Moving Guide

Packing Antiques by Yourself – Is It a Good Idea?

Posted on 09/16/202104/20/2026 by BigApple

Even the flies on the wall know by now that moving is a tough ordeal. The process of relocation is one of the most stressful events in a person`s life. What makes moving so stressful is the fact that there are so many different things one should worry about.

For instance, what is your strategy for the transportation of your belongings? In the event of any damage, what measures have you taken? Have you considered engaging professional movers or opting for a do-it-yourself approach? The relocation process is fraught with numerous concerns and potential pitfalls. Packing valuable antiques independently may prove to be a particularly perplexing and uncertain undertaking.

These items are valuable, so is it a good idea to try to pack them by yourself? Let’s answer the question straight away − packing antiques by yourself is never a completely safe procedure.

But let’s get some more info to learn why it’s not the best option and what to do instead.

Packing Antiques by Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

Hiring relocation professionals is always the best idea. This especially applies if some challenging items need to be packed and transported. And, when we say challenging, we do mean antiques. Be honest, are you aware of how beneficial it would be to hire antique and fine art movers NYC for your relocation? Well, you are about to find out.

Antique and art movers have a lot of experience

When it comes to packing antiques, the challenges that one may encounter are effortlessly handled by a professional moving crew. Their daily experience in dealing with valuable and fragile art pieces ensures that your precious items are prepared for transportation without any difficulty.

Opting for a do-it-yourself approach would require you to source packing materials, determine the best method to pack and secure your antique pieces, as well as find a suitable means of transporting them safely to your new residence. Such a process can be exhausting for an individual, but not for professionals who are accustomed to handling delicate and valuable items.

Professional movers are quick

Things that will take you one week to do, they could do in a day. Just think how much time and planning it takes to move antique possessions. Think about all the small tasks, like going to the store to buy professional packing materials, the time it takes it actually pack it, and eventually time for loading, driving, and unloading from the moving vehicle. Chances are you’ll have to spend a couple of days on this process.

On the other hand, fine art movers will do everything in one day, so it’s the most efficient way to move your goods. Because they’re used to this type of work, their skills are far beyond a regular individual trying to DIY. Time efficiency is one of the top benefits of hiring professionals to handle your antiques.

Professional movers are insured

In the worst-case scenario, where some of your items got damaged or broken, they would reimburse you. Art and antique movers will provide insurance so you’ll be covered in case anything gets damaged along the way. On the other hand, if you choose to move antiques alone, you’ll end up having a damaged piece and no way to be reimbursed for it.

Of course, this all sounds great. However, affordable movers NYC – based are not so easy to find. Their fees are often steep, which is why people decide to relocate and pack by themselves. In case you are not in an envious financial situation and you cannot afford to hire movers, let us help you with this challenging task that is in front of you. These are some simple steps to follow in case you decide to move antiques on your own.

How to prepare your antiques for moving?

The preparation is just as important as the packing itself. Before we dig into the rules you should follow when packing antiques, let`s first mention the proper way to prepare your valuables for such a move.

Make an inventory list

You should take a day or two to go through your house and make a list of every antique you have in your possession. This will be important for the future days when you are unpacking your things and checking whether everything is where it`s supposed to be. We are experienced Big Apple Movers, so trust us when we tell you that you do not want to skip this step.

It may be a bit time-consuming if you have many antique pieces but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming at all – so many different home checklist apps are available that can even make it a fun experience. If that’s not your cup of tea, just go the traditional way and use pen and paper to write down your antique items.

Clean your antiques

Just like you plan on cleaning the rest of your furniture before packing it, you should do the same with your antiques. However, make sure to use only water and avoid any strong chemicals. You do not want to damage your priceless pieces. Moreover, if you possess any antique furniture that you plan on transporting, make sure you empty it before the moving day. Take out all the contents, such as doors, legs, knobs. This will protect your antique furniture from any additional damage. Don’t forget that each piece of furniture should be wrapped individually and secured for maximum protection.

