Common Mistakes When Moving Large Furniture (and How to Avoid Them)

Learn from the most common mistakes when moving large furniture to avoid injuries, scratches or costly damage.

1. Mistake: Not measuring doors or stairs

Before moving a sofa or bed, measure the access points. Use a measuring tape.

❌ Why is it a mistake?

  • • You can get stuck in doors or hallways
  • • Damage door frames or walls
  • • Waste time trying impossible maneuvers
  • • Risk of injuries from forced movements
  • • Irreparable damage to the furniture

✅ Correct solution

Measurements to take:

  • • Width and height of all doors
  • • Dimensions of hallways and stairs
  • • Elevator capacity
  • • Space in the transport vehicle
  • • Height of ceilings and lights

Necessary tools:

  • • Measuring tape of at least 5 meters
  • • Level to verify inclinations
  • • Calculator to compare measurements
  • • Paper and pencil to note
  • • Helper to hold the tape

2. Mistake: Not disassembling what's necessary

If a piece of furniture can be partially disassembled, do it. It will reduce weight and facilitate passage.

❌ Why is it a mistake?

  • • Greater weight and handling difficulty
  • • Higher risk of injuries
  • • Difficulty passing through narrow spaces
  • • Higher probability of damage
  • • Inefficiency in transport

✅ Correct solution

Elements to disassemble:

  • • Legs of sofas and beds
  • • Sofa backrest (if possible)
  • • Shelves and wardrobe doors
  • • Drawers and shelves
  • • Fragile decorative elements

Disassembly process:

  • • Photograph before disassembling
  • • Store screws in labeled bags
  • • Use appropriate tools
  • • Mark pieces to facilitate assembly
  • • Protect surfaces during the process

3. Mistake: Not protecting corners and surfaces

Uncovered areas are the most hit. Use foam or corner protectors.

❌ Why is it a mistake?

  • • Scratches and dents on corners
  • • Damage to delicate surfaces
  • • Furniture devaluation
  • • High repair costs
  • • Loss of time in restorations

✅ Correct solution

Protection materials

  • • Foam corner protectors
  • • Thick blankets
  • • Bubble wrap
  • • Corrugated cardboard
  • • Transparent film

Critical areas

  • • Corners and edges
  • • Glass surfaces
  • • Delicate finishes
  • • Hinges and hardware
  • • Legs and supports

Protection techniques

  • • Wrap completely
  • • Secure with adhesive tape
  • • Use multiple layers
  • • Verify total coverage
  • • Reinforce vulnerable areas

4. Mistake: Doing it alone

The most frequent injuries in moves are lumbar. Ask for professional help.

❌ Why is it a mistake?

  • • High risk of back injuries
  • • Higher probability of falls
  • • Furniture damage due to lack of control
  • • Excessive fatigue
  • • Possible permanent injuries

✅ Correct solution

Seek help:

  • • Hire professionals
  • • Ask family/friends for help
  • • Use moving services
  • • Coordinate with neighbors
  • • Use assistance equipment

Safe techniques:

  • • Constant communication
  • • Coordinated movements
  • • Weight distribution
  • • Regular breaks
  • • Use of protective equipment

5. Mistake: Improvising

Not planning exit routes, not having tools or materials, or not having an adequate vehicle can complicate everything.

❌ Why is it a mistake?

  • • Loss of valuable time
  • • Stress and frustration
  • • Higher risk of accidents
  • • Damage due to lack of preparation
  • • Unexpected additional costs

✅ Correct solution

Previous planning:

  • • Study exit routes
  • • Verify vehicle access
  • • Prepare necessary tools
  • • Coordinate schedules
  • • Have plan B ready

Necessary materials:

  • • Disassembly tools
  • • Protection materials
  • • Transport equipment
  • • Adequate vehicle
  • • Sufficient personnel

6. Consequences of these mistakes

Knowing the consequences will help you understand the importance of avoiding these mistakes.

Physical consequences

  • • Back and neck injuries
  • • Sprains and strains
  • • Cuts and bruises
  • • Extreme fatigue
  • • Permanent injuries

Material consequences

  • • Irreparable damage to the furniture
  • • Scratches and dents
  • • Breakage of fragile elements
  • • Furniture devaluation
  • • Repair costs

Economic consequences

  • • Unexpected medical expenses
  • • Repair costs
  • • Loss of work time
  • • Additional moving expenses
  • • Devaluation of belongings

Emotional consequences

  • • Stress and anxiety
  • • Frustration and anger
  • • Loss of confidence
  • • Family conflicts
  • • Trauma from injuries

7. How to prevent these mistakes

Follow these professional tips to avoid the most common mistakes.

📏 Measurement and planning

Always measure before moving. Use a measuring tape to verify that the furniture passes through doors, hallways and stairs. Plan the complete route before starting.

🔧 Smart disassembly

Disassemble everything possible. Photograph before disassembling, store screws in labeled bags and use appropriate tools.

🛡️ Complete protection

Protect all surfaces, especially corners and fragile elements. Use blankets, foam and appropriate protection materials.

👥 Teamwork

Never move heavy furniture alone. Seek professional help or coordinate with family and friends. Safety is the most important thing.

📋 Thorough preparation

Prepare everything in advance: tools, materials, adequate vehicle, sufficient personnel and alternative routes.

8. Essential tools

Having the right tools is essential to avoid mistakes and perform the work safely.

Measuring tools

  • • Measuring tape (5+ meters)
  • • Bubble level
  • • Calculator
  • • Paper and pencil
  • • Camera for photos

Disassembly tools

  • • Various screwdrivers
  • • Allen keys
  • • Hammer
  • • Pliers
  • • Drill with bits

Transport equipment

  • • Transport carts
  • • Securing straps
  • • Load ropes
  • • Folding ramps
  • • Dollies and platforms

Protection materials

  • • Thick blankets
  • • Foam corner protectors
  • • Bubble wrap
  • • Corrugated cardboard
  • • Adhesive tape

Safety equipment

  • • Work gloves
  • • Non-slip footwear
  • • Comfortable clothing
  • • Eye protection
  • • First aid kit

Avoid Costly Mistakes

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