Have you ever tried to carry a heavy cabinet upstairs by yourself? Then you know exactly what we are talking about. Moving heavy things is like solving a puzzle while lifting weights. One wrong move and you will be flat on your back in pain that will last for weeks.

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Moving heavy items doesn't have to be difficult

At Moving, we help people who get stuck when moving heavy items every day. We regularly see the consequences of incorrect lifting: broken stairs, bruised ribs and cabinets that no longer fit through the door. This does not have to be the case. Every year, more than 100,000 Dutch people are injured by incorrect lifting. That is 100,000 people who lie on the couch at home with back pain while their piano is still in the wrong place. Most of these accidents can be prevented. You only need the right knowledge.

What is considered “heavy” when moving objects?

Weight categories and guidelines

“Heavy” doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. What feels light to you might be an impossible task for your neighbor. That’s why we break everything down into categories you can understand:

Weight category	Weight	Number of people	Examples
Light	Up to 25 kg	1 person	Small furniture, boxes
Medium weight	25-50 kg	2 persons	Chairs, bedside tables
Heavy	50-100 kg	2-3 persons	Cabinets, refrigerators
Extra heavy	100+ kg	3+ persons + resources	Pianos, large cabinets

The government has rules for employees: men are allowed to lift a maximum of 25 kg and women 23 kg. As a private individual, you do not have to follow these rules. However, they are a good guideline to prevent injuries.

Factors that influence the level of difficulty

Weight is only part of the story. A compact object of 50 kg is easier to lift than a large bench of the same weight. Why? Because the bench is harder to grip.
Shape and dimensions determine how you handle an object. A round table will roll away if you are not careful. A long bench will not fit around corners. A tall cabinet will tip over if you are not careful.
Grip and handles make the difference between success and frustration. Furniture without handles are slippery soap blocks. You'll slide off before you know it. Moving blankets give you extra grip and protect against scratches.
Distance and height increase the difficulty exponentially. Moving a heavy cupboard from the living room to the kitchen? That’s doable. The same cupboard up three flights of stairs to the attic? You need moving lifts for that.

Preparing to move heavy objects

Moving heavy items: Planning and determining a route

Preparation trumps strength. Always. Too often we see people who think, “We’ll just lift it up and see where we end up.” That usually ends in tears. First, measure everything. Really everything. Doors, hallways, stairs, thresholds. Make a drawing of your route. Mark narrow spots and obstacles. Sound boring? Wait until you discover that your piano won’t fit through the door after two hours of work.

Case study: Last month we helped the Bakker family. Their antique cupboard did not fit through the door to the bedroom. Fortunately, we had measured everything in advance. We were able to lift the door off its hinges and just about maneuver the cupboard through. Without measuring, we would have had to disassemble the cupboard.

Identify obstacles before they become problems. Flower pots, toys, wires – anything that might get in the way. Clear it away before you start. Your future self will thank you.

Safe and efficient moving

The right moving supplies can make the difference between a successful day and a disaster. Here is our essential checklist:

Hand trucks are your best friends. They take the weight off your back. Choose one that can handle at least 200 kg. Cheap versions will collapse under pressure and literally make you fall.
Furniture castors with swivel wheels are perfect for small spaces. They let you turn and twist as you please. Four rollers under a heavy cabinet and you can push it through the house.
Moving blankets protect your belongings and provide grip. Cheap blankets tear easily. Invest in thick, professional blankets. They will last for years.
Tension straps keep everything in its place. Buy more than you think you need. You'll use them up faster than you think.

Essential tools for every move:

Hand truck (minimum load capacity 200 kg)
Set of 4 furniture rollers with castor wheels
6 thick moving blankets
Lashing straps in different lengths
Furniture protection corners
Work gloves with grip
Knee pads

Moving heavy objects with a team

Manpower is important but coordination is more crucial. More people does not automatically mean easier work. Sometimes too many hands only make it more confusing. Designate one person as the leader. This person gives all the commands. “Lift on three: one, two, three!” No discussion during the lifting. The leader decides. Distribute roles wisely. The strongest people take the heavy points. Others stabilize or keep the route clear. Change positions regularly. No one can carry the heaviest side for hours.

Agree on signals before you start. “Stop” means stop immediately. “Left” means move to the left. “Pause” means put down carefully. Confusion during lifting leads to injuries.

Essential Techniques for Safely Moving Heavy Objects

Proper lifting techniques

Forget everything you think you know about lifting. Most people do it wrong. They bend over with their back straight and lift with their arms. That’s a recipe for trouble. The squat technique really works. Bend your knees as if you were going to sit on an invisible chair. Keep your back straight, of course. Grip the object firmly. Lift with your legs by straightening your knees. Always keep the object close to your body. The further away, the heavier it becomes. Your body acts as a lever. The weight multiplies with the distance. Never twist your back while holding something heavy. Your spine is not a lathe. Move your feet first. Then rotate your entire body as one. Your back will thank you.

