Important Tips on How to Handle Furniture Safely 

The furniture industry in the UK is massive, and it’s only getting bigger as the years go on. It’s comprised of various parts, including businesses that range from international retailers to small, high-street antique dealers. It doesn’t matter where you exist in the ecosystem; one thing remains true – you have to understand how to handle furniture properly. 

It’s not just about knowing how to lift heavy furniture without hurting yourself. It’s also about doing it efficiently and in a way that protects the pieces themselves, as well as caring for any equipment used in the process. This guide guides how to lift furniture in a professional context, enabling you to better plan for manual and equipment-based solutions. 

Prepare properly

It’s essential to prepare for every lift. That means considering the size, weight, and shape of the furniture before you start carrying it. A single dining chair requires a different approach than a one-piece L-shaped sofa. 

Necessary preparation steps include: 

• Getting a dock leveller ready in the case of arrivals and deliveries
• Creating a path through which to carry the item
• Determining if the piece is modular and can be broken down into smaller pieces
• Teaming up with stronger members of the team to distribute the weight
• Establishing clear channels of communication

Successful projects are always defined by good preparation, so don’t go rushing in to carry more than you can manage. 

Using proper lifting techniques

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using equipment or not – applying proper body mechanics is essential to preventing injury when you handle furniture. There are a few fundamental principles that everyone should apply to protect their body and equipment. 

• Lift with your legs, not your back, as the leg muscles are mighty
• Keeping the item close to your body to maintain an intense centre of gravity
• Avoiding twisting your body during the lifting process
• Generally, holding a stable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart
• Bottom loading stronger lifters during movement up or down stairs

When lifting with equipment, be mindful of obstacles such as door thresholds, thermal breaks, or debris on the floor that can clog wheels and cause accidents. 

Using the right equipment

When you can’t simply carry a piece of furniture on your own or even with a group, it’s essential to get the right equipment at the ready. Having some lifting supplies on hand is necessary for managing a wider range of furniture pieces. 

• Dollies and hand trucks, which are wheeled carrying tools 
• Mechanical furniture lifts for warehouses with mezzanine floors or higher levels
• Furniture sliders for moving furniture across smooth or carpeted floors
• Moving blankets/pads to protect the furniture and walls from scratches and scuffs

Most of these pieces of equipment require support in place by straps and harnesses, while manual lifting can also be aided by specially designed furniture lifting straps. The latter helps to distribute weight from the back and arms to the legs and shoulders, making it significantly easier to move particularly large or awkward items. 

Building a culture around how you handle furniture

Furniture lifting principles need to be ingrained in your staff from the moment they join your organisation. New employees should be trained in various physical and equipment techniques, as well as learn how to assess every lifting situation for risk effectively. Above all else, people need to know that there’s no shame in asking for help. No one looks cool after slipping a disc!