Although moving to a new house can be thrilling, dealing with large appliances and oversized furnishings isn’t always simple. Knowing how to properly prepare items—whether it’s a big dresser, an old couch, or even a pool table—can help reduce damage, stress, and wasted time. Moving large and heavy items in Chicago often calls for extra strength and planning, but there are simple ways to make everything easier to manage before the big day.
Why Bulky Items Are Tricky to Move
Big items usually don’t fit easily through doorways or hallways. They may need to be tilted, taken apart, or maneuvered through tight corners. Weight can also become a major concern, especially with stairs involved. Most of the trouble comes from not preparing ahead of time—scratched floors, damaged furniture, or personal injury often happen because someone rushed through it.
Start With A Room-by-Room Checklist
It helps to walk through your home and figure out which bulky items will need special attention. This lets you know what’s staying intact and what needs to come apart. It also helps to know what you’ll load first, since the biggest things often need to go into the truck before smaller boxes.
Clean Everything First
Before wrapping anything, give it a quick clean. Dust, crumbs, and grime can cause scratches on furniture and even stain fabric if wrapped up dirty. A wipedown also makes your stuff feel fresher once it arrives at the new place. Nobody wants to unpack a dusty dresser or sticky fridge.
Measure Doorways and Hallways
Grab a tape measure and check all your entry points. Then, measure your largest items. Knowing the exact width and height helps prevent surprises mid-move. If something’s too wide or tall, you’ll know to take parts off or plan a new path. Even just taking the door off its hinges can help clear a few extra inches.
Disassemble Where You Can
Take apart whatever pieces come off easily—legs, arms, shelves, doors. This not only makes things lighter but also reduces the risk of dents or scratches during the move. Make sure to label all the parts and keep screws and small pieces in labeled bags so nothing gets lost.
Don’t Force It If It’s Stuck
If a part feels stuck or jammed, it’s better to wait and use proper tools than to yank it and cause damage. Be patient, especially with older furniture or appliances that may be a bit worn down.
Wrap With the Right Materials
Use moving blankets, stretch wrap, or bubble wrap to protect surfaces. Avoid using old sheets or towels that could slide off during the move. Wrap sharp edges and corners first—these are the parts most likely to damage other items or cause injury.
Tape It All Securely
Once everything’s wrapped, secure it tightly with packing tape or straps. Loose wrapping can fall off and leave your furniture exposed to scratches, dents, or water spots on a rainy day.
Protect Your Floors and Walls
Don’t forget the space around your bulky items. Lay down furniture sliders or cardboard on the floor to avoid scratches. If you’re turning tight corners or sliding something long down a hallway, padding the walls can help prevent scuffs or holes.
Use the Right Equipment
Hand trucks, furniture dollies, and lifting straps can make a world of difference. They reduce strain on your body and help with balance when carrying something heavy. These tools are easy to rent and well worth the small cost. They can prevent accidents and even save time by helping you move quicker.
Get Help From Friends or Professionals
Don’t try to move oversized items on your own. It’s not worth the risk. Ask a couple of friends or consider hiring pros—especially for complicated or risky jobs. Even the strongest person can hurt themselves by lifting the wrong way or slipping while carrying a heavy object.
Load Strategically Into the Truck
Start with the heaviest and largest items first. They’ll go at the back of the truck to create a stable base. This also helps you use space more efficiently. Place lighter and more fragile things on top once everything big is in place.
Secure Everything Inside the Truck
Use straps, ropes, or bungee cords to hold items in place. This prevents shifting while driving, which can lead to broken furniture or damaged appliances.
Don’t Rush Through It
Take your time. Planning ahead and moving carefully is worth more than getting it done fast. Hurrying through bulky items usually leads to regret—damaged furniture, strained backs, or scratched walls.
Final Thoughts
Moving large and heavy items doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a little prep, some patience, and the right tools, you can make it through without damaging your stuff or your back. Whether you’re hiring help or tackling the job with friends, a solid plan makes all the difference.