Purchasing insurance is a must

If we could set apart only one thing that you must do before transporting your antiques, it would be this one! By purchasing insurance, you are making sure that even in the case of any damage, you would not suffer a big financial loss. Yes, this will not exactly save you money in the Big Apple, but it will give you a sense of security.

How to pack antiques?

Now that your antique furniture is ready for packing, it is time to deal with the finishing touches. This is the time to be even more careful when handling your antiques. So, what are the common rules you should abide by when approaching this task?

Use quality protective packaging materials

In most cases, the packaging is what affects the most a condition in which your items will arrive at a new location. Moreover, it is advisable to add at least two layers of protective materials. Don’t try to save money at this stage, as quality bubble wrap, moving blankets, and other professional materials will play an important role in keeping your antique items safe.

Secure your antiques tightly

If you are moving antique furniture, make sure to use plastic wrap, which will hold your items in place. If you are dealing with breakable antiques, make sure to fill in the extra space in the moving box with foam peanuts – you want to avoid shifting inside the box. Also, the tape is a must and you should use it to secure everything in place and prevent anything from falling out during transit.

Never forget to properly label the boxes

This especially goes for fragile antiques, such as vases. You need to let everyone know that the box in question needs to be handled with utmost care. Even though you will clearly mark each box, always verbally inform your helpers about extra fragile content.

Everyone should know how to pack fragile items, which antiques are. They cost a lot of money, which puts them in a special category.

When to call in for professional help?

If you had an expensive piano in your possession, would you attempt to relocate and pack it by yourself, or would you call piano movers NYC to handle this task? That`s right, you would, in 99 percent of the cases, be wise, and call in for professional help. The same rule applies to your antiques. In case you own some very expensive, or rare antiques, be smart. There will be no refund that could make up for that one-of-a-kind vase. And, if you attempt to move such expensive antiques by yourself, you are taking an unnecessary risk. A huge one, if we might add.

Packing antiques by yourself – is it a good idea?

The truth is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question; which, we are sure, you have realized by now. However, if you own some antiques which are of extreme importance, please think carefully about them! Packing antiques by yourself can only be advisable in those situations when you can imagine parting with the items in question. In every other situation, the risk is too great. Of course, the best way to move antiques is to get professional antique movers to help you. Specialized NYC movers may not seem like the most affordable option at first, but in most cases, it’s worth it. If you’re eyeing to hire a reliable moving company to assist with moving your precious belongings, Big Apple may be the right fit. Contact us and get free moving quotes Brooklyn.

What To Do If Movers Are Late

Posted on 08/30/202108/04/2026 by BigApple

Relocating can be a multifaceted undertaking that necessitates meticulous planning and coordination to ensure a hassle-free experience. Ideally, your move will proceed without any unforeseen complications. Nevertheless, certain circumstances may be beyond your control, resulting in unfavorable outcomes. One such challenge that may arise during the relocation process is tardiness on the part of the movers during pick-up or delivery.

Whether you’re waiting for your things to be picked up or your belongings are being delivered, waiting for movers is certainly not pleasant. In general, it’s more frustrating if movers are late for delivery because you won’t have your things with you.

But, steps to handle the issue are pretty much the same with delivery and pick-up delays. When your movers are late, it’s very important that you stay calm because you’ll need composure in order to solve the issue.

You’ll have to call them and hopefully, you’ll reach them quite quickly – we hope you did your homework and hired a licensed and reliable NYC moving company.

Why Are Movers Late?

There are various reasons why movers may experience delays. Traffic congestion can cause unforeseen delays, and technical issues with the moving vehicle can also contribute to tardiness. Additionally, misunderstandings regarding the correct address or unexpected flat tires can further exacerbate the situation. Despite the best efforts of movers to exercise due diligence and professionalism, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise.

Late movers are not a reason to hit the panic button straight away. Consider the human factor as well – one of the crew members may be sick. There may be an emergency or an accident. So, remain calm at least until you learn what’s holding them back.

If movers are late with delivering your items to the new address or they’re not on time to pick up your belongings, be proactive and follow the simple steps below. If you’re wondering what to do when movers are late, we’ve got you covered.

