Moving can be exciting, but it also comes with its fair share of stress. Large furniture pieces, like dressers, are particularly tricky because they are heavy and often have drawers that can slide open during transit.
If not prepared carefully, scratches, broken drawers, or even dents in walls and floors can happen. Securing a dresser properly ensures it arrives at the new home safely and without damage.
Why Proper Preparation Matters
Before lifting a single piece, it’s important to prepare both the dresser and the surrounding space. According to moving industry statistics, over 30% of furniture gets damaged during relocation when the right precautions aren’t taken. To reduce the risk, consider these steps:
- Clear the area around the dresser to make moving easier.
- Make sure the pathway to the truck is free of obstacles.
- Gather necessary packing materials such as moving blankets, tape, and stretch wrap.
Professional guidance can make this even simpler. Platforms like My Good Movers offer tips and resources to plan every step of the move efficiently.
Their guides can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes and ensure all furniture, including dressers, remains intact.
Empty and Inspect the Dresser
The first practical step is to remove everything from the drawers. Clothes, accessories, or small items can shift during a move, causing damage or imbalance. Once empty:
- Clean the dresser thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
- Check for loose screws or weak parts that could break under pressure.
- Tighten knobs, handles, and drawer sliders for extra stability.
These simple inspections can save a lot of hassle later and protect both the furniture and the movers.
Securing Drawers and Wrapping the Furniture
After inspection, it’s time to secure the drawers. Dressers have moving parts that can slide or fall out if not stabilized properly. To prevent this:
- Use painter’s tape or masking tape to hold drawers closed.
- Insert strips of cardboard behind each drawer to prevent shifting.
- Wrap the entire dresser in moving blankets or padding.
Wrapping protects the surface from scratches and absorbs shocks during transport. Stretch wrap or packing tape can be used to secure the blankets, but avoid direct contact with the wood finish to prevent damage.
Understanding How Much a Dresser Weighs
Knowing the dresser’s weight is essential for safe lifting and transportation. On average, a six-drawer wooden dresser can dresser weigh between 150 and 250 pounds, depending on the material.
This makes it heavier than it looks, and attempting to move it alone increases the risk of injury or damage.
Key tips for handling heavy dressers:
- Always lift with at least one other person.
- Bend at the knees, not the waist, and keep your back straight.
- Use furniture sliders or dollies to make moving smoother and reduce strain.
Understanding the weight helps plan the move effectively and ensures everyone involved knows the risks.
Securing the Dresser in the Truck
Once on the moving truck, the dresser needs to be secured to prevent shifting during transit. Even minor jolts can cause damage if the furniture isn’t anchored. Consider these strategies:
- Use ratchet straps or ropes to tie the dresser to the truck’s anchor points.
- Position the dresser against a solid surface or wall in the truck.
- Fill gaps with other furniture or padding to prevent movement.
These precautions reduce the risk of scratches, dents, or drawer damage and make unloading at the destination much safer.
Reassembling and Inspecting After the Move
After arrival, carefully remove the wrapping and tape. Inspect the dresser for any scratches or damage before placing items back inside. This is also a great opportunity to reorganize drawers or declutter items you no longer need.
- Slide drawers back gently.
- Check that knobs and handles are secure.
- Clean any marks or dust that accumulated during the move.
Following these steps ensures the dresser looks and functions as well as it did before the move.
Additional Tips for a Stress-Free Move
To make the process smoother, consider these extra precautions:
- Label all pieces with their destination room for easier placement.
- Take photos before disassembling to help with reassembly.
- Hire professional guidance from platforms like My Good Movers to get advice on protecting heavy or delicate furniture.
Using these strategies can reduce the risk of damage significantly and make the move more organized.
According to industry surveys, people who follow professional moving guidance experience 50% fewer damages during relocation compared to those moving without any guidance.
Final Thoughts
Securing a dresser during a move isn’t just about wrapping it up; it’s about preparing, lifting safely, and stabilizing it throughout the process.
Emptying drawers, checking hardware, wrapping with protection, and securing it in the truck all play a crucial role in keeping the dresser intact. By following these steps, anyone can move large furniture confidently and reduce the stress that comes with relocation.
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