How to Move Heavy Furniture on Carpet

Sometimes pulling or pushing a piece of furniture is the only way to get it out of the room. But how can you move heavy furniture when you have a carpet on the floor? 

Carpets and rugs can easily get damaged. The friction makes sliding heavy furniture around much more difficult. And if you have an oriental, hand-woven rug, then sliding is entirely out of the question. 

Fortunately, there are certain ways (and even some DIY means) to help you out with this task.

So, if you:

• Have just bought a new entertainment centre and now want to rearrange your living room;
• Have a piece of furniture you want to temporarily move to a different room;
• Are moving house;

Then read along and learn how to move heavy furniture on carpet!

Important precautionary tips before moving furniture

Before you grab the furniture piece and give it your all, consider the following preparation activities. They will save you some headaches and potential back pain. Those plus, you can use them in rooms with no carpeting, too.

With all those preparations out of the way, let’s get to the actual moving process.

How to move heavy furniture on a carpet with special equipment

When you have really heavy and bulky furniture, you will need special equipment and a helper. It’s not recommended you do this alone, but fortunately, the equipment mentioned here will significantly reduce your struggles.

Furniture sliders

These are made of hard plastic on one side and durable rubber on the other. They also come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the furniture you will be moving. All you need to do is lift each furniture leg and place a slider underneath it. The plastic side should be touching the carpet, and the rubber side will keep the slider secured to the legs. Then, all you need to do is push your furniture in the direction you want.

Forklift straps

If you want to know how to move heavy furniture on carpet without sliders, then consider this option. These straps are designed to encourage you to use proper lifting techniques without even realising it. All you need to do is set it up around the furniture piece, place the straps around your and your helper’s hands, and lift. All the weight will go to your forearms while you keep the piece steady with your hands.

Forklift straps also come with a moving harness for additional back support, should you need it. They are adjustable, so you can buy one pair and use it for all your furniture pieces.

Shoulder dolly

Shoulder dollies look very similar to forklift straps, but they are designed to move the heaviest of furniture pieces. Unlike the straps, shoulder dollies put the weight on your shoulders and legs, which are naturally stronger. You don’t even use your arms. All you need to do is keep an upright posture and keep the furniture steady with your hands.

Like forklift straps, shoulder dollies also come in a pair and are adjustable.

Moving dolly

The classic moving dolly with wheels is ideal if you want to move your furniture out and into an area with no stairs. It also won’t damage your carpet as the wheels roll over it.

How do you move furniture on carpet without sliders?

Apart from using specialised moving equipment you can also rely on some items available in your household. The goal here is to create some sort of barrier between the furniture legs and the carpet fibres in order to avoid damaging your carpet. Failure to follow this rule will result in the tearing of the carpet. Here are some examples of what household items you can use as barriers.

Aluminium foil

Aluminium foil can come in handy when sliding a small furniture piece by yourself.

Wrap the foil around the furniture legs. Make about 2 or 3 layers of foil so it doesn’t shred as you slide. It doesn’t matter which side of the foil you use.

Cardboard

Another option, if you are moving light furniture by yourself, is cardboard. Cut a few pieces of cardboard and tape them below the furniture legs. Make at least two layers. Use paper tape, as it is easy to peel off and won’t leave any residue on the furniture.

Frisbees

If you happen to have any around, you can use them, too. The plastic makes them very durable and you can even use the frisbees with heavier furniture. All you need to do is flip them upside down and place them under the furniture legs.

Hire professionals

If you don’t feel like you can safely move your furniture on your carpet, then don’t risk it. Serious back injury is no laughing matter and is best left to professionals.

Fantastic Services works with experienced and fully equipped movers who can provide you with a proper man and van service. Your carpet, along with all your other items, will be spared any potential damage during the move. All you need to do is make your booking and set a day that’s right for you. We will do the rest.

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Did you manage to move your furniture on or over your carpet? What challenges did you face? Let us know by commenting.

Image source: Shutterstock / Pixel-Shot