Keep Your Cool

The first thing to do is to stay calm. Of course, this may not be exactly the easiest thing to do when things don’t go as planned but you should try and remain calm because you still don’t know what the reason for the delay is and how long until the problem is resolved.

You’re much more likely to solve the issue if you keep your composure than if you panic. This easier said than done step may not sound like much. But, it’s definitely helpful once you’re stressed and have to handle the issue.

Double-Check the Deal

The second thing to do when your movers are late is to take your contract and check if the arrival time is estimated or not. Why should you do this? Because your contract may state that movers will arrive, for example, between 10 am and 11 am, while you may be waiting for them at 9 am.

Always check the time you agreed to in the contract to make sure they’re really late and it’s not about the misunderstanding. In case your contract clearly states the timeframe but your movers are nowhere to be seen, go ahead and follow the next step.

Call Movers

After you’ve made sure that your movers are indeed late, it’s time to give them a call and find out what’s holding them. In case you don’t have their number saved, just check their website and find a phone number. As long as you’ve hired a reputable mover (and we sincerely hope that you did), reaching them shouldn’t be a problem.

Ask for an Explanation and Specific Info

Upon contacting the moving company, it is imperative to request pertinent information regarding your move. Begin by introducing yourself and providing a detailed explanation of the situation. It is recommended to inquire about the specific arrival time of the movers, without placing too much emphasis on the rationale behind their schedule.

Obtaining this information is of utmost importance, and it is advised to remain on the line until a definitive time frame has been established for the arrival of the moving crew.

React Depending on the Info

Once you have a new expected time of crew arriving, it’s time to improvise and use that extra time depending on the info you get. For example, if your movers are arriving in the next 15 minutes, there’s no need to change your plans or move to another task. But in case they’re arriving in a couple of hours, you can get back to your things and make a few checks.

See if your essentials bag has everything you need. Check if your valuables are separated from the rest of your belongings. Check if pathways are clear, if everything is ready to go, etc. In case movers won’t be arriving until the next day, even though it’s highly inconvenient, you’ll still have to improvise and adjust your schedule.

Take Action

Hopefully, you’ll never have to deal with an issue in this manner. But, if you’re unable to get in touch with movers for a few days, it’s time to react and notify authorities about your situation. Go ahead and contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888- 368-7238) Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time to seek advice on what you are expected to do next. In case your mover is asking for cash to deliver your items, you’ve clearly been a victim of fraud. You should contact the police before calling FMSCA.

In case you’re involved in a moving scam but you’re not happy with the service, make sure to leave a moving review. Be honest and describe your situation with all the details. Your review can help another customer know about your inconvenience. MyMovingReviews and Yelp are some of the reliable moving company reviews websites.

If you’re looking for a licensed and reliable moving company, check out Big Apple movers. We’re at your service and we’ll provide a Brooklyn moving quote completely free of charge.

Moving Heavy Items With Ease – Here is How

Posted on 06/19/202111/11/2025 by BigApple

If you have made the decision to relocate, it is imperative to acknowledge that all of your belongings must be transported. While clothing and smaller items can be conveniently packed by oneself, the transportation and loading of such items can be effortlessly executed by moving and storage companies in New York City. However, the transportation of heavier items can pose a challenge.

You can try moving heavy items with ease but we wouldn’t recommend it since you can get injured or damage your belongings. However, your reliable NYC moving company will be up for the task and movers will do it easily and professionally. They are already experienced when it comes to lifting and moving heavy items with ease. We will give you some advice about what to pay attention to when moving heavy items and which tools to use.

What to Pay Attention to When Moving Heavy Items

When it comes to relocating bulky objects, it is imperative to acknowledge that assistance is required. Such assistance can be obtained from professional movers or acquaintances. While the latter may be willing to lend a hand, it is important to note that they lack the expertise necessary for handling heavy items. Similarly, as an amateur, you may also lack the requisite skills. Conversely, professional movers are seasoned experts who guarantee a seamless relocation process.

