How to Move a Dresser

How to move dresser

To move a dresser, first empty all drawers and secure them shut. Protect the dresser with moving blankets and tape. Use a furniture dolly or sliders to carefully maneuver it to its new location, ensuring floors are protected. Enlist help for heavier pieces.

Moving a dresser requires careful planning to avoid damaging the furniture, your floors, or yourself. Whether you’re rearranging a room or moving to a new home, follow these steps for a successful transfer. Start by assessing the dresser’s weight and size, and the path it needs to travel.

Empty the dresser completely. Remove all items from every drawer. This significantly reduces the weight and prevents items from shifting and causing damage during the move. Once empty, secure the drawers. You can use painter’s tape or bungee cords to keep them from sliding open. Painter’s tape is preferred as it’s less likely to leave residue on the finish.

Prepare the dresser for the move

Once the drawers are empty and secured, it’s time to protect the dresser itself. Wrap the entire piece in moving blankets or thick comforters. Pay special attention to corners and edges, which are most susceptible to damage. Secure the blankets with packing tape or shrink wrap. Ensure the tape doesn’t directly contact the dresser’s finish; wrap the tape around the blankets instead.

If the dresser has removable legs, consider taking them off. This can lower the center of gravity and make it easier to handle. Store the legs in a labeled bag and tape it securely to the back or underside of the dresser so they don’t get lost.

Gather your moving tools and supplies

The right tools make a big difference. You’ll need moving blankets, packing tape, and possibly shrink wrap. For moving the dresser, consider a furniture dolly (also known as a hand truck) or furniture sliders. Furