Moving large furniture is already a tough job, but when stairs are involved, the challenge jumps to a whole new level. From dealing with narrow stairwells to making sharp turns around landings, lifting bulky items up multiple floors can feel impossible without the right plan. It’s one thing to move a few boxes, and something else entirely when you’re carrying a sectional couch or a massive wardrobe up a third-floor walk-up.
These jobs require more than just muscle. Knowing how to prepare, what tools to use, and how to communicate as a team makes all the difference. And for residents in Orlando, where many apartment buildings and older homes have tight staircases or no elevators, experience matters even more. Here’s what it takes to manage these types of moves safely and effectively — from clearing the path to using the right lifting techniques.
Preparing for the Move
The first step is making sure the space is ready before you even touch the furniture. A well-prepared path means fewer surprises and less damage.
1. Clear the Route
Remove all rugs, small furniture, decor, or anything that might block your way. That includes hallways, stairwells, and entry points. If your building has an elevator, check ahead of time to see if it’s working or available to use.
2. Measure the Furniture and Entryways
Write down the dimensions of the furniture pieces you’re moving, and measure stairwells, doors, and tight corners in advance. This helps you figure out if something needs to be taken apart or if a different route should be used. A few inches might be the difference between success and scratches on the wall.
3. Break It Down
When possible, take apart furniture to reduce its size and weight. Remove legs from sofas, detach headboards, and empty out drawers. This not only makes lifting easier but also helps protect the structural integrity of the item mid-move.
4. Protect Walls, Floors, and Furniture
Wrap furniture with moving blankets or padding to prevent bumps and scrapes. Use corner guards or towels on the walls and railing posts for a buffer. In hot and humid Orlando summers, this added layer can also help protect against sweaty handprints and moisture damage.
Good preparation can make the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one. Picture carrying a heavy dresser upstairs, only to be stopped by a corner you didn’t measure. That’s an easy fix handled ahead of time — not so easy once the weight is already in your hands.
Safety Measures
Lifting heavy objects isn’t just dangerous to your body. It can also damage the furniture itself or even parts of the building if you’re not careful. Moving smart is better than moving strong, and there are plenty of ways to do that.
– Wear Good Gear
Closed-toe shoes with solid grip, gloves for better traction, and back support belts help reduce the strain. Avoid loose or baggy clothes that could snag on doorknobs or railings.
– Use the Right Tools
Don’t try to power through without the right tools. Use shoulder straps to shift some of the weight off your arms. Dollies and sliders are great for flat surfaces and reduce the need to lift. When it comes to stairs, tools like hand trucks with stair wheels or even wooden spot boards come in handy depending on your building’s layout.
– Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back
This well-known advice still works. Keep your spine straight, bend at the knees, and push up through your legs. If something feels too heavy or awkward, it’s okay to stop, reposition, or ask someone else for help rather than cause injury.
– Develop a Game Plan With Your Team
Before touching a single piece of furniture, be sure everyone is on the same page. Talk through who’s taking which end, who’s leading the way, what the route looks like, and where you might stop to rest. Choose easy, consistent cues for going forward, backward, or stopping.
Safety steps aren’t just for peace of mind. They’re the reason a manageable move doesn’t turn into a stressful or dangerous situation. Whether that’s avoiding a twisted wrist or making sure a dresser doesn’t fall back down two flights of stairs, the added caution makes a big difference.
Moving Techniques
Once your space is clear, your gear is set, and your moving team is ready, the way you move the furniture becomes the real game changer. Here are a few proven techniques that can make a big impact when moving large pieces up multiple floors.
– Master the High-Low Technique
This method involves tilting large items like couches or dressers at an angle while moving, keeping one end higher than the other. It gives you more control, especially around tight turns or stair landings. One person holds the low end and the other the high, which helps guide the furniture safely and avoid scraping walls or floors.
– Embrace Teamwork and Coordination
Clear communication is your secret weapon. Going up several flights, every person involved should have a role. Someone should coordinate signals and lead the lift. Others should focus on balance and clearing the path. Agree in advance on signals like “up,” “stop,” or “rotate” to get around difficult corners or stair bends.
– Handling Tight Corners
Planning ahead matters even more when working in close quarters. If a doorway or hallway is especially tight, consider removing door hinges for added space. Keep the item’s shape and corners in mind at all times. Aim for consistent pivoting points and always lead with the shorter or more flexible end of the item.
Using the right techniques doesn’t just save your back. It helps keep your furniture safe from impact points and sharp angles while also protecting the property you’re moving in or out of.
The Benefits of Hiring Professionals
Big moves can wear you out fast, especially with stairs involved. That’s where calling in professional heavy furniture movers in Orlando becomes more than just a helpful idea — it’s a smart one.
– Expert Knowledge and Skills
Professional movers have seen it all before. They’ve handled stair-heavy homes, complicated layouts, and oversized items. That past experience helps avoid costly mistakes and damage. They know how to plan well, lift better, and move faster.
– Health and Safety
There’s less risk of accidents when trained pros are in charge. They know how to use lifting gear safely, carry heavy loads with proper posture, and guide furniture without causing injury or stress. It’s safer, faster, and you’re not left nursing a pulled muscle afterward.
– Efficiency and Speed
Movers work with purpose. Instead of guesswork or trial and error, they already know what tools they’ll need and what plan of action works. What might take you half a day could take them just an hour or two. That means quicker moves and less time spent stuck on the stairs.
Ensure a Smooth Move with Jochas Moving and Delivery
There’s no need to make a difficult day more stressful. Prepping right, using safe lifting practices, and having the right strategies can make heavy moving jobs a whole lot more manageable. Still, when it comes to going up multiple floors with large furniture, skill matters. Calling in professionals means fewer headaches, no personal strain, and a damage-free move.
With the right plan and the right team, moving big furniture doesn’t have to be a nightmare. You’ve measured the halls, checked your equipment, and lined up your helpers. Now, it’s just about letting the experts handle the lift.
Let Jochas Moving and Delivery take care of the hard part for you.
For those looking to avoid the hassle and potential strain of moving heavy furniture up multiple floors in Orlando, consider enlisting the help of professional movers. At Jochas Moving and Delivery, our team is prepared to handle these tough jobs with efficiency and care. To see how our heavy furniture movers in Orlando can support your next move, explore our services today.