If you have a lot of heavy items that need to be moved your movers might charge extra. You are probably wondering can you find cheap movers in New York? Well, you can look for special discounts and deals, even when it comes to moving bulky items. So as we said, if you want to avoid injuries or damage you should hire professionals to lift your heavy objects.

In Case Friends are Helping

In order to ensure a smooth and efficient process when enlisting the assistance of friends or family members for the transportation of heavy items, it is advisable to request that they confirm their arrival the day prior. It is not uncommon for individuals to cancel plans at the last minute, and such an occurrence could prove to be detrimental when dealing with cumbersome objects.

Additionally, it is imperative to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for those who have kindly offered their assistance. This can be achieved through the provision of refreshments such as cold beverages, snacks, and even a prepared lunch. In the event that the task at hand requires several hours of labor, a meal such as pizza or any other suitable option would undoubtedly be appreciated.

Prepare the Route

You should prepare the moving route for your movers when they are out moving heavy items with ease. If there are any obstacles on the way you should move them. Your affordable movers NYC will need a clear transit to move and take those bulky items out of your home. They will need important information.

You need to point to the doorways and entrances and exits they will use
Measure the furniture and give them the information if it can fit through the exits

or not. They will have a backup plan if you inform them in time. When you hire decent movers, give them all the info they can get.

You Should Lift Carefully

If you want to lift something heavy before your movers arrive you should do it very carefully. Do not try to lift with all of your strength at once. Test the weight of the object first. Try and lift one side of the object slowly. You should always get help before lifting anything. Your body posture an movements have to be appropriate when you are lifting heavy items.

You should bend the knees. Never bend from the waist. Your back needs to be straight and upright
Another useful piece of advice is to always keep the item close to your body while you are carrying it.

Always Push, Never Pull

The secret to moving heavy items with ease is pushing rather than pulling them. When you pull a heavy item, like a piece of furniture, you have more control over the entire process. You will have visual control as well. You will be able to move and push the heavy item in the right direction.

How to Move Furniture

The heaviest items you will have to move will probably be pieces of furniture. The first trick you should apply is to remove everything. This way you will make the pieces of furniture lighter. Remove all of the drawers and shelves. Some shelves and cabinets can be taken apart.

Be sure to do this. It will be much easier to transport and move them in pieces. When you disassemble them save all of the nuts and bolts. You will need them later to reassemble everything.

Prepare Furniture Pads

You will need furniture pads when you move furniture. Your movers will obtain them. They are very important because they will protect your furniture. Your furniture will not get scratched or damaged when transported.
Sliders are your best friends when you need to move heavy furniture. You lift one side of the furniture and put a pad under it. You do that with all of the other sides. After you do this, you will be able to slide and move your furniture around with ease.
Prepare newspapers and blankets. You can use old blankets, newspapers, and cardboard to move and push the furniture across the room. This will protect your floors from damage.

How to Move Appliances

Domestic appliances can also possess considerable weight. In addition to furniture, these are the most weighty items that necessitate relocation. Primarily, it is imperative to make preparations for their transportation. Ensure that all contents are removed from both the surface and interior of the appliances.

Allow for a 24-hour defrosting period for refrigerators prior to the move. Turn off the gas supply for stoves and water lines for washing machines. Loose cables may impede the process and result in complications. It is advisable to affix them to the rear of the appliance using adhesive tape.

You Will Need a Dolly

When you move appliances like a fridge you cannot lower it on its side. If you do this the liquid will run out of the compressor. You should use a dolly. If you put appliances on it they will stay in an upright position. That is very important when moving and transporting them. This is quite simple. You lift one side of the appliance and put a dolly under it.

After that, you just strap it and tilt the dolly backward. Your appliance is ready to be moved. If you have to lower it downstairs you can make an improvised ramp. You can do this by putting two boards over the stairs. When you stand between the boards you can control the movement of the dolly.

Use Smaller Boxes

Pack heavier items inside smaller boxes. Transport electronics in original packaging and don’t forget to label the boxes. We hope this advice about moving heavy items will come in handy.

