How to Move Heavy Furniture into Your Storage Unit Alone (and Still Survive)

person disassembling furniture
Moving heavy furniture solo can feel like signing up for a challenging workout with no easy off-ramp. But with the right preparation, tools, and strategy, you can tackle the job safely and efficiently. Whether you're moving items for a short term stint or long term storage, this guide will show you how to make it happen—without breaking your back or your spirit.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

The key to moving furniture solo is preparation. Here’s a list of tools you’ll need to make the job as smooth as possible:

  • Dollies and Hand Trucks: You'll need these to transport heavy furniture without lifting.
  • Furniture Sliders: These small pads reduce friction and allow pieces to glide across the floor effortlessly.
  • Lifting Straps: Distribute weight evenly and save your lower back from strain.
  • Moving Blankets: These protect your furniture (and your walls!) from scratches or dents.
  • Bungee Cords and Ratchet Straps: Essential for securing items to dollies or ensuring drawers stay shut.
  • Work Gloves: Shield your hands from splinters, blisters, and mishaps.
  • Measuring Tape: Measure doors, hallways, and your storage unit to make sure your furniture fits.

Lastly, wear non-slip shoes with solid support. The last thing you need is to end up on the floor alongside your furniture!

Prep Your Furniture Like a Pro

Before you start moving heavy furniture, set yourself up for success with these simple prep steps:

1. Disassemble When You Can

Take apart furniture as much as possible. Remove legs, arms, or any detachable pieces to make each item lighter and easier to handle. Plus, smaller parts are far easier to fit into your storage unit. Put any hardware into a Ziploc bag, label the bag, and then tape it to the frame of the bed, couch, etc that you're disassembling.

2. Empty Drawers and Cabinets

Leave nothing inside! Extra weight makes furniture harder to move, and loose items can get damaged or cause chaos if they spill. Secure or remove drawers and shelves to keep everything safe and steady.

3. Wrap It Up

Use moving blankets or plastic wrap to cover surfaces. This protects your furniture against scratches, scuffs, and dust. Bonus tip? It also shields your shins from those sharp, hard-to-see corners.

4. Plan Your Route

Scout the path to your storage unit before you even touch a dolly. Clear any obstacles, measure tight spaces, and check for inclines, stairs, or elevators. Knowing the path ahead minimizes stress and helps prevent unpleasant surprises.

Make Sure You Can Lift Safely

Moving heavy furniture isn’t about brute strength—it’s about proper technique. Avoid injury with these pro lifting tips:

  • Bend at Your Knees, Not Your Back: When lifting, squat down and use your legs to power the load. Keep your back straight to avoid strain.
  • Keep Items Close to Your Body: Holding weight close to your core helps maintain balance and reduces stress on your muscles.
  • Move Slowly and Deliberately: Quick, jerky movements can lead to injuries or accidents. Take it slow and stay in control at all times.
  • Grip Firmly: Gloves can improve your hold on slippery or awkward surfaces, giving you better control while lifting.

Leverage Tools to Move Heavy Items Solo

When it comes to moving heavy furniture alone, the right tools are game-changers. Here’s how to use them effectively:

The Dolly Method

Slide heavy furniture onto a dolly, secure it with straps, and simply roll it to its destination. On ramps or uneven surfaces, slow and steady wins the race.

Furniture Sliders Are Lifesavers

Place sliders under the furniture feet to glide them across floors. They’re perfect for avoiding scratches on hardwood or tile.

Use an Inclined Plane

Ramps make it much easier to move furniture into trucks or up short steps. Leverage basic physics and save yourself the extra effort.

Maximize Space in Your Storage Unit Like a Pro

Your storage unit is like a giant, real-life Tetris board. Use these tips to stack, pack, and maximize your space:

1. Start with Large, Heavy Items

Place bulky furniture like dressers and beds along the walls to build a solid base. Stack upward wherever possible to save floor space.

2. Be Creative with Storage

Maximize space by using drawers and empty shelves to store smaller items. Turn empty spaces within your furniture into bonus storage compartments.

3. Add Padding for Protection

Separate furniture with blankets or bubble wrap to prevent scratches and make stacking safer.

4. Leave Walkways

Ensure you leave small pathways to access items without needing to unstack everything in the unit—a little foresight goes a long way!

When It’s Time to Call in Backup

Sometimes, moving alone just isn’t worth the struggle. Know when to call for reinforcements:

  • Overwhelming Weight: Some items are simply too heavy or bulky to handle solo. Avoid injury and phone a friend.
  • Awkward Angles: Navigating tight hallways or staircases often requires teamwork. Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
  • Equipment Malfunctions: If a dolly breaks or straps fail, pause and find replacements. Don’t soldier on without proper tools.
  • Utter Exhaustion: Be kind to yourself. If you’re too tired, take a break or recruit assistance—it’s much better than risking injury.

Make Moving Easy with Hawkeye Storage

Moving heavy furniture solo may seem daunting, but with a clear plan, the right tools, and safe techniques, it’s entirely doable. Think smart, take breaks, and prioritize your safety above all else.

And remember—if all else fails, offer pizza or snacks to bribe friends to lend a hand next time. Or better yet, hire movers who’ll do the hard work for you!

If you're looking for a storage unit that will make moving easy, Hawkeye Storage has drive-up accessible units and free moving van use with a unit rental. Call to get the details!

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