![Moving straps make a house move safer and easier.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/furniture-lifting-straps.jpg)
Highlights
- Moving straps – furniture lifting straps and ratchet tie-down straps – can make your move safer and easier.
- Furniture lifting straps distribute the weight of a load more evenly and create leverage that allows you to lift much more than you normally could. They also lower the center of gravity of the item you’re lifting, so you don’t need to bend or twist your back too much.
- Moving tie-down straps help you secure items in the moving vehicle.
- Both types of moving straps reduce the risk of damages and injuries during the moving process.
When moving house, you can either hire professional movers to relocate your belongings or rent a moving truck and move your items yourself.
If you choose the second option, you’re going to need some help – and some specialized moving equipment. You can’t possibly do it all on your own (just think of the heavy lifting on moving day) and you can’t do without the right tools and supplies for the job.
There are many different types of moving equipment that can make your move safer, smoother, and easier – moving dollies, furniture sliders, harness straps, etc. Moving straps are among the simplest, yet most highly effective of them – they allow you to lift heavy objects with ease and help keep your items secure during a move.
Lifting straps and ratchet tie down straps – the two types of straps used for moving – have very different roles and purposes in the relocation process, but they’re both extremely helpful during a house move – and they’re both instrumental for a successful and trouble-free relocation.
Read on to find out when and how to use furniture lifting straps and moving tie down straps, so you can make your next relocation as safe and easy as possible.
How to use lifting straps for moving furniture
Furniture moving straps take the weight of a load off your body and lower the center of gravity of the item you’re lifting, allowing you to handle it without bending or twisting your back. The straps keep the heavy object secure and protect your back and shoulders from pain and strain, thus greatly reducing the risk of injuries and accidents during the move.
Lifting straps for moving allow you to lift and carry heavy items with ease by utilizing your own body’s leverage and strength. To ensure safety and achieve maximum efficiency though, you need to use them correctly.
![Make sure you know how to use furniture moving straps before your get down to work.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/forklift-instructions.jpg)
So, how to use furniture moving straps? The specific procedure depends on the type of straps you’re using (see below for details) but there are some general guidelines to follow in all cases:
- Read the instructions that come with your furniture lifting straps before you get down to work, so you know exactly what to do, what to expect, and what moving-related accidents and injuries to be careful about;
- Decide on the best route to take your furniture from its current location to where it needs to go. If you’ll be working with a partner (which is most often the case when using moving straps), let them know exactly where you’ll be passing through and exactly how you’ll be using the lifting straps to move the furniture. Discussing your plan in advance will eliminate the possibility of misunderstanding during the actual move;
- Measure the furniture you’re going to move and all the doorways, hallways, and staircases along the way, so you know if your piece will fit through. You don’t want to lift and carry a heavy item only to find out that it won’t fit through the door, around the corner, or along the stairs;
- Clear the path of obstacles – When carrying a bulky item, you need good visibility and room to maneuver, so you have to make sure that the way is not blocked by anything. Remove any items from your path – and any items hanging on the walls along the way, too;
- Put on comfortable, sturdy shoes that provide a good grip, so you don’t slip while carrying the heavy furniture;
- Place the lifting straps on your forearms or over your shoulders (depending on the type of furniture moving straps you’re using). Your partner should do the same;
- Put the carrying straps on the floor, in front of the furniture piece you want to move;
- Slightly tilt the furniture backward and slide the carrying straps under it;
- Be sure to work in tandem with your partner and communicate all the time. There must be perfect synchronization between the two of you – otherwise, you may drop the item or get injured because of the extra strain.
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to take a look at the specifics. There are two principal designs of furniture moving straps – forearm straps and shoulder straps – and each has its own peculiarities.
Shoulder dolly vs forearm forklift
When it comes to moving heavy items, you have two different types of straps to choose from:
1) Forearm moving straps
Forearm moving straps, also known as a forearm forklift, have loops on both ends of the strap that fit over the forearms. They allow for many different strap configurations which makes them very versatile and very convenient to use.
![Shoulder moving straps allow you to lift and carry very heavy items.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shoulder-dolly.jpg)
Keep in mind though that you can’t use forearm straps to move a heavy item on your own – they are two person lifting straps that require you to work with a partner. And you can’t carry as heavy items with a forearm forklift as you can with over the shoulder moving straps – simply because your forearms are not as strong as your shoulders.
Forearm moving straps are very affordable (forearm forklift prices start at around $25) and very easy to use, so they’re the furniture moving equipment of choice for many DIY home movers.
2) Shoulder moving straps
Shoulder moving straps, also known as a shoulder dolly, have a harness that fits over the shoulders. Some models connect behind the back or have an additional chest strap for greater stability.
Shoulder straps distribute weight evenly on the shoulders, allowing you to carry heavy items without too much effort and leaving your hands free to navigate and balance the item.
You can use shoulder straps to move a heavy item on your own – with the help of the so-called one person shoulder dolly – but the typical shoulder dolly is a two-person lifting system. It has great weight capacity and ensures excellent stability, allowing two people to safely lift and carry heavy household items that would otherwise be impossible to move.
Shoulder moving straps are more difficult to put on than forearm straps and a bit more expensive (a shoulder dolly costs about $40-$45), but they’re quite worth it.
Good to know: Whether you’re moving heavy furniture or heavy appliances, you can use the same type of moving straps – there is no difference between furniture moving straps and appliance moving straps. The terms are only used to specify what kind of items the moving straps are being used for during a particular job.
Regardless of their type, the best moving straps are strong, adjustable, and comfortable and make moving heavy items a breeze.
How to use forearm moving straps
Forearm forklifts use leverage to help you lift and carry heavy items without undue stress on your muscles. You just need to make sure that you’re using the straps correctly:
1. Place the carrying straps under the item you want to move:
- If you’re moving a furniture piece or an appliance with legs, place the straps on either end of the item (on the inner side of the legs), running parallel to each other;
- If you’re moving a heavy item without legs, place the straps underneath it in an x-pattern.
2. Choose the right arm loops – or adjust the length of the straps:
- Most forearm moving straps have several different arm loops in order to accommodate furniture and appliance of all shapes and sizes. You need to find the loops that will make the moving straps the right length for lifting the object at least 5’’ off the ground and slide your arms through them (the loops should be positioned on the upper half of your forearms);
- Some forearm straps have tension buckles – you need to insert the strap into the buckle and adjust the length, then position the so-formed loops on your forearms, near the elbows.
![Forearm forklifts are extremely versatile.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/moving-sofa-1.jpg)
Your partner needs to do the same.
3. Lift the item -With the straps securely positioned on your upper forearms, bend your knees and your arms and get ready to lift the heavy object. Keep your back straight and use your legs to lift up the item.Be sure to stand up simultaneously with your partner.
4. Carefully move the item – Work in tandem with your partner to slowly move the item to where it needs to go (into the moving truck, inside your new home, into a different room, etc.). One of you will have to walk backward and the other – forward, giving directions and warnings.
Depending on the size and shape of the item, it may be better to carry it with your arms bent or with your arms straight out at a slightly upward angle. If the straps are aligned in an x-pattern underneath the item, be sure to bend your arms and balance the piece with your hands while carrying it. Make small steps and keep the weight centered on your legs.
Once you get to your destination, slowly put the item down onto the ground (or onto the floor), remove the loops from your forearms, and remove the straps from under the item.
Related useful information: How to lift and carry heavy items when moving
How to use shoulder moving straps
Shoulder straps for moving furniture and appliances allow for weight distribution and stability, enabling you to move heavy items in a safe and efficient manner. The moving harness system, however, is a bit more difficult to use than the forearm forklift.
Here are the right steps to follow when moving heavy objects with shoulder straps:
Step 1. Suit up. Position the harness moving straps over your shoulders, with the buckle lying flat in front of you and the straps crossing behind your back. Have your partner do the same.
Step 2. Place the long lifting strap under the item you want to move. If you’re moving a furniture piece or an appliance with legs, you can simply slide the strap under the item (between the legs). If the item doesn’t have legs, you’ll have to tip it to the side and slide the strap under it. Make sure the strap is under the bulk of the weight.
Step 3. Buckle up. When the carrying strap is properly positioned under the item,attach one of its ends to your shoulder harness, weaving it through the buckle and over the round bar. Have your partner do the same.
Step 4. Adjust the length. Once both ends of the strap are secure, you need to adjust the length of the strap between the two harnesses so it is appropriate for lifting the object several inches off the ground. Turn the buckle horizontal to the ground and pull the strap end as much as needed – when the buckle is vertical, it will lock and allow you to safely lift the item. If there is too much excess strap hanging from the buckle, tie it around your body or tuck it between the harness and your body so you don’t trip over it while carrying the item.
![Shoulder moving straps allow you to lify heavy items with your shoulder muscles and leg muscles.](https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shoulder-straps.jpg)
Step 5. Lift the item. With the moving harness system securely in place, bend your knees and place your hands on either side of the item you’re moving. Ensure your partner is doing the same. Keeping your back straight, push against the item and slowly straighten your legs to lift the piece using the leverage from the straps and the strength of your shoulder and leg muscles. Be sure to stand up simultaneously with your partner and to balance the item with your hands.
Step 6. Take the item to where you want it to be. Carry the item very carefully, communicating with your partner all the time. As when using forearm moving straps, one of you will have to walk backward while the other faces forward. Walk slowly, make small steps, and use your hands to stabilize the item as you walk.
Once you get to your destination, lower the item to the ground (or to the floor) and remove the strap from the buckle to free yourself from the piece. Take off your shoulder lifting straps and remove the carrying strap from under the item.
Good to know – How to use moving straps on stairs
If you need to move a furniture piece, an appliance, or any other bulky item up or down stairs, shoulder straps are your best friend – they will help you carry the heavy piece without too much effort and safely navigate the stairs. Use the shoulder dolly as described above, just make sure the stronger partner walks lower on the stairs to support the heavy item from below. It is up to the person higher on the steps to guide and steady the piece.
See also: How to move furniture up stairs
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