Don’t Forget to Label Items

As we already mentioned, labeling items are essential when moving heavy items with ease. Not only will you know exactly what is inside the moving box, but you will also know how heavy it is. Plus, when disassembling items, you will need to know exactly where each of the parts is, to be able to assemble it later on with ease. If you have any bolts, screws, or other small pieces of larger items, pack them inside a plastic Ziplock bag. In this way, you can rest assured that nothing will fall out.

How to Check Movers License Number

Posted on 04/28/202104/20/2026 by BigApple

Finding a reliable moving company and avoiding fraudulent movers is always a priority when moving house. Checking the mover’s license number will tell you if you can trust them and give you some vital pieces of information. Our guide will teach you how to check the mover’s license number and understand why it’s so important to check if the company is properly registered.

lap top that says fraud alert - avoid Manhattan moving scams — Fraudulent movers are everywhere, so do thorough research before you choose the right one

USDOT Number

All movers performing interstate movers are required to register with The FMSCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and have a USDOT number (U.S. Department of transportation). This number is unique for every mover and serves to identify a specific company. The same way people have personal IDs, movers have USDOT numbers.

How to check Movers License Number?

Checking the USDOT number of a moving company is pretty simple and you’ll usually find this information on their website. Check the bottom of the home page or “about us” section, and you should have no trouble finding it. Another way is to ask your movers to provide their USDOT number to you. After you get their number, visit the FMCSA’s search tool (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), enter the number, and click the “search” button. This will tell you if an interstate mover is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Reasons to check Movers License Number

Checking the company’s license number will give you some important pieces of information, including:

Company details

There should be updated information about their contacts, such as phone number, email, or any other numbers for reaching them, as well as their physical address.

Safety info

You should also be able to find the company’s number of drivers, how many vehicles they have, as well as the vehicle inspection, safety rating, and crash records. If there was unsafe driving, crashing, or any similar issue, you’ll be able to see it.

Complaints

This section can be very useful because it gives you an overview of complaints filed against a certain company, and it also lets you see those complaints in different categories. For example, you can check if there were complaints related to damaged goods, insurance complaints, etc.

What happens if I hire movers without a license number?

You should never skip checking the company’s USDOT number because it’s easy to find. It will give you peace of mind knowing that you can trust your company. Legit companies are required by federal law to register if they’re performing long-distance moves. If they don’t have a number, search for another company. Things can be a bit different with short-distance moving companies NYC because they’re not always required to register. Do extra research if you want to hire local movers NYC without a license. If you’re wondering what can happen if you hire movers without a license number, here are some of the most common scams you could run into:

Holding your possessions

This is a common practice of rogue movers. They will hold your belongings hostage until you agree to pay the bill that’s much higher than the original Brooklyn moving quotes. Sometimes even two or three times higher than quoted.

Unexpected expenses

Fraudulent movers often add costs that were not mentioned before and force you to pay much more than you thought you would.

What affects your moving cost NYC — You should know all moving cost in advance

No delivery

This is also not impossible to happen– the moving company doesn’t show up with your shipment. They can also request payment upfront and ditch your belongings.

How to check if a moving company is legit?

Besides checking a USDOT number, there are various ways to check if movers you’re eyeing to hire are reliable, and the more research you do, the better. Here are some things you should look into:

Insurance

All movers should have the required insurance and be able to offer different options to you. One very important thing to check is if they carry Worker’s Compensation insurance. This will protect you in case any of the employees involved in your move get injured at work. They should also offer Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection to you.

moving from Miami to Brooklyn requires lots of calculating — Reliable movers are able to offer different insurance options to you

ATA and BBB

Another great way to check if the mover is reliable is to see if they’re a ProMover member of the ATA (American Trucking Association). Each company has to go through several screenings to become a member and get the ATA Code of Ethics. You should also check the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Their purpose is to protect customers and offers honest ratings of any business.

Observe their professionalism

This is not something you can do online. You should also trust your gut and ask some simple questions that can tell you about their way of running the business. For example, think about how they spoke to you and were they open to answer your question. Did they offer onsite inspection to provide a quote? Did they show up on time? Is there an address where you could visit them? Have they offered the Bill of Landing? This type of question will tell you if there’re any red flags you should pay attention to.

