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Community Q&A

Let the ground 'carry' the weight!

How is the best way to move heavy stuff, especially by yourself? Push, pull, or slide heavy items. The ground carries the weight rather than the back muscles.


  1. 1
    To Move Couches - Use a lever to push the couch legs off the floor. Lift Buddy™; the Ergolifter; and the Easy Lifter (designed for refrigerators, though) are examples. All three are online.
  2. 2
    Put a sliding disk under each leg. They look like plastic coasters or rectangles with a non-slip surface on top. Several brands such as Magic Sliders™ or EZ Moves™ are available at hardware stores or online.
  3. 3
    Take this moving opportunity to affix the smaller, permanent sliding disks to each leg so next time rearranging the room is easier.
  4. 4
    The best way to move heavy potted plants, heavy gun safes, heavy boxes or trunks, fully loaded file cabinets, book cases or case goods like chests of drawers and armoires is with Bigslider™ utility mover. It’s a big sheet of sliding plastic with a handle that replaces the old piece of carpet or used cardboard box. It’s strong,thin and flexible, but not so thin that you can’t shove it under whatever you’re trying to move.
  5. 5
    Tilt the item up a little to get it started on the sheet
  6. 6
    Push, pull, roll, or walk the item on to the sheet. Or push the sheet under the item with your foot
  7. 7
    Secure with rope if needed for moving over uneven or sloped surfaces
  8. 8
    Slide over any surface. Or skid across the sheet to move your item without damaging the floor

Community Q&A

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  • If you item is tall, get help from another person to stabilize the load while you pull it.
  • Let the ground 'carry' the weight and look for ways to reduce the friction to push, pull or slide your item.
  • Keep the center of gravity low. For example, if you need to move a bookshelf, take books off the top shelves. This will keep it from teetering. If you are moving an armoire, unload the top half.
  • Don't push, pull or slide more than is fairly easy. Get help pushing or pulling if you need it.

Article Info

Categories: Furniture and Cabinets | Landscaping and Outdoor Building

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