Moving a dresser requires careful preparation, the right tools, and often, assistance to ensure a safe and efficient process. By following a structured approach, you can protect both your dresser and yourself.
Preparing Your Dresser for the Move
Before you begin moving, adequate preparation is key to preventing damage and injuries.
Essential Supplies for Moving a Dresser
Gathering the necessary equipment beforehand will streamline the entire process. While specific needs may vary, a standard set of tools will be invaluable.
Item | Purpose |
---|---|
Furniture Dolly | Essential for easily moving heavy items. |
Moving Blankets | Protects the dresser from scratches and dents. |
Packing Tape | Secures drawers and blankets. |
Plastic Stretch Wrap | An alternative for securing drawers and protecting surfaces. |
Screwdriver (Phillips/Flathead) | For removing mirrors or handles if necessary. |
Work Gloves | Provides grip and protects hands. |
Appliance Straps/Moving Straps | For securing the dresser to the dolly or for lifting assistance. |
Empty and Secure the Dresser
Reducing the weight and securing movable parts are critical preliminary steps.
- Remove Items From the Dresser: Start by completely emptying all drawers. This significantly reduces the dresser's weight, making it much easier and safer to move. Leaving items inside can shift the center of gravity, making it unstable, and potentially damage the dresser or its contents.
- Secure the Drawers: Once empty, ensure all drawers are firmly closed. Use strong packing tape or plastic stretch wrap to secure them in place. Wrap the tape or stretch wrap horizontally around the entire dresser, encompassing the drawers to prevent them from sliding open during transit. For high-gloss or delicate finishes, consider using painter's tape or wrapping with a blanket first to avoid residue or damage.
- Remove the Mirror: If your dresser has an attached mirror, it's crucial to remove it before moving. Carefully unscrew the mirror from the dresser frame. Wrap the mirror separately in moving blankets or bubble wrap, securing it with packing tape. Transport the mirror flat in a box or standing upright between other padded items to prevent breakage.
Protect Your Furniture
Protecting the dresser's finish and structure is vital, especially when navigating tight spaces or loading onto a moving vehicle.
- Wrap Blankets Around the Dresser: Once the dresser is empty, its drawers secured, and any mirrors removed, wrap it entirely in moving blankets. These thick pads provide excellent cushioning against impacts, scratches, and dings. Secure the blankets in place with packing tape or stretch wrap, ensuring all corners and edges are well-protected.
Moving the Dresser Safely
With the dresser prepared, focus on the techniques for moving it without injury or damage.
Utilize a Furniture Dolly
A furniture dolly is indispensable for moving heavy and bulky items like dressers, saving you from back strain and potential damage to floors.
- Load the Dresser Onto the Dolly: Once the dresser is prepped and padded, carefully tilt it onto one side. Slide the furniture dolly underneath, centering the dresser's weight over the dolly's wheels. If possible, load the dresser onto the dolly from its back, as this provides a stable base and minimizes the chance of drawers opening (if not secured well) or the dresser tipping. Use appliance straps to secure the dresser to the dolly, especially if you're navigating ramps or uneven surfaces. Learn more about safely using a furniture dolly from reputable sources like this guide on how to use a hand truck or dolly.
Enlist Assistance
While a furniture dolly makes moving easier, a heavy dresser still often requires more than one person for safe handling.
- Get a Friend: Always ask for help when moving heavy furniture. A second (or even third) person can provide crucial support, help guide the dresser, assist with lifting, and spot potential obstacles. For instance, when loading the dresser onto a moving truck, one person can push while another pulls, ensuring controlled movement. Having a partner also significantly reduces the risk of injury.
Moving a dresser doesn't have to be a daunting task. With proper planning, the right tools, and a helping hand, you can transport your furniture safely and efficiently. For additional insights into safe lifting techniques, consider consulting resources on ergonomic lifting practices.