Moving is full of stressors and packing everything into boxes is just the beginning. It’s a tedious, often overwhelming process and once you’ve finished packing, you still have to unpack it all. But in many ways, that’s the easy part.

The real challenge is lifting and transporting heavy items, such as mattresses, dressers and tightly packed boxes, especially those with books. 

This part of the move isn’t just exhausting. It can also be dangerous if not done correctly. While it’s tempting to rush through the heavy lifting just to get it over with, it’s exactly the part of the move that deserves extra care and attention.

The good news? You don’t need to be able to bench press your own body weight to handle heavy furniture. Using proper lifting techniques and knowing when to bring in moving equipment can go a long way in reducing physical strain and helping you avoid injuries. A little preparation can make a big difference in making your move safer and a lot less stressful.

For more moving tips, learn how to deep clean your new place and ways to make your new house feel more like a home.

Dress appropriately for heavy lifting 

Before tackling any heavy lifting, make sure you’re dressed for the job. Choose comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely, but avoid anything too loose that could catch on furniture or boxes.

It might sound obvious, but proper footwear is a must. This means you should skip the sandals or slides and wear closed-toe, supportive shoes to protect your feet and give you stability. And if you have long hair, tie it back to keep it out of your face and avoid distractions while you’re carrying bulky items.

Use the right tools to make moving easier

Having the right equipment on hand can take a lot of the strain out of moving heavy items. Furniture sliders help large pieces glide across the floor, ramps make stairs more manageable and hand trucks are great for transporting bulky boxes and appliances.

Shoulder dollies — straps that harness your upper body strength — can also make lifting heavy furniture safer and more efficient when used with a partner. Don’t forget moving blankets and furniture wrap, either. These items can help protect your furniture from damage during the move.

Find helpers who are willing to lift heavy items

Sure, you could probably move all your furniture and boxes on your own with some handy tools, but a friend or a family member who is willing to help will make all the difference. Ask friends for help or hire a moving company for your heftiest belongings. 

There’s no harm in asking your friends for help, and if they’re all “busy,” consider hiring a moving company, even for just the heavy items, which could cut costs. 

Map out your route for large furniture

Before lifting a single piece of furniture, take time to plan your path. Use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of your furniture and compare them with doorways, hallways and stairwells along your route to ensure everything will fit.

Apply the same planning to your new space — know exactly how and where each large item will go before you start moving it in. A little preparation can prevent a lot of frustration (and scuffed walls).

Stretch out to stay loose and healthy when moving

The last thing you are trying to do is pull a muscle or throw your back out. To prevent overexertion, stretch your body out ahead of moving.

To make sure you’re ready to get your lift on, try out these stretches: 

• Lower back: Cat-cow stretch, child’s pose, knee-to-chest stretch
• Back and hips: Spinal twist
• Arms: Cross-body shoulder stretch, overhead triceps and shoulder stretch
• Legs: Standing quad stretch
• Calves: Floor and wall stretches

Lastly, don’t forget about taking breaks throughout the day for stretching and drinking water — a dehydrated body has a higher risk of injuries and muscle strains. 

Break down bulky furniture  

Make your move easier by disassembling large, awkward furniture whenever possible. Remove dresser drawers, unscrew chair or couch legs, and break down any oversized items into smaller, more manageable pieces.

If you end up with small parts — such as screws, nails or bolts — place them in a labeled plastic bag and tape it securely to the corresponding furniture piece so nothing gets lost. While this might mean carrying more individual items, it significantly reduces the strain on your body and makes everything easier to move.

Lift with your legs, not with your back 

You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s something that needs to be said when it comes to lifting any heavy item. Avoid lifting with your waist and back muscles, which can result in overexertion and back and muscle strain. Before lifting, position your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot an inch or two ahead of the other. 

As you lift, begin in a squat position and slowly rise upward through your knees and hips — not your back or your waist. Keep the object you are lifting close to you, maintain proper posture and keep your back straight, making sure not to slump or shrug your shoulders as you lift. 

Know when to call the pros

Just because you can move something yourself doesn’t always mean you should. Heavy lifting can be risky, both for your body and your furniture if you’re not fully prepared or don’t have help. It’s important to know your limits and recognize when a task is too much to handle on your own.

If you’re short on support or simply want to avoid the physical strain, hiring professional movers is a smart investment. While it might feel like an added expense, protecting your health (and your belongings) is well worth the cost.

Need some more tips for your move? Check out these seven must-have moving apps and how to change your address on your phone after you move.