Moving heavy furniture is one of the biggest challenges during a home relocation. Whether it’s a large sofa, solid wood dresser, or dining table, the process can be tricky — and risky — if not done right. You want to protect both your belongings and your home from scratches, dents, or injuries.
As an experienced Montreal moving company, Anber Movers has helped countless homeowners handle heavy furniture safely and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips and proven methods to move heavy furniture without damage.
1. Plan Your Move Before Lifting Anything
One of the biggest mistakes people make is rushing into lifting furniture without a clear plan. Preparation is the key to preventing damage. Before you start moving heavy items, take a few minutes to plan the route and assess what you’ll need.
Here’s how to prepare effectively:
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Measure doorways and hallways: Make sure your furniture fits through every space.
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Clear the path: Remove rugs, cords, or any tripping hazards.
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Disassemble if possible: Take off removable parts like legs, cushions, or drawers.
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Gather moving supplies: You’ll need furniture sliders, straps, and blankets for protection.
Residential movers often start with this kind of planning because it reduces the risk of accidents and speeds up the moving process.
2. Use the Right Equipment
When it comes to moving heavy furniture, having the right tools can make all the difference. Professionals from our Montreal moving company rely on equipment that protects both the furniture and your flooring.
Some essential tools include:
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Furniture sliders: Perfect for hardwood and tile floors, letting you glide items easily.
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Lifting straps: These distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on your back.
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Dollies and hand trucks: Ideal for moving large pieces like refrigerators or wardrobes.
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Moving blankets: Prevent scratches and scuffs on delicate surfaces.
By using proper tools, you avoid unnecessary pressure on your body and ensure your furniture stays in top shape.
3. Protect Your Furniture Before the Move
Before lifting, it’s essential to wrap and protect your furniture. Even minor bumps can lead to scratches or cracks. Use furniture pads or bubble wrap for delicate surfaces and corners.
If you’re using residential movers, they’ll usually wrap furniture with thick moving blankets and secure it with stretch film. For DIY moves, follow this same practice to maintain the quality of your items.
Pro tip: Always tape the protective materials securely, but avoid sticking tape directly on painted or polished surfaces to prevent peeling. For delicate belongings like glassware or artwork, check out How to Pack Fragile Items Safely for Your Move for step-by-step protection tips.
If you’re planning a quick move, our guide on [How to Plan a Last-Minute Residential Move Without Stress] offers practical steps to stay organised even when time is short.
4. Lifting Techniques: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Most injuries happen when people lift heavy furniture the wrong way. Proper lifting technique is crucial to avoid back strain and ensure stability.
Here’s what to keep in mind when lifting:
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Lift with your legs, not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
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Keep the furniture close to your body. This helps maintain balance.
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Don’t twist while carrying. Move your feet instead of turning your torso.
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Use teamwork. If something feels too heavy, ask for help instead of forcing it.
Professional residential movers always follow these lifting principles to prevent injuries and protect the furniture’s integrity.
5. Protect Your Floors and Walls
Heavy furniture can easily scratch floors or chip walls during a move. To avoid this, always use sliders or cardboard under furniture legs when moving items across the floor.
Tips for floor and wall protection:
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Use blankets or foam pads on corners to protect walls.
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Place floor runners or rugs in high-traffic paths.
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Avoid dragging furniture directly across floors.
As a trusted Montreal moving company, Anber Movers uses protective materials on both floors and door frames during every move — ensuring that your property stays as pristine as it was before.
6. Take Apart What You Can
Large furniture items like bed frames, tables, or modular sofas often come apart. Disassembling them makes moving easier and reduces the risk of breakage.
When doing this:
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Keep screws and bolts in labelled bags.
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Take photos before disassembly for easy reassembly later.
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Protect detached parts individually with wrapping materials.
Professional movers often use this method because it’s safer and saves time when navigating tight corners or stairways.
7. Get Professional Help When Needed
Even with careful preparation, some moves require expert handling. If you’re unsure about moving heavy or fragile furniture, hiring a professional Montreal moving company like Anber Movers can save time and prevent costly damage.
Professional residential movers come equipped with experience, tools, and the strength needed for safe transport. They also understand how to manoeuvre bulky furniture through narrow spaces — a task that can easily go wrong in DIY moves.
Not sure what movers can help with? Read What Services Do Montreal Movers Typically Offer? to understand how a full-service team can make your relocation easier.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before you begin, be aware of some common mistakes people make while moving heavy furniture. Avoiding these can save you a lot of trouble and expenses later.
Mistakes to avoid:
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Forgetting to measure doorways and staircases.
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Not using proper protective materials.
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Lifting without warming up or wearing proper footwear.
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Ignoring safety gear like gloves or straps.
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Rushing through the process.
Taking your time and planning properly will ensure your move goes smoothly. Before choosing a mover, take a look at Avoid These 10 Common Mistakes When Hiring Residential Movers to ensure a smooth experience.
9. After the Move: Check for Damages
Once you’ve placed all the furniture in your new home, inspect it carefully. Check for scratches, loose screws, or small dents that might have occurred during transport. It’s easier to fix minor issues right away before unpacking everything else.
If you hire residential movers, they’ll typically do this inspection with you to make sure everything is in good condition. This final check helps maintain accountability and peace of mind.
10. Why Choose Anber Movers
At Anber Movers, we’re more than just a Montreal moving company — we’re a team that understands how valuable your furniture and home are to you. Our crew handles every item with precision, care, and respect.
We use professional-grade tools, quality packing materials, and proven moving strategies that keep your belongings safe throughout the process. Whether it’s a small apartment or a large family home, we make moving heavy furniture effortless and stress-free.
Quick Recap: Furniture Moving Checklist
Before wrapping up, here’s a short checklist to guide your next move:
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✅ Measure entryways and plan your route
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✅ Disassemble large furniture
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✅ Wrap and protect items
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✅ Use sliders and straps
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✅ Protect floors and walls
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✅ Lift correctly — with your legs, not your back
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✅ Ask for professional help when needed
Final Thoughts
Moving heavy furniture doesn’t have to be stressful or damaging. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can relocate your belongings safely and efficiently. However, when in doubt, leave it to the professionals.
Anber Movers — a trusted Montreal moving company — is always ready to handle the heavy lifting for you. From planning to unpacking, we make sure every piece of furniture reaches its new home safely.
Book Your Move Today
Ready to move without the hassle? Let Anber Movers handle your next relocation with care and expertise.
👉 Book your move or contact us now — and move heavy furniture safely with professionals you can trust.