Movers’ reviews

This can be a tricky part, especially if you’re looking into a company that has thousands of reviews, but it is definitely a great addition to the rest of your research. Don’t rely on solely customers’ reviews because they can be false, but do try to find specific NYC moving companies reviews that relate to your situation. For example, if you’re moving to another state, search for long-distance reviews. Don’t get discouraged if you come across a few bad reviews, but do pay attention to how movers respond to those complaints.

Moving Companies Reviews in NYC — Find a reputable NYC moving company that you can trust online

If you’re about to move and you still haven’t found a reliable moving company, Big Apple could be the best solution. Reach out and we’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Moving During the Peak Season

Posted on 04/04/202111/11/2025 by BigApple

Moving during the busy summer months has many advantages like favorable weather conditions, more free time, more buying and renting options, etc. On the other hand, it also means high demand for moving services and higher moving costs.

This post presents a compilation of factual information, along with practical advice and strategies, aimed at facilitating your summer relocation planning. We encourage you to continue reading to gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of moving during the high-demand season.

What is a Peak Season for Moving?

Peak season is the busiest time in a year when most people are relocating, specifically the summer season. Around ¾ of all moves in the country happen from May to September. Because this is the most demanding period for moving companies, you should always plan and organize well ahead.

Moving services and rental services may be fully booked and unavailable if you wait for too long and decide to hire them when the peak season is already happening. While you’ll probably be able to find some last-minute options, those may not be reliable or experienced, so it is definitely a better choice to find a reputable company in advance.

Reasons to Move During Peak Season

School Breaks

Many families are moving with children, so the summer months allow for easier relocation without school activities. Otherwise, moving in the middle of a school year may be really difficult for a child and interrupt their school year.

Rentals

More often than not, the rental lease will begin and end in summer, and more people are moving at this time of the year from one city to another. That makes it easier to find a place compared to the winter season.

Nice Weather

Even though summer months can be extremely hot in some areas, it’s generally much more pleasant to move on a sunny day than deal with snow and blizzards. Winter moves are also possible, but summer just makes it easier because there are no icy roads or unpredictable weather conditions.

More Sales

In most places in the US, home selling happens during the spring and early summer months. That means you’re more likely to find a house for sale during peak season compared to other months.

Tips for Moving During Peak Season

Now that you’re familiar with the advantages of a summer move, let’s learn how to prepare for it. These peak moving season tips will help you have a successful and stress-free relocation.

Start Early

Early planning is often a key to a successful move, but that’s especially the case when it comes to moving during peak season. Book all your services as soon as possible, including flight tickets and moving services. Instead of waiting to do so last-minute, book early and get the company of your choice, rather than being forced to choose from only a few that are left when the moving date comes.

Get Better Deals

When you’re moving during peak season, prices can be a real nightmare. But there are discounts that you can get if you plan wisely and in advance. Again, planning ahead is the key to an affordable move.

Avoid Weekends

It is advisable to refrain from scheduling a move during the weekend due to the higher costs associated with this time frame. Similarly, it is recommended to avoid the initial days of the week and month, as opting for a mid-month move can result in significant cost savings.

Don’t Go for a Holiday Move

To get the best rate on the move, you should also avoid moving on holidays. Some of them are Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and moving rates on these days are much higher for various reasons – limited labor, more traffic, etc.

Hire a Babysitter

Peak season is challenging enough without adding another important aspect to it such as looking after your kids. Arrange for childcare in advance to make sure your little ones are being looked after on moving day. Hire a babysitter or ask a friend or a family friend to help you out for a day.

Use Moving Apps

While you’re making a plan for your relocation, go ahead and use some of the handy apps. Many of them are free moving apps and will include various tools like checklists, home inventories, reminders, notes, coupons, etc.

Declutter

Getting rid of some household items will lighten up the load and make the final cost lower. The fewer things you have, the less you have to pack, and less to pay. Because moving companies charge based on the total size or weight of the shipment, you’ll benefit from decluttering your home. Plus, you can sell those extra items and make some extra money, or do something good and donate them to charity.