Step-by-step lifting technology for furniture transport:

Stand as close to the object as possible
Place your feet firmly on the ground
Bend your knees (keep your back straight)
Grasp the object firmly with both hands
Lift slowly by straightening your knees
Hold the object against your body
Move calmly and in a controlled manner

Teamwork when lifting heavy loads

Lifting and maneuvering with multiple people seems easy. It’s not. It requires perfect timing and communication. One person lifting too early can throw the entire object off balance. The weakest team member sets the pace. Never go faster than the slowest person can keep up. Haste and heavy objects are a dangerous combination. Practice the movement without weight first. Get everyone used to their role. Discuss where hands go and how to move. This five minutes of preparation can save hours of pain.

Hire a professional moving company

Jan from the team of a professional moving company always says it like this: “The biggest problem for private individuals is lack of communication. People start lifting at different times. The object gets out of balance and someone gets injured. Good communication prevents 90% of all accidents.”

Use of wheels, furniture roller or lever

Smart movers Let physics do the heavy lifting. You don’t have to be an engineer to use these tricks. A simple wooden plank can work wonders. The principle of leverage helps to lift heavy furniture. Place a sturdy plank under one end of the furniture. Push down on the other end. The furniture will rise and you can slide wheels under it.

Reducing friction is another clever trick. Place thick moving blankets under heavy furniture. Now you can slide them across smooth floors instead of lifting them. This works great on laminate and tile. Use rollers under long objects. Three round tubes can move a piano. Roll the object over the tubes and move the back tube forward when it comes free. Old techniques still work.

Professional tools for moving heavy goods

Moving dollies and hand trucks

Hand trucks are available in different sizes. For home use, a model with a load capacity of 200-300 kg is usually sufficient. Professional versions can lift up to 500 kg.

Different types of hand trucks:

Standard: Perfect for boxes and small furniture
Furniture version: Wider platform for large furniture pieces
Stair model: Special wheels that can climb stairs
Foldable: Compact for storage in small spaces

The wheels make all the difference. Rubber wheels are quiet and protect floors but roll heavier. Hard plastic wheels roll lighter but can scratch. Choose based on your floor type.

Front caster wheels make manoeuvring easier. You can make turns without lifting the hand truck. This saves energy and reduces the risk of injury.

Hoisting equipment and hoists

For extremely heavy objects, you can’t always get away with just lifting. Hoisting equipment can be the solution, but requires knowledge and caution. Hand hoists are relatively easy to use. They can lift weights of up to 1000 kg. Perfect for lifting items through windows or balconies to higher floors. Safety is paramount with hoisting equipment. Never use equipment if you are unsure of its maximum capacity. Always check straps and hooks for cracks or wear beforehand.

Important safety tips:

Check the maximum capacity
Inspect all parts before use
Always use a safety factor of 2:1
Do not allow anyone to stand under hanging loads
First test with a light object

Slide plates and rollers

Furniture dollys are small platforms with casters that fit under furniture legs. They transform heavy furniture into easily movable objects.

Different types of furniture rollers:

Square: For furniture with four legs (tables, chairs)
Triangular: For furniture with three legs (some lamps)
Rectangular: For long furniture such as sofas and cabinets

Modern furniture casters usually carry 100-150 kg each. For a heavy cabinet you will need four casters. Always check the total capacity before you start. Quality varies greatly. Cheap casters often have plastic wheels that break under pressure. Invest in casters with metal wheels and a sturdy base.

Professional moving equipment

Moving lifts are the ultimate solution for moving between floors. A rent a moving lift costs between €200-500 per day but can prevent thousands of euros in damage.

Rent a moving lift

Outside lift: Access via window or balcony
Stairlift: For narrow stairwells where there is no room for an elevator
Container lift: For complete home furnishings

Always ask the moving company about lift options. Many companies have access to professional equipment that individuals cannot rent. Sometimes this is cheaper than you think.

Specific challenges when moving various heavy objects

Transporting furniture

Furniture such as beds have their own challenges. A box spring bed consists of two parts that you can move separately. A mattress you roll up or fold for transport. Pianos are the most challenging furniture. An average piano weighs 200-400 kg and has a sensitive internal structure. One wrong move can cause thousands of euros in damage.

Move with professionals

We once helped a family with an antique grand piano. The instrument was 150 years old and weighed 320 kg. The staircase was too narrow for normal techniques. We used a special moving lift through the window and piano dollies. It cost €850 but prevented €15,000 in damage.

