.
How to Move Heavy Furniture on Wood Floors
Whilst working out how to move heavy furniture on wood floors may seem like an easy task, the damage caused by improper handling is more prevalent than you may think. Luckily, with the right tools and a little patience, you can make moving even the bulkiest of items a walk in the park.
With that said, when taking on any task that involves lifting or pushing heavy objects, it’s vital that you understand proper techniques to avoid damaging your spine. Damaging your floors is one thing, damaging your body is far more of a concern.
Step 1: Never Drag Heavy Furniture on Wood Floors
Step 2: Move Furniture Slowly
Step 3: Clean Your Wood Floors Before Moving
Step 4: Make Your Heavy Furniture As Light As Possible
Step 5: Place Towels Under Heavy Furniture
Step 6: Use Business Cards or Cardboard Under Furniture
Step 7: Other Materials For Moving Heavy Furniture
Step 8: Avoid Dollies On Wood Floors
Step 9: Take Care of Your Spine
Step 1: Never Drag Heavy Furniture on Wood Floors
The first step when learning how to move heavy furniture on wood floors is to avoid dragging where possible. This is the main cause of scuff marks and floor damage, so if moving can be done without dragging, do it. If a piece of furniture can be lifted, this is the ideal way to avoid floor damage. With that said, if dragging is unavoidable, try to make sure that it is done with care.
Step 2: Move Furniture Slowly and Carefully
Try to take your time when moving heavy furniture, as this will make it less likely for scrapes and mistakes to occur. This will also help you keep padding and other protective measures from slipping off.
Step 3: Clean Your Wood Floors Before Moving
One of the easiest mistakes to make when moving heavy furniture on wood floors is not cleaning your floors before the move begins. This is vital, as small bits of dirt and gravel can grind and scratch against surfaces, even if your furniture is padded properly.
Step 4: Make Your Heavy Furniture As Light As Possible
Start by removing all shelves, cushions, and anything else that can be removed from the furniture. This will not only help you to avoid scrapes and damage, it will also make moving your furniture much easier.
Step 5: Place Towels Under Heavy Furniture
When working out how to move heavy furniture on wood floors, a great starting point is towels. Towels can be used as a perfect padding; protecting the floor whilst also making it easier to slide your furniture. It is best to use old towels, as they may incur some minor damage. While it can be annoying if your towel gets scuffed or ripped, they are much easier to replace than a wood floor.
Step 6: Use Business Cards or Cardboard Under Furniture
A cheap, easy way to cover the legs of your furniture, business cards and cardboard can stop your furniture from directly touching the floor. Just take care, as small pieces of cardboard can get knocked out of place easily, leading to dragging.
Step 7: Other Materials For Moving Heavy Furniture
Aside from business cards and towels, other good options for padding include rugs, plastic bags, and felt pads. In essence, you just need to make sure that you have a material that can be a soft, slidable barrier between your furniture and your wood floor. Try to avoid using expensive items or items you care about, as some wear and tear is practically inevitable.
Step 8: Avoid Dollies On Wood Floors
While dollies can seem like a perfect option for moving heavy furniture on wood floors, those wheels can do as much damage as the furniture itself. Wood flooring is more delicate than you might think, and if you can avoid using a dolly, then towels and other soft materials are preferred.
Step 9: Take Care of Your Spine
While lifting furniture is a good idea if you want to avoid floor scratches, remember that your spine can only take so much weight. Plus, carrying heavy objects improperly can quickly lead to damage in your back. If you can, get someone else to help you lift objects, and avoid lifting with your back. At Kent Removals, our experienced moving specialists are here to do the heavy lifting for you. So, if you can’t manage the job safely on your own, give us a call.
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For more moving tips and tools please view our other helpful articles and tools. If you would like to speak to a moving expert now, please contact us on 1300 379 190.
