How to move heavy furniture safely

Teach: How to move heavy furniture safely

What to say

Move heavy furniture safely by making it lighter and never carrying it alone: empty drawers, take off legs and doors, and plan the path before you lift. Lift with a partner, squat close, keep your back straight and the load against your body, and turn with your feet instead of twisting. Use a dolly or sliders on floors, and on stairs put the stronger person below.

What to show, in order

1. Empty drawers, remove shelves, legs and doors, and tape small parts in a labeled bag.
2. Measure the item and each doorway, then clear the whole path of rugs, cords and boxes.
3. Wear closed shoes with grip and gloves that let you hold on.
4. Squat close to the load with feet apart, keep your back straight and, with a partner, lift with your legs on a count.
5. Hold the load against your body and turn by moving your feet, never by twisting your back.
6. Use a dolly or furniture sliders instead of carrying on flat floors.
7. On stairs, go slowly with the stronger person on the lower side and agree on stop words first.
8. Put the item down the same way you lifted it, and rest between heavy pieces.

When to stop and call a professional

• The item is a piano, a safe, a large fish tank or anything too heavy for two people: hire movers with the right equipment.
• You feel sharp back pain, numbness or tingling down a leg after a lift: stop and get checked by a clinician.

The check question

Ask: How should you change direction while holding something heavy? Answer: Turn by moving your feet

From EveryManKnows. General information, not professional advice.