Moving heavy objects

Always move refrigerators and freezers upright. Never place them on their side, as this can cause coolant to enter the wrong pipes. Always wait 4 hours after moving before turning on the refrigerator.

When to dismantle cabinets:

For antique or lacquered furniture: usually better to leave it intact
For modern cabinets: disassemble if they do not fit through doors
For long distances: disassembly reduces the risk
For narrow stairs: often the only option

Building materials and equipment

Moving heavy building materials requires different techniques. Concrete blocks, tiles and bricks are compact but extremely heavy. A hand truck with pneumatic tires works best on rough terrain. Machines and tools often have sensitive parts. Make sure moving parts are secured with tension straps before moving. A loose arm or handle can be damaged during transport. Tools and machines often contain oils and fluids. Always drain them before moving. A leaking machine in your moving truck will result in a nasty and expensive surprise.

Art and antiques

Antique furniture requires extra care due to its age and value. Old wood joints can be weak. Always lift from the strongest points. Test carefully before moving the full weight. Paintings and sculptures require special care. Large paintings are surprisingly heavy due to their frames. Always use a furniture dolly with rubber wheels to minimize vibration.

We once moved a bronze sculpture of 200 kg. The artwork was vulnerable to vibrations. We used special damping and drove very slowly. The owner was so grateful that he invited us to the unveiling in the museum.

Safety when moving heavy loads

Personal protective equipment

Safety always comes first. The right protective gear can make the difference between a successful day and a hospital visit. Work gloves provide better grip and protect against splinters. Choose gloves with a rubber coating for extra grip. Leather gloves look tough but slide too easily. Safety shoes with steel toes protect against falling objects. They are heavier than normal shoes but can save your toes. One time a heavy cupboard on your foot and you're convinced. Back supports help people with back problems. They remind you to keep your back straight. But they are not a miracle cure. Correct technique remains more important.

Essential protection:

Work gloves with grip coating
Safety shoes with steel toes
Knee pads for frequent kneeling
Safety helmet for lifting work
Reflective clothing for outdoor work

Preventing common injuries

Back pain is the number one enemy of movers. It is usually caused by incorrect technique, not by the weight itself. We see people who pick up a 10 kg box incorrectly and have pain for weeks. According to CBS figures, 60% of all injuries during moves occur to hands and fingers. Good work gloves reduce this risk by 80%. That is an investment of €20 that can save you a lot of pain.

Most common moving injuries:

Back pain (45% of all cases)
Bruised Fingers (25%)
Sprains (15%)
Cuts (10%)
Other (5%)

Prevention tips that work:

Warm up before you start (5 minutes of exercise)
Keep your knees slightly bent while lifting
Take a break every 30 minutes
Drink plenty of water (dehydration increases the risk of injury)
Never work when you are tired
Never lift objects weighing more than 25 kg alone

Environmental safety

A safe work environment is just as important as the right technique. Preventing damage to your home saves money and frustration. Clear all walkways of obstacles. Cables, toys and loose items are tripping hazards that cause accidents. A five-minute clean-up can prevent hours in the hospital. Protect your floors with cardboard or protective film. Use rubber wheels on furniture rollers. Check casters for sharp edges that can scratch. In bad weather, slippery surfaces are extra dangerous. Road salt on paths and driveways can save lives. Literally.

When to call for professional help for heavy moves

Recognizing the limits of one's own abilities

Knowing when to hire professional movers is an important skill. Having professionals move your home can be cheaper than trying to repair damage yourself. We once saw a man who wanted to move his piano by himself. He thought, “I’m strong enough.” The piano fell down the stairs. Repair cost: $3,000. Professional help would have cost $400. Lifting large, heavy items is difficult, so it’s best to have professionals move heavy items. Unfortunately, using a furniture dolly alone won’t get you there.

Signs that you need help:

Objects heavier than 100 kg
Valuable antique or fragile items
Multi-storey movement
No access to proper resources
Time pressure or physical limitations
Complex disassembly required to re-tighten things properly later

Ask yourself this question: “What could go wrong and how much will it cost?” If potential damage is more expensive than professional help, then the choice is easy.

Benefits of professional movers

Professional movers offer more than extra manpower. They have experience, the right equipment and usually insurance for damage. They have specialized equipment that private individuals cannot rent. Moving lifts, piano dollies, straps that can handle 1000 kg. This equipment costs thousands of euros. Renting for one day is much cheaper.

What professionals offer:

Specialized equipment for every type of object
Experience with problematic situations
Insurance against damage to property and home
Efficiency and time saving
Disassembly and assembly service
Moving vans in different sizes

Maria from an insurance company told us: “We regularly see damage caused by people trying to move heavy objects themselves. A cracked staircase costs €2,000 to repair. Professional help would have cost €200.”

