Moving a dresser in a small apartment may seem like a simple task, but anyone who has tried knows it can quickly become stressful.
Tight hallways, narrow doorways, and heavy furniture can make the process tricky. Knowing the right approach ensures the move is smooth and safe for both the dresser and the apartment.
Understand the Weight of Your Dresser
Before attempting any move, it’s crucial to understand how much the dresser weigh. Dressers can vary greatly in size and weight.
A small particleboard dresser may weigh around 100 pounds, while a solid wood dresser can easily reach 250 pounds or more.
Misjudging the weight is one of the most common causes of injuries during moves, so take the time to assess it accurately.
To estimate the weight:
- Remove all contents such as clothes and items inside drawers
- Use a household scale with boxes to approximate if unsure
- Consider the material — solid wood is heavier than MDF or particleboard
Understanding the dresser weigh helps determine if you need professional help, moving equipment, or extra people to assist with lifting.
Plan Your Route in Advance
One of the most overlooked steps is planning the route before moving the dresser. Small apartments often have hallways, doorways, and corners that create obstacles.
By planning the path in advance, you can avoid accidents, wall damage, or scratches on the floor.
Consider the following when planning:
- Measure the dresser, doorways, and hallways carefully
- Check for tight corners and staircases
- Remove any obstacles such as rugs, small furniture, or décor
- Keep the path well-lit to prevent trips or missteps
Proper planning ensures that when you start lifting, you already know the safest and easiest path to navigate.
Prepare and Protect Floors
Protecting your floors is essential, especially in small apartments with hardwood or tile surfaces. Moving a heavy dresser without precautions can result in scratches or dents, which are expensive to repair.
Here’s how to protect the floor:
- Lay down moving blankets or cardboard along the route
- Use furniture sliders under the dresser legs for smooth movement
- Tape wall corners to avoid accidental scrapes
These simple precautions prevent damage and make moving the dresser much easier, especially when maneuvering through tight spaces.
Empty and Secure the Dresser
Before lifting, it’s vital to empty the dresser completely. Removing all items reduces weight by up to 30%, making it safer and easier to handle.
Additionally:
- Remove drawers if possible — moving them separately reduces the load
- Tape or secure any loose parts, such as knobs or handles
- Check for any structural weaknesses, like wobbly legs
Emptying and securing the dresser ensures that it doesn’t shift unexpectedly during the move, which could cause injuries or damage.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
When it comes to moving heavy furniture, technique matters more than strength. Lifting incorrectly can lead to serious injuries, even for someone who is physically fit.
Follow these steps:
- Stand close to the dresser with your feet shoulder-width apart
- Bend at your knees, keeping your back straight
- Lift using your legs, not your back
- Communicate with any helpers to coordinate movements
Even if the dresser is manageable for one person, having at least one partner is recommended. In many cases, professional guidance can save both time and potential injury.
The Role of Professional Movers
This is where platforms like My Good Movers can make a difference. They connect you with professional movers who have experience handling heavy furniture in tight spaces.
Benefits of hiring professional movers include:
- Trained movers who know how to lift and maneuver large furniture
- Access to moving equipment like dollies, straps, and sliders
- Reduced risk of injury or property damage
- Faster and more efficient moving process
Professional movers are especially useful in small apartments where doorways are narrow and maneuvering large furniture is challenging.
Navigate Tight Spaces and Corners
Once lifting is ready, maneuvering the dresser through tight hallways and around corners becomes the main challenge. Most accidents happen here, especially if the furniture is heavy or awkwardly shaped.
Tips for tight spaces:
- Tilt the dresser slightly when entering narrow doorways
- Move slowly, adjusting angles as needed
- Use sliders or dollies to reduce friction and effort
Patience during this step prevents scratches and damage. It’s better to spend extra time than rush and risk accidents.
Use Moving Equipment for Easier Handling
Certain tools make moving a dresser in small apartments much easier.
Helpful equipment includes:
- Furniture dollies: Reduce strain on your back and allow smooth movement
- Moving straps: Help balance the weight and secure grip
- Gloves with good grip: Prevent slips or dropped items
Even with a small team, these tools allow heavier pieces to move safely and efficiently.
Reassemble and Reload
After safely moving the dresser to its new location, it’s time to reassemble and reload it.
Best practices include:
- Put drawers or removable parts back in place
- Place heavier items in lower drawers to avoid tipping
- Check the dresser is level and stable before adding fragile items
Reassembling properly ensures the dresser is safe to use and prevents damage to both the furniture and floor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced movers can make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Rushing the process, leading to scratches or injuries
- Lifting heavy dressers without enough help
- Forgetting to measure doorways and paths
- Not protecting floors or walls adequately
Avoiding these mistakes makes the moving experience smoother and less stressful.
Final Thoughts
Moving a dresser in a small apartment can seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning, accurate measurements, and the right technique, it becomes much more manageable.
Understanding exactly how much the dresser weigh is crucial, as it helps determine whether extra help, moving equipment, or professional assistance is needed.
Protecting floors and walls along the moving path ensures your apartment stays in pristine condition, while using tools like furniture dollies, moving straps, and sliders makes the process safer and easier.
For those who want to save time, reduce stress, and avoid potential injuries, platforms like My Good Movers are an excellent solution.
They connect you with licensed, experienced movers who can efficiently handle heavy furniture in tight spaces, keeping both your dresser and apartment safe throughout the move.
