Moving house can be stressful, especially when it comes to large and bulky furniture. Have you ever wondered how removals companies manage to shift oversized sofas, wardrobes, or pianos without causing damage? The answer lies in planning, teamwork, and smart use of equipment.
Let’s break down exactly how professionals make it look easy—and how they keep your prized possessions safe along the way.
What Counts as a “Large Item”?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to define what removals companies consider a large item:
- Sofas and sectionals
- Double and king-size beds
- Wardrobes and dressers
- Fridges, washing machines, and ovens
- Pianos and pool tables
- Large TVs or display cabinets
- Garden furniture or gym equipment
These items are heavy, bulky, or oddly shaped—sometimes all three. They often require more than one person to move and may need special tools or techniques.
Why Large Items Pose a Challenge
Ever tried moving a wardrobe down a narrow staircase?
Larger items present multiple obstacles:
- Weight: Items can weigh over 100kg. Lifting them incorrectly risks injury.
- Size: Oversized furniture may not fit through doorways or corridors.
- Fragility: Some large items, like pianos or glass cabinets, are delicate despite their size.
- Value: Damaging an antique wardrobe or high-end fridge could be expensive.
This is why removals companies take no chances.
Pre-Move Assessment: Planning is Key
How do they prepare for these challenges?
A thorough pre-move survey is essential. Most reputable removals companies will:
- Visit your home (or conduct a virtual tour)
- Measure doorways, stairwells, and furniture
- Identify items needing disassembly
- Check for access issues (tight corners, low ceilings, etc.)
Example: A London-based removals company reported that over 70% of homes they survey have at least one oversized item that needs special handling.
This planning phase allows the team to determine what equipment they’ll need, how many crew members are required, and whether lifting aids like hoists or trolleys are necessary.
Disassembly and Reassembly
Is your sofa too large for the hallway?
Disassembling furniture is often the safest and easiest route.
What items are commonly dismantled?
- Bed frames
- Dining tables
- Modular sofas
- Wardrobes
- Desks or workstations
Professional movers carry tools to disassemble items on the spot. They also label each part and keep screws or bolts in clearly marked bags.
Tip: Ask the team if they include reassembly at the new address—most do, but it’s worth confirming.
Protective Packing for Large Items
Even if something is built like a tank, it can still be scratched or dented in transit.
So how do movers protect large items?
Padding and Wrapping
- Moving blankets: Thick, padded cloths protect wood and leather from scuffs
- Stretch wrap: Secures drawers and keeps upholstery clean
- Corner protectors: Guard fragile edges on tables, mirrors, or frames
- Mattress covers: Prevent stains and tears during the move
Movers wrap items in layers and secure them with tape or straps, ensuring nothing shifts inside the vehicle.
Example: During a move involving a baby grand piano, removals company Removals Guildford (https://removals-guildford.com) used specialised quilted wraps, then built a custom crate around the instrument for maximum protection.
Protecting Floors and Walls
It’s not just furniture that’s at risk—homes can be damaged too.
Movers often:
- Lay floor runners to protect carpets or wood
- Use foam bumpers on door frames
- Wrap stair railings with blankets
These small touches prevent costly repairs and show attention to detail.
Special Equipment for Heavy Lifting
Ever seen a fridge gliding effortlessly down a set of stairs?
That’s the power of equipment.
Tools of the Trade
- Dollies and trolleys: For flat, heavy items like fridges or cabinets
- Straps and harnesses: Allow two movers to lift with better balance and posture
- Furniture sliders: Help shift items across floors without lifting
- Hoists or cranes: Used for high-rise flats when stairs or lifts aren’t viable
Some removals firms also use tail-lift vans. These vehicles have platforms that lift heavy items into the cargo area, reducing manual handling.
Real-world example: In a sixth-floor move in Manchester with no working lift, the team used an external hoist to remove a large sofa via the window. It was the only safe option.
Securing Items During Transit
How do removals companies prevent damage once everything is loaded?
It’s not enough to place items in a van—they must be secured.
- Ratchet straps keep furniture from shifting
- Vertical stacking ensures items aren’t crushed
- Padding between objects prevents scratching
- Segregated zones keep fragile and heavy items apart
Vans are packed strategically: heavy items at the bottom, lighter or fragile ones on top. Experienced movers such as surrey-removals.com treat the van like a puzzle—fitting pieces together to minimise space and maximise safety.
Trained Staff Make All the Difference
It’s not just about tools and plans. The people matter.
What skills do professional movers bring?
- Manual handling training
- Team communication
- Problem-solving under pressure
- Customer service and courtesy
Many companies also run internal training programmes. Some even use VR simulations to prepare staff for tricky situations.
Would you trust just anyone to carry a £2,000 dining table down a marble staircase? Probably not. That’s why hiring trained professionals is crucial.
Insurance for Peace of Mind
Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen.
That’s why most removals companies offer:
- Goods in transit insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Optional full-value cover
Check your contract. Find out what’s included and what’s not. If you have high-value items like a grand piano or artwork, extra cover might be wise.
Stat: According to the British Association of Removers (BAR), around 95% of moves go off without a hitch—but insurance gives you peace of mind.
What Can You Do to Help?
You don’t have to do the heavy lifting—but a little preparation goes a long way.
Here’s how you can make things easier for your moving team:
- Clear hallways before they arrive
- Label large items that need extra care
- Take photos of valuable items as a record
- Discuss access issues (like narrow stairs) in advance
- Be available to answer questions on moving day
Should You Try Moving Large Items Yourself?
It’s tempting to save money by doing it all solo. But should you?
Ask yourself:
- Do you have the right tools?
- Do you know how to lift safely?
- Can you disassemble and reassemble complex furniture?
- What happens if you drop or damage something?
DIY moves are doable—but risky. One wrong move could cost more than hiring a professional in the first place.
Example: A couple in Bristol tried to move their American-style fridge without help. They scratched the hallway wall and cracked the kitchen tiles—resulting in £600 in repairs.
Choosing the Right Removals Company
Not all movers are equal. If you have large or awkward items, choose a company with:
- Experience in handling bulky furniture
- Positive reviews mentioning care and professionalism
- Proper insurance
- Transparent pricing
Ask about their process. Ask what equipment they use. Good companies will have answers—and happy customers.
Final Thought: It’s Not Just Stuff, It’s Your Home
Behind every item moved is a memory.
That old piano your dad used to play. The oak wardrobe passed down from your grandmother. The bed where your child took their first nap.
Moving large items safely isn’t just about muscle—it’s about respect, care, and experience.
So next time you watch movers gently wrap, lift, and load that heavy item you love—remember the work behind the scenes that makes it all possible.