Moving Day: Lifting & Loading

Moving day packs a year of heavy lifting into a few hours, often on stairs, in the heat and on little sleep. Strains, dropped furniture, falls off ramps and crushed fingers are common. A little planning cuts the risk a lot.

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Families

Pack smart

• Use small boxes for heavy items like books, and large boxes for light items like linens. Keep boxes under about 40 pounds.
• Use sturdy boxes with handholds, and tape the bottoms well.
• Label boxes with the room and “heavy” or “fragile.”
• Keep the walkways and stairs clear of boxes and tools so no one trips.

Lifting

• Test the weight first. If it’s too heavy, ask for help or use equipment.
• Bend your knees, keep your back straight, hold the load close, and lift with your legs. See Lifting & Ergonomics.
• Don’t twist while carrying. Turn your whole body with your feet.
• Use two people for furniture, appliances and anything bulky. Agree on who leads, and say “ready, lift” and “down” together.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good grip, and work gloves.

Equipment

• Hand trucks and dollies: strap the load, put heavy items at the bottom, and tip it back so the weight is on the wheels. Pull going up stairs and let the load stay below you going down, with a spotter.
• Furniture sliders and straps reduce strain on floors and backs.
• Appliances: shut off and disconnect gas, water and power first, and have a pro disconnect gas appliances. See Shutting Off Utilities.

Ramps and loading the truck

• Use a ramp with a slope gentle enough to push a loaded dolly safely, and that’s secured to the truck.
• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine while loading.
• Load heavy items first, toward the front and low, and tie them down with straps or ropes so nothing shifts. Keep the load balanced side to side.
• Keep people clear of the ramp edges and the back of the truck while someone is pushing a load.

Stairs and doorways

• Measure doors and turns beforehand. Remove doors from hinges if needed.
• Use a spotter on stairs. Don’t carry loads you can’t see over.
• Prop doors open with a safe wedge, and watch fingers in the hinge side.

Heat and rest

Heavy work in summer heat can cause heat illness. Drink water, take shaded breaks, and start early. See Extreme Heat. Eat something, and rest when you’re tired. Most injuries happen at the end of the day.

Driving a rental truck

• Check the height posted in the cab, and watch for low bridges, drive-through canopies and tree branches.
• Leave extra following distance, take wide turns, and use the mirrors constantly. Backing up needs a spotter. See Backing & Docking.
• Don’t overload past the truck’s weight limit.

Know your limits

Pianos, safes, large appliances and long flights of stairs are jobs for professional movers. Hiring help costs less than a back injury, and licensed movers carry insurance. See Hiring Contractors for questions to ask.

Moving-day checklist

• Walkways and stairs cleared; lights on
• Appliances disconnected; gas appliances handled by a pro
• Ramp and hand truck checked; straps ready
• Helpers briefed, with water on hand
• Heavy items loaded first and tied down

Last updated: October 4, 2026