Cost versus benefit analysis

A quote from a moving company can be frightening. Always compare this with the total costs of doing it yourself. These are often higher than you think.

Hidden costs of moving yourself:

Rent or buy moving equipment
Moving van rental (€60-90 per day)
Helping friends (food, drink, gift)
Free time (leave, weekends)
Risk of damage (€200-2000+)
Injuries and recovery costs
Stress and fatigue

Average costs of professional help:

Local moving: €50-80 per hour per mover
Rent a moving lift: €200-500 per day
Heavy items only: €300-600
Complete move: €800-1500

Often the difference is smaller than you think. Especially when you take the risks into account.

Technology and innovations in moving heavy goods

Modern lifting techniques

Technology is making moving heavy objects easier than ever. Vacuum lifters use suction to lift flat objects without handles. Perfect for large mirrors and glass panes. Robotic moving systems are now available to consumers. These can automatically track and support heavy objects. The physical strain is significantly reduced. Air-cushioned transport systems lift objects on a cushion of air. They literally float over the ground. We use them for extremely heavy and fragile objects.

Smart moving solutions

Modern technology also helps with planning. Apps calculate the optimal route and take into account thresholds, stairs and narrow passages.

Useful apps and tools:

MoveAdvisor: Calculates required manpower per object
FloorPlan Creator: For route planning
Moving Calculator: Estimate time and costs
Weight Checker: Helps estimate weight

GPS-controlled cranes can position objects with centimetre precision. We use them for placing hot tubs and large machinery.

Costs and budgeting for moving heavy items

Own materials and resources

Buy or rent moving supplies? For one-time use, renting is usually cheaper. If you have to move things regularly, buying can be cheaper.

Rental prices per day:

Hand truck: €15-25
Furniture roller set: €10-15
Moving blankets: €3-5 each
Lashing straps: €2-4 each
Small moving van: €50-80

Purchase prices:

Good hand truck: €80-150
Furniture roller set: €30-60
Professional moving blankets: €25-40 each
Tension strap set: €20-35

Calculate what you use per year. More than 4 times per year? Then buying is often cheaper.

Compare professional services

Moving companies have different pricing structures. Some work with hourly rates, others with fixed prices. Always ask for multiple quotes and check what is included. When you are moving, you want to move everything safely and efficiently. Fortunately, at Moving you can easily and free of charge request multiple quotes. Why make things difficult when it can be easy!?

Factors that influence prices:

Season (summer 20-30% more expensive)
Day of the week (weekend more expensive)
Distance and complexity
Value of goods (higher insurance)
Additional services (packing/unpacking)

Negotiation tips:

Ask for a discount outside the season (October-March)
Combine with other customers for the same day
Do the packing and unpacking yourself
Compare prices including and excluding VAT

Environmental Considerations When Moving Heavy Objects

Sustainable moving methods for moving heavy items

Sustainability is becoming more important in the moving industry. Electric moving vans and moving lifts emit less CO2 than diesel vehicles. Reusable packaging materials such as plastic moving boxes and washable moving blankets are better for the environment than disposable cardboard and plastic wrap. Movers are now using 80% electric vehicles for local moves. They are quieter, cleaner and often cheaper to maintain.

Recycling and reuse

Having to move is the perfect time to assess what you still need. Old, heavy furniture that you want to replace anyway is better donated or sold.

Sustainable removal of heavy items:

Thrift stores often accept large furniture
Municipal recycling centers accept white goods
Online marketplaces for useful items
Specialized waste processors for electronics

A family we helped made €800 by selling old furniture instead of throwing it away, which paid for their professional move.

Legal aspects and regulations

Occupational health and safety legislation and standards

Private individuals do not have to comply with the Arbowet but the guidelines are useful to prevent injuries. Employers must provide various aids if employees regularly move heavy objects.

Legal lifting standards for employees:

Men: Max 25 kg
Women: Max 23 kg
Youth (16-18): Maximum 15 kg
Frequency: Maximum 1x every 5 minutes

These standards are based on medical research. They do not apply to individuals but are sensible guidelines.

Insurance and liability

Damage during moving is common. Your home insurance usually covers damage to your home but not always damage to items during transport.

Important insurance questions:

Does my building insurance cover damage during a move?
What happens if damage is caused by friends who help?
Do I need liability insurance?
What does the moving company's insurance cover?

Many insurance policies have exclusions for damage during removals. Read the fine print or call your insurer. Better to be sure than to be surprised later.

Moving can make it all easier

At Moving you can now easily request free quotes. All you have to do is fill out our request form and within 24 hours you will receive 5 different quotes from the best moving companies in your area.

Request free quotes now!

Don't wait until during the move and request your free quotes now so that you can compare them at your leisure and ultimately choose the moving company that best suits your needs. This way you can move your furniture safely and cheaply!