Stay Protected

Don’t forget that temperature can get high and you’ll be exposed to harmful sun rays for a prolonged period. So a cooler with water and some refreshing snacks for the road is a must. Also, dress appropriately and choose comfortable clothing made from natural fabric that’s light-colored. SPF, sunglasses, and a hat are also desirable when moving during the summer months.

Protect Sensitive Items

Heat can damage some of the household items you’re taking with you, so make sure to protect them properly. Things like electronics, candles, or any other heat–sensitive household items should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment and packed suitably.

How to Move Heavy Furniture Without Damage: Ratings, Limits and the High-Low Carry

Posted on 03/24/202109/22/2026 by BigApple

The physics of heavy furniture are unforgiving, and worth knowing before anything gets lifted: federal ergonomics research puts the ideal one-person lift at 51 pounds, while an empty eight-drawer pine dresser weighs about 130 on its own packaging specs — and published figures for a loaded dresser run 150 to 200-plus. So the job is equipment and geometry, not effort. Shoulder-strap systems are rated to 800 pounds and furniture sliders to 1,000; emptying the drawers cuts 30 to 50 percent of a loaded dresser’s weight before anyone bends a knee; and on stairs the high-low carry — piece tilted, stronger person on the low end — is how crews keep control of the weight. The step everyone skips is measuring the turn, not the door: a pre-war stair landing defeats more furniture than any doorway does.

The weight math

Know the Number Before You Lift It

Almost every guide to moving furniture says “get help if it’s heavy” without saying what heavy means. There are published numbers, and they change how you plan.

The figure	Published number	Where it comes from	What it means for the carry
Ideal one-person lift	51 lb	Federal ergonomics research (NIOSH lifting equation) — ceiling under ideal conditions	Almost no furniture is a solo job done safely
Solid-wood 6-drawer dresser, empty	~97 lb	Retailer spec sheet	Two people minimum, straps recommended
8-drawer solid pine dresser	~130 lb	Manufacturer packaging weights	Straps or a dolly, not bare hands
Loaded dresser	150–200+ lb	Published mover figures	Emptying drawers cuts 30–50% — do it every time

On the one genuine disagreement in the published guidance — whether drawers may stay loaded — the honest answer is empty them. One national mover permits lightweight contents if the piece is wrapped; the sources that check their facts say empty, and both physics arguments (total weight, and drawers racking the carcass mid-carry) point the same way. Take the drawers out entirely for the carry when they lift out: the piece gets lighter and its center of gravity drops.

The equipment

What the Gear Is Actually Rated For

Lifting Straps

Shoulder and forearm strap systems carry manufacturer ratings up to 800 pounds. They move the load off your hands and into your frame — and they need two practiced people, not two volunteers.

Furniture Dolly

The flat four-wheel platform is rated to about 1,000 pounds. For anything with a flat base and a long hallway, it beats every strap. For the full comparison of when to use each, see hand truck vs dolly.

Hand Truck

Rated to about 600 pounds and the right tool for stacked boxes and upright pieces — tilted to about 45 degrees, never more.

Sliders

Rated to about 1,000 pounds, and the pairing matters: felt side down on hardwood, hard plastic on carpet. Push from the low half of the piece.

Blankets and Stretch Wrap

Blanket first, stretch wrap over it to hold the pad and the doors. Tape never touches finished wood — it lifts finish.

Floor and Frame Protection

Red rosin paper taped over hardwood runs, padding on the door frames. Cheaper than one gouge, every time.

The carry

The Technique, In Order

Empty it, then lighten it again

Drawers emptied, and lifted out entirely wherever they release — the weight drops by nearly half on a loaded piece and the center of gravity falls with it. Doors and drawers that stay in get wrapped shut, never taped shut.

Wrap it like it’s already sold

Furniture blanket over the whole piece, stretch wrap over the blanket. Corners double-padded — corners take the hits.

Stairs: the high-low carry

Tilt the piece so one person carries high and one low. The low position bears most of the weight — the stronger person takes it — and going up, the upper carrier walks backward. One step at a time, counted out loud, and nobody moves uncounted.

Doorways: push, pivot, and hook

Push rather than pull on flats, pivot with your feet instead of twisting your back, and take seating through door frames with the hook method — vertical, then curled around the frame. Slow is what smooth looks like.

Pre-war geometry

Doorways, Stair Turns, and When Disassembly Wins

Suburban moving guides assume a garage and a straight staircase. New York apartments offer neither, and the geometry deserves its own math.

Measure three things before move day: the narrowest doorway on the route, the stair turn — the half-landing where a piece must rotate mid-carry, which defeats more furniture than any door — and the piece itself in all three dimensions. Two recoveries buy real inches when the numbers are close: a door lifted off its hinges typically gains one to two inches, and an unscrewed handrail gains more, both fully reversible. And remember that a piece clears on the diagonal what it cannot clear straight — a tall dresser that will not pass upright often walks through tilted, one corner leading.

When the math still loses, disassembly wins. Flat-pack furniture travels better in parts: the manufacturer publishes official disassembly instructions for moving its pieces, on the stated logic that taking it apart correctly reduces the risk of damage — and for ready-to-assemble furniture generally, check the maker’s guidance before you unbolt. Solid wood is the opposite case and usually travels assembled. For pieces that need taking apart and putting back together, that is a service in itself — our furniture assembly team does exactly this — and for the carry itself, a crew that measures stair turns for a living is the difference between a move and an upholstery lesson.

Questions

Moving Heavy Furniture — Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is a dresser?+

From published specs: a solid-wood six-drawer runs about 97 pounds empty and an eight-drawer solid pine piece about 130, while published figures put a loaded dresser at 150 to 200-plus. Particleboard pieces weigh less but tolerate carrying worse — the material flexes under its own weight mid-carry.

How much weight can one person safely lift?+

Federal ergonomics research — the NIOSH lifting equation — sets its load constant at 51 pounds, and that is the ceiling under ideal conditions; awkward grips, long carries and stairs all push the safe figure down. Which is the polite way of saying that nearly every real piece of furniture is a two-person, strap-assisted job.

Should I empty dresser drawers before moving it?+

Yes, every time — and lift the drawers out entirely when they release. Emptying cuts 30 to 50 percent of a loaded dresser’s weight, dropping the center of gravity with it, and it stops the drawers racking the frame mid-carry. The guides that permit “light items if wrapped” are optimizing for packing time, not for the piece or your back.

What is the best way to carry furniture down stairs?+

The high-low carry: tilt the piece so one person holds the high end and one the low, put the stronger person on the low end where the weight actually sits, and have the upper carrier walk backward on the way up. One step at a time, every step counted aloud, and a third person spotting the turn on anything over about 150 pounds.

Do furniture sliders work, and which side goes down?+

They work — manufacturer ratings run to 1,000 pounds — if the pairing is right: felt side down on hardwood and hard floors, hard plastic side down on carpet. Push from the lower half of the piece so it slides instead of tips, and keep sliders under every foot, not just the leading pair.

How do I know if furniture will fit through the door?+

Measure the piece in all three dimensions against the narrowest doorway AND the stair turn — the half-landing rotation is what actually defeats big pieces. If it is close: a door off its hinges gains one to two inches, an unscrewed handrail more, and a tall piece often clears on the diagonal what it cannot clear upright.

Should flat-pack furniture be disassembled before a move?+

Usually yes. The manufacturer publishes official disassembly instructions for moving its furniture, on the logic that taking it apart correctly reduces damage risk, and particleboard tolerates travel far better in flat parts than as an assembled box being racked on a staircase. Solid wood is the opposite: it usually travels assembled. Check the maker’s guidance before unbolting anything ready-to-assemble.

How do I protect floors when moving heavy furniture?+

Red rosin paper taped down along the carry route on hardwood, sliders under the piece for any distance, padding on door frames, and never drag bare feet of furniture across a finished floor — the gouge always costs more than the prep. On carpet, hard-shell sliders keep the feet from plowing.