What's the Best Way to Move Heavy Items by Yourself?

Question

While my husband works 6 days a week I've been put in charge of the majority of the moving responsibilities. Most of our belongings that can be packed in boxes are already at the new apartment, but I still have the furniture to worry about and nobody to help me with it. :(

I'm moving my belongings from a basement apartment into an upstairs apartment, so thats TWO sets of stairs I have to carry it up.

I want to know what is the best way to move heavy items by yourself. By the time my husband gets home from work and stops f*cking around it's dark already and we're getting nothing done.

I have a small hand truck that I can use, but I worry about the items falling off as it's bouncing up the stairs. Has anyone ever moved an apartment by themselves before? How did you do it?

Thanks for all your help

Answer 1

If there was absolutely no one to help you.. No friends, family, co-workers, anybody.. You can actually have a moving company just move the BIG items for you... I would call a few places and get estimates... That will save you lots of TIME and your BACK!  

Good luck-

*You can always tell hubby you did it all by yourself...

Answer 2

Looks like u have to find somebody to help u.  There's people out their standing in front of hardware stores and paint store.  They are called daily laborers.  There is many bad things said about them but looks like u have no options.  The charge is usually $10.00/hr. just be cautious.  But u get things done.

Answer 3

get a few tow straps for use with your hand truck (we call it a dolly in MI) and remove the legs from the furniture where you can.  standthe first piece of furniture up right on the short side so you can slide your dolly under it.  then secure the furniture to the dolly with the tow straps.  repeat as necessary.  

Be carefull with items more than double the size of your dolly, as they will make your load very top-heavy.  i have used books and/or weights as a counter-balance, but make sure you will still be able to drag the load up the stairs of your new place.

Answer 4

Pack everything you can and then hire 2 college students to move the big items, with your supervision, it should be done in a day.  $100 each is cheap and easier on your marriage.  Then the job is done in a day and you can make the new unit into your home.

Answer 5

I agree with the others that you should find or hire some help. But you can rent a refrigerator (appliance) dolly (hand truck). It will have a belt arrangement on the back that allows you to slide it down the stairs with out it bouncing. It also has straps to help hold the furniture on the dolly.

Answer 6

well dear there is NO good way of moving the heavy stuff such as furniture by yourself.trust me I know I have tried and it doesn't work to well. I would do like tha guy said and try to hire someone to help me anyone will do something for alittle money.LOL

Answer 7

Don't worry about it.     For hubby, he will move it.  Just empty it.   And make room for it upstairs.  In otherwords keep the "roadway clear" by the door at both ends so he can take stuff out quickly and bring it in quickly.  Keep boxes away from the entranceways.    Do not set up in your new place until the furniture is in there(in otherwords keep the boxes in a corner so the wall are free for the dresser or mirror or bed or trampoline(I don't know your stuff).

   On his 7th day, he is gonna take the 2 wheeler and kick butt.  He does not want you to be still unloading or packing or disorganized with little stuff.  Little stuff should be gone up already(waiting for the furniture to arrive.

  If you got light kitchen chairs that you can carry, because they are clumsy, take them up one at a time.   Because he would have to do the same.  Wasting his strength on little things(one at a time).   Plan to live out of a suitcase - just those clothes for a day or two, until the boxes get unpacked.

   The more little stuff you get out of the way and the more open road he has the quicker this will get done.     Be sure to keep the hammer, screwdriver, and wrenches available at all times(have 2 sets is best) in case he has to take something more apart downstairs and for you to have to reassemble.

   4 hrs done heavy stuff.

Answer 8

Put a couple planks on the staircase.. Strap the furniture to the hand truck. Tie a rope to your handtruck and pull it up.

Or put the planks on the stair case (maybe side rails from your bed) lay a blanket or cardboard on the planks and push it up.

Answer 9

move the small things yourself, pick an item or 2 a day to move with your husband...

don't be in a huge hurry unless you have to or you will cause relationship probelms or hurt your back. If you can afford a few bucks to have someone help then fine otherwise be patient.

Answer 10

get some body to help you, don't move heavy objects by yourself you could risk injuring your back

Answer 11

There's a simple 3 part answer to your question. 1st get exposed to large amounts of Gamma radiation. 2nd get angry very angry. 3rd toss the furniture up the two flights of stairs.

Answer 12

shoving it across the room or where every you need to go or get some1 to help you because it might give you back promblems if you dont whacht out!