Household Moving Checklist.
How to move heavy objects like big boxes, heavy furniture, big screen TVs, and heavy potted plants -- by yourself! Preparing for the big move!
Earlier in my
education and career I moved 16 times in 19 years. Needless
to say, I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert on the
subject of moving things. The sound of packing tape coming
off the roll used to give my stomach butterflies, and I’ve
learned -- even memorized -- what should go into the “Last
Box on the Truck”. But more about that later.
Even if you are fortunate enough to have professional
packers and movers, there’s much to do at the new place:
like getting behind the stack of boxes you haven’t unpacked,
opening up the new big screen TV, or moving that chest of
drawers that really needed to go on the other wall.
How is the best way to move heavy stuff by yourself? My
solution has always been to
push,
pull, or slide heavy items. This way the ground
‘carries’ the weight rather than the back muscles. For
example, here’s the best way to extract heavy speakers or TV
from a cardboard box with foam inserts.
First, open the box top by removing staples or tape, then
lay the box on its side on a carpeted floor or quilt. Next,
find a place to grasp the TV or speaker -- you may need to
remove the top foam inserts to find a finger hold. Now sit
on the floor and simply pull the item from the box by
sliding it out. Push back the box with your feet if
necessary – some boxes are a tight fit! Once the item is
resting on the floor, remove the remaining foam inserts and
tilt it to an upright position.
Couches are another matter. They are large and oh so heavy.
The best way to move a couch is to use a sliding disk under
each leg. They look like plastic coasters or rectangles with
a non-slip surface on top. Several brands such as Magic
Sliders™ or EZ Moves™ are available at hardware stores or
online. And while you’re moving, you may take the
opportunity to affix the smaller permanent disks to each leg
so rearranging the room is easier.
I’m also dying to try the lever that pushes the couch off
the floor so I can get the sliding disk under the couch leg
without lifting. I saw this tool in an Expert Village video
online. Lift Buddy™ (just ordered it); the Ergolifter; and
the Easy Lifter (designed for refrigerators, though) are
examples. All three are online.
Finally, the best way to
move
heavy potted plants, heavy boxes, or case goods like
chests of drawers and armoires, or many other heavy things,
is with Bigslider™ utility mover. It’s a big sheet of
sliding plastic with a handle and rope. This tool replaces
the old piece of carpet or used cardboard box. It’s thin and
flexible, but not so thin that you can’t shove it under
whatever you’re trying to move. I tilt the item up a little
to get it started; push, pull, roll, or walk the item on to
the sheet; then slide.
The best thing about Bigslider™ is not losing the sliding
disks as I’m moving along. (And it works in the yard for
heavy potted plants and soil or mulch bags.) I used it to
move my new big screen TV
from the car into the house,
including on the concrete driveway and over the threshold.
To get over the threshold, I dropped the handle and pushed
the TV from the back, using the utility mover as a skid.
Once inside, I readjusted the box on the sheet and continued
sliding.
Now the tip you’ve all been waiting for to help in preparing
for the big move: the list of top 10
things to go in “The Last Box on the Truck”. You can learn
from my many (painful) moving experiences by reviewing my
personal specialized moving checklist!
(1) Light bulbs
and TV/stereo clickers
(2) Land line phone, if needed
(3) Toolbox and picture hangers, packing and duct tapes
(4) Water filter pitcher and/or bottled water
(5) Coffee and coffee maker and/or sodas
(6) Disposable plates, cups, and flatware
(7) Paper towels and napkins
(8) Dishwashing liquid and sponge
(9) One set of towels per person and bath soap
(10) Pillows and a set of sheets for each bed.
Happy moving!
-- Jeri
Superior ergonomics, fewer steps: that’s the BIGSLIDER™ advantage
TOUGH. SIMPLE. EFFICIENT.
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