Moving Tips

Utmost care must be taken while moving and rearranging such expensive furniture.
If one follows these simple tips for packing and moving, the risk of damage to the furniture itself, or the floor or walls, can be considerably reduced to near nothing.

First, and foremost, there should be an adequate number of individuals available to help lift items, especially heavy ones.
Thought and consideration can prevent damages to furniture. For larger pieces, consideration should always be a factor of the move. Use care when lifting, and be aware of your environment.
Study the whole situation before you take on the challenge. measure the dimensions of the furniture piece you intend to move. In addition, measure any doorways or hallways through which it must pass,.
If you can get the furniture onto wheels and roll it, you can save a lot of effort. Use a dolly. The wheel was invented for ease. And if you are really imaginative, you can roll a heavy furniture piece across dowel rods--moving a rod from the back to the front, every few feet. It works, but it may cause havoc with flooring.
Tip It, If you get frustrated with a piece of furniture, walk away from it for a bit and restudy the situation. Sometimes a simple twist or diagonal entry through a narrow space is all it takes to get a piece of furniture from point A to point B.
Walk the furniture piece, literally. Lean it back onto its back edge or legs and walk left side then right side forward. Or if you can't lean it back, just push left side forward, then right side forward. Do it in baby steps and you will eventually get it moved.
Position the Weight. Decide which part of the furniture piece is the heaviest or built the strongest, and carry or handle that part. If you just grab or yank, you could end up yanking off the back of a bookcase or pulling off the top of a stand.
Save Your Back, There is a correct way to lift. Lift with your legs--not your back. To lift properly, (Squat) bend your knees, begin lifting with your legs first, and be certain your upper back is straight. If you lift with your back, you will invite injury. Do not bend your back, hold it to the lowest point. Keep the furniture close to your body and do not twist. You might consider using a belt when lifting heavy furniture. This will protect your back and help you lift more.
Furniture can be heavy and difficult to move. Tips for lifting furniture Your priority when moving furniture should be staying safe and protecting the piece.
Lift the piece from the strongest point. Furniture Moving Straps and Pads make furniture moving both safer and easier. Furniture moving straps enable two people to life furniture much heavier than they otherwise would be able to. Furniture moving pads are also an important piece of equipment to have when moving furniture. The moving pads will protect your furniture and keep it from being scratched during the moving process.
Not only do you want to handle your furniture properly to protect the piece, but you also do not want to damage your floors or walls. Protect furniture and the home.
Do have a plan. Know where you are going and how to get there.
Do remove obstacles and avoid low hanging objects, like chandeliers.
Don’t use cotton gloves, they will slip. You need to maintain a strong grip on the furniture.
Don’t drag furniture across the floor; the vibrations can damage joints.
Do use furniture sliders and moving straps to move pieces easily.
Do have an extra person to “spot” you while you move. Watching your steps, furniture's corners, end to end and tops to bottom.
Be careful of wet floors, steps or truck deck. Use cardboard or old carpet on wet surfaces to prevent slipping accidents.
Don’t guesstimate. Take measurements to make sure your piece will fit.
Do use a dolly if possible.
Don’t rush. Take your time and stay rested.
Remove all contents. Disassemble any parts that will make the move easier.
Clear any obstacles that might be in the pathway of picking up and moving the furniture.
Use furniture pads and sliders to ensure the safety and protection of you and your furniture.
Take measurements of door and hallway space.
Make sure to use gloves for better grip and, a belt to keep your back straight during lifting, and furniture straps. .
Do not rush the move, you can damage the furniture or injure yourself.
Assessment of the Furniture First of all, start by assessing the shape, weight, and size of the furniture. If you need to move the piece through a door, narrow hallway, or up a flight of stairs, take measurements and assess what is the best way to carry the furniture so that it passes through. Removal of Attached Parts Empty all the contents of drawers, shelves, etc. Remove any drawers or shelves if possible, or if not, make sure that they are not going to open while you carry them. You may simply stretch wrap. Remove any other parts that are easily dismantled or removed.
The Actual Moving: Dollies, Sliders, and Hand-truck. Think about the surface over which you are moving the furniture, whether it is slippery, uneven, or sensitive to damage. Sliders can facilitate the task significantly. Put sliders underneath, Then push the furniture to the desired spot. Another option is to use a dolly. Dowel rods can be used as rollers. Lift each side of the furniture and push the rollers underneath. Push and slide, taking the free roller from behind and putting it up front. When using a hand-truck, it is a good idea to position the hand-truck beside a wall and then push or pull the furniture forward to load it so the hand-truck won’t roll away. Kitchen Appliances Heavy kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and cookers can be moved with less effort if you spread some dish-washing detergent on the floor to decrease the friction. Be careful not to slip! If you have to move a tall refrigerator, stand behind the appliance, lean it towards yourself, and move forward by pushing first one side, then the other.
Moving Furniture over Flights of Stairs Carrying furniture up or down the stairs can be tricky if you are alone. Using two boards as ramps, you can push the item up or down by laying it sideways. Another useful idea is to put some cardboard or an old rug/sheet beneath the furniture that you wish to move and then just pull it. This trick can protect the floor surface and at the same time, it is an easy and inexpensive way to move things. Don’t forget to lift with your feet first and keep your back straight in order to avoid any injuries.
Prepare the furniture that you have to move. Remove any loose parts of the furniture to make it easy and safe when shifting, and if you have to, move it piece by piece.
If you are moving dressers or some larger pieces of furniture, take all the contents out from the furniture and place them into moving boxes.
Clear your way from the room to the entrance door. Make sure you have enough room to move and shift the big pieces of furniture, as this will ensure space for lifting and turning the furniture. Consider chandeliers and other light fixtures, as well as your floors. You do not want to break or damage anything.
Wear a Safety belt to protect your back when moving heavy furniture.
If you have never moved that furniture, measure the dimensions and consider the path you have cleared. Measure the width of the doors, the hallways you will be passing through and the height of the ceilings. Then, if you are still wondering how to move a large piece of furniture because it is too big to fit through your hallways, consider how to take it apart and move piece by piece.
Make sure you protect your floors if they are hardwood or any other easily damageable surface. Use furniture moving pads or some kind of blankets to cover the floors. To move the large furniture, use furniture sliders and steel lifters, which will help you get the job done. If you don’t know how to move and lift big furniture, or it is too heavy use the lifter and then put the slider under each corner. If it is a couch for example, put the sliders under each leg carefully by tilting slightly enough to push the slider under the corner. This is advisable if you want to avoid scratching hard wood floors or tearing up vinyl. Use some rags, a throw rug, or a blanket. Then drag your furniture where you want it. When using >Sliders, Blankets, Pads or Rugs<, Make sure the floor is clean of Debris, it will damage the floor. Make sure the floor is clear of rocks, screws or any other hard objects.
Moving straps can also make the moving of large furniture easier. Professional movers use STRAPS for the very heavy pieces of furniture. The moving pads and sliders will protect your furniture and floors, and will make it easier on you. Yet the moving straps will not just facilitate the moving of the furniture, but help you save your back from injuries. Avoid twisting and take your time when start moving.
DON'T DROP HEAVY FURNITURE ON ANY TYPE OF FLOOR. Put things gently down to prevent crack a ceramic floor or scratches to wood floors.

Remember that large and heavy furniture is difficult to move and it requires planning and measuring. Moving large pieces of furniture is not impossible though and there are great tools that will facilitate the moving. Consider all details tough and safety first.

Think!!! Be careful!!! You break it, you'll responsible!!!

Big things first into truck. Beds, couches, thin flat glass/mirrors/TV, then large furniture. Because we load them first in that order.
Bring uniform size boxes / furniture for ease of stacking
Always keep boxes upright the way you found them. Unless permission from owner. Never lay on side or upside-down. Some boxes may have liquids inside.
Watch for no bottom boxes. Light boxes stacked on top.
Handle glass with care. Never let glass touch metal, cement or ceramic tiles. Or it will surely break.
Take lamp shades off.
Alert others of fragile boxes and things that needs attention.
Alert others of walking hazards and obstacles in moving path, Ex.. uneven, cracks, bumps, wet, nails, pictures, lights, sharp objects, highs and lows.
Watch each others back... When two guys are carrying an item, pull back on the item to prevent the guy who is walking backwards from hitting something that he does not see behind him.
When two guys are carrying an heavy item, to reposition an item to get a better grip or just to get a rest, balance the item on your leg.
When two guys are carrying an item, Please be careful by taking your time. Only move fast when you are returning without anything in your hands. Returning at a fast pace is a good put-on(show) for the customer to think we have good intentions to get the job done quickly. Because they are paying by the hour.
Take precautions when sliding furniture down carpeted stairs/floors, there maybe sharp objects hiding in them.
Be careful of fragile furniture. Ex... weak particle board furniture or parts easily to come off if held by them. Hold by bottom or something solid. Don't hold by the legs.
Know how to hold a piece of furniture. Not sure, ask!
No shortcuts when handling the furniture. Make sure all loose things are secure from falling. Ex... shelves, doors, and drawers.
Go slow when going thru a door with big furniture watching left, right, top, bottom, wall, door and oncoming thing behind the other guy.
Watch all sides and corners of furniture when moving thru tight passages, don't turn too short.
Never let a mattress, box spring or a futon touch the ground. It will get dirty!!!
Always ask clients if shoes is okay in the house.
Remember dirty hands will damage white things. Hands off walls.
Watch your sweaty arms when going down narrow hallways or stairs.
Wipe your sweaty hands and arms when picking something made of fabric.. mattress, couch. It will look dirty.
Long furniture turns corners better standing up long way. But remember top heavy.
If possible, go straight up an incline with dolly/hand truck, not from the side.
Make sure load is safe and secure on dolly/hand truck before pushing.
If stacking a load on the dolly, be careful where you push, not the top.
Never slide furniture over the metal edge of the truck. Be careful sliding items on floor of the truck. Legs might get caught or snagged resulting in a broken leg.
Also make sure no sharp objects embedded on your moving equipment (dollies and blankets).
If you did not load the furniture in the truck, don't attempt to unload it. because it maybe unknown unpacking hazards. Something may fall that you did know was holding something else up.
Never drop, throw, bounce or handle boxes too rough. We don't know what's in them.
When you lean items on something else, make not to slip or caught by wind.
If two people are carrying something big, watch and alert each other for.... Ex... walls, doors, steps, holes, or turns, doorknobs, wall lights, ceilings, fans, overhead objects, objects on the floor, and your step.
When picking up furniture, make sure you'll aware of any doors won't swing out and break the hinges or drawers falling out to the ground to be broken. Please be aware...
Hold big items same as guy on other end. If you need to change, let them know. Use good communication.
Throw a blanket over oversize items to prevent damage to door or item being carried. or safely secure moving blankets around the door jams. This will prevent many mishaps to furniture and the house.
Position blankets over furniture, then secure it by shrink wrapping. Especially couches. Using only shrink wrap on furniture will not protect it from scratches.
Two persons carry furniture. The person at the rear should guide the person who is at the front of the furniture. advising him of obstacles, such as doorways and turns, since the person at the front will have their back toward such obstacles
To lean objects (furniture etc...) on its end or two legs on to a dolly, beware two legs can not support the weight of itself. They will break. Take most of the weight off the legs by two guys on opposite ends lifting until its completely horizontal or vertical.
Also when kneeling items on hard surfaces other than carpet, use a moving blanket to protect the floor or the item. No shortcuts here.
When putting furniture down to any floor on its feet, use a moving blanket to protect. No scratches.
When moving furniture though stairs, put moving blankets on the rails and rail posts to protect rails and furniture.
When picking up a long item that could possibly break in the middle, don't pick up from the end. Pickup side by side to support the middle.
Always Disassemble recliner couches to prevent damage going though doors.
Hold things at bottom when walking on a level surface. (Not The Top!!!) (Not The Top! ! !). Stairs may prove different techniques.
Carrying items with long legs or awkward legs that can't be removed, its best to carry it up-side- down. You won't trip over the legs. Also you'll have a nice bottom to hold on to.
Don't slide or drag furniture on floors because the bottom may have a sharp bottom/feet. Prevent scratching floors or ripping carpet. Don't be lazy or no short-cuts!!! Pick it up...
Before starting a job, take notice of any damages to furniture, walls, or floors. Show bad areas, scratch, weak, broken items to owner or mark with blue painters tape.
Ask about special handling of items that already may be broken or things that needs special attention when lifting.
If disassembling furniture, save all screws in bag or shrink in a safe place on furniture. Watch for different sizes and falling barrel bolts.
Always check top, bottom, weight shift and contents of trucking when driving.
Watch out for low overheads, street poles, trees, walls, mailboxes and houses. Tell other guy to get out and guide.
When unloading things out the truck and into the new home, place things in their appropriate location if possible. Boxes near walls or in corners/closets. Not in the middle of the floor. Remember we need room for everything. Best not to leave things scattered everywhere. People have to live there when we say good-bye.
Never put tape on furniture...
Use blankets intelligently to protect items from damages when packing truck.
Handle furniture with a secure grip on a part of the piece that is not prone to breakage. The base and the top of the piece of furniture are the most frequently held places. With tables, be sure that the top of the table will not break off from the bottom of the table. Ensure that the pieces aren't damaged when lifting them from the ground.
When tilting the furniture, be careful not to break off the feet from the furniture.
When moving the furniture, one person will walk backward, and one person will walk forward. For longer walking distances, walk sideways with both people walking forward holding the furniture to one side.
Sometimes the furniture has to be disassembled in order to make it fit into a room. Take apart furniture and move it in segments when possible, and be sure to remove cushions from chairs and sofas when moving those as well.
When loading furniture into a truck, make sure the truck has boards or hooks so that the furniture may be tied down and held secure. Sometimes it is possible to pack the furniture a certain way to prevent it from moving during the transport, but for the most part, furniture needs to be tied in place with rope. Use moving blankets to protect wood surfaces and upholstery. Cover the furniture before the rope is put in place. Use bungee cords as well as rope. Lean glass and artwork against the wall of the truck with cardboard in between the pieces. Sliding during transport damages furniture.

Lifting Techniques
Lifting, and loading objects may not be a renowned art form but there are a few different ways to make it easier for everyone, and reduce the chance of safety issues. For any carrying techniques an important factor is to always lift with ones legs, never with one’s back or lower spine. In general if possible it is best to keep objects below waist level even if they are relatively light. Repeatedly carrying light items can, over the course o a day, cause just as many risks as lifting a heavy item improperly for a few minutes or seconds.
Carrying things over one shoulder, as long as weight is properly distributed, can be useful also as when one stands upright with normal posture it is one of the most optimal ways for the body to support weight. One should take care in general to pace themselves, and not try to show off or hurry. As much as how one lifts important when one is not lifting; taking a break might bring a few moans, but it’s smart and usually moving gets done faster when everyone is at their best rather than exhausted from trying to rush.
When lifting heavy items with another person, or several people, always try to position yourself as close to the object as possible rather than putting a lot of strain on arms or hands. Always bend at the knees if possible, even if just picking up something from the floor; bending at the waist puts strain on the lower back, which is already taking a lot of strait while carrying heavy objects. Also make sure to keep feet should length apart, this helps distribute weight of heavy objects over the body better than keeping legs too close together.

>>>>>>>>>Disassemble as Much as Possible<<<<<<<<<<
ALWAYS Remove Entrance Doors. Doorways gain an Extra Inch or more.– it’s easy to reattach when you’re done moving. If there’s anything you can remove temporarily, do so before moving. Speaking of which, Disassemble to the fullest extent possible before you move and then reassemble once the item arrives its destination. Remove from dressers, bureaus, armoires and nightstands all drawers and move them separately. The same goes for pillows and cushions on chairs and couches; and in the case of sofa beds, take out the mattress, then tie a strap around the sofa so the bed frame doesn’t pop open. Unscrew anything and everything you can: knobs, feet, mirrors, tops, doors and so on. Take mirrors off, knobs off, feet off, glass tops off, and any other piece off that can be disassembled. Make the furniture lighter to move and slimmer to squeeze through narrow spaces. Keep in mind, a door comes off, giving you an extra inch or two.

Get Something Under the Furniture
The smoothest furniture moves use wheeled platforms or dollies. If you can’t obtain any of those, get commercial sliders to put under the feet of the furnishings. You can create your own using rags, a Throw rug or blanket. Lift up the legs or corners one at a time to get them onto the slider, and stretch it underneath the entire piece. Then you’ll be able to push the furniture without damaging the floor.

Walk or Push
Actually, I recommend you walk the furniture. By that I mean leaning it back onto its edge or legs and push the right side forward, then the left – it might require baby steps to do this, but eventually the item will move to your desired location. Hold on to the piece of furnishing by its heaviest or thickest part while you push. Or, if the piece is really heavy, you might be able to push it using both of your feet – but first, take your shoes off first – while you lie on your back. Only do this if you’ve got wheels under the item or there’s a carpet securely affixed to the floor; shoving furniture across bare wood will scratch or tear up flooring.

How to Lift
Too often, people try to lift really heavy things and end up with back injuries. Don’t let that be you! Use your legs when lifting, and not your back. Bend at the knees slightly and keep your back straight while you lift with your legs first.
If you notice anyone not following these guidelines, STOP any unsafe practices.
At the end of a moving job, make sure all tool are accounted for. Blankets, handtrucks, dollies, stretch wrap, allen wrenches, screwdrivers and any other tools.
*Remember, we normally provide discount moving services. If you notice a customer hinting for premium service, don't decline but remind them it will take longer than expected. And will cost more than quoted. Make sure that's what they really want and call me. We don't want to work for nothing. Because hours/pay will be calculated accordingly when a customer complaints about the cost/performance. Please ask if you don't understand.

Think!!! Be careful!!! You break it, you'll responsible!!!
Always carry enough things to full your arms when loading/unloading the truck. Look like a mover!!! Its common sense.
Keep a very energetic pace while working. Don't show customers a worn-out LAZY slow look or you'll be replaced.
Be polite with coworkers. No bad attitudes. If you don't get along with others, means its hard to schedule you to work. This jobs requires at least two. Bad practice will be noticed.
No extreme character styles. Ex: Hip-hop, Snoop Dog, GHETTO
Be on time. If you can not come to work, look for a reliable replacement, the show must go on, don't call the last minute.
Never stop till the job is done. Always look for something. Don't stand around.
No smoking, electric cigarettes, no talking on phone, cursing, texting or music headphones. Breaking this rule means Automatic Dismissal. Even If the client says its ok, still don't break any company rules.
Eat before you arrive to work. Don't expect to take a break between a customers pick-up and delivery time.
Quick snacks between jobs is okay, but not if you will be late for the next job.
While driving between loading/unloading, please call to office on teams progress.
Truck's Location/Time is tracked/ logged by GPS. Stops will be subtracted from pay.
Always get things ready for next job. Fold blankets and they should be kept between seats. Hang tie belts, dollies and hand truck to wall. Sweep and get rid of trash. A clean truck is a safe truck.
Call client before we arrive to inform and to look out for us. As we arrive, quickly get out and guide driver to the best and safe parking. Once parked, one person should go check out the job while other prepare truck. No time wasted.
Don't use the hydraulic gate while loading or unloading. Its for heavy things. Set half way to be used a step. No jumping off the truck. USE THE RAMP!!!
When unloading things out the truck and into the new home, place things in their appropriate location if possible. Boxes near walls or in corners/closets. Not in the middle of the floor. Remember we need room for everything. Best not to leave things scattered everywhere. People have to live there when we say good-bye.
Before leaving, gather all moving tools and material. Quickly get the truck ready for the next job, even if the next job is the next day.
Don't stand around waiting, you always have something to do.
One person collects the pay from the customers alone. Looks better that way.
Watch your manners. Use common sense.
Dress appropriate for the job. No low hanging pants. Always wear a shirt.
Don't promise the customer anything, finish the job.
Drive from point A to point B. Unauthorized driving and stopping will cost everyone their day pay hours.
We do not except any disposed items from a customer. NO Free thing brought from a job. (NEVER!!!) No scavengers work here!!! If they offer, then you say no. All you expect to get at a job is your pay and nothing else.
We only move sealed (taped-up) furniture, plastic containers and boxes. Anything not sealed, secure it or leave it. We will not be responsible if anything falls out and gets lost.
Don't take backpacks or personal bags into a customer's home.
No stealing!!!
We do not get rid of trash (furniture) for customer.
Don't show a client/co-worker poor manners or a bad attitude.
Be responsible. Don't be late or call in last minute no show. Its puts the company at risk. The show must go on efficiently.
Give 100% on all jobs till its done.
Neglected or missing tools is an disaster waiting to happen. Have respect for our equipment. (truck, tie-downs, blankets, mattress tools, etc...)
Don't put client in a situation to help load the truck.
Anything broken, Please Report It. Before starting or if we caused it.
ALWAYS backing the truck, make sure someone is watching behind. Driver and the person guiding in the rear should have>>HAND & EYE<< contact thru the drivers mirrors. Make sure hand signals are understood between driver and guide person.
Lane changing: slowly merge into a lane. instead of fast movement. You will have time to fix the problem. If someone is already in the lane.
Make sure you don't leave any moving supplies behind.
If the truck need gas, stretch wrap or any other tools, let it be known at end of day.
Don't remove anything that belongs to the truck. Not sure, ask.
Remove all your trash at end of day.
If you can't keep high job standards, your pay will be discounted and put on the backburner (low priority list). REMEMBER, THE BEST WORKER GETS MORE JOBS. If you are not working everyday, there's something wrong. Think what you need to improve on about yourself.
>>>Don't JUMP off the truck.<<< You will get a foot/knee injury. Step-off instead. We need to use the RAMP more to protect your feet and knees!!! Eventually your feet will get worn from jumping from high places.
Plastic drawers, take off rollers and put in drawers then shrink wrap drawers.
Always have Customer check their home after loading or the truck after unloading to confirm nothing were left on the truck or missing items. Be sure this is done...
When staging items in buildings, keep a watchful and mind of the items. Someone can walk away with our client items. Prevent missing items...
When moving in condos or building, always keep hallways neat and clear. Because someone can trip and fall.
Hold TV box at bottom, not hole handles.
If it don't fit, don't force it. (unless customer say so)
Wipe your sweat off furniture immediately after handling.
Avoid getting sweat on fabric items. (mattress, couches, pillows etc)
if Bed bugs are found, $400 additional is charged to client to decontaminate the moving truck, equipment and crew from spreading to other clients.
Shrink wrap don't protect of damages. Don't waste our supplies and the client's time.
Things customers don't like: No Shows, being late, pay too much, slow workers, damage furniture/home, stolen property, poor etiquettes and bad manners.

These protocols don't and can't cover everything that can go wrong, can't say enough.

So USE COMMON SENSE, GOOD MANNERS and WORK ETHICS...

Don't be >>>OBLIVIOUS<<< to your surroundings.

We need cleaver thinking people for this job to prevent damage, injuries or embarrassment to the company.

Do Your Best.

These guidelines is to protect the customer, our reputation and Your Job.

I'm sure you and I feel the same way as the customer do about their furniture, personal items and home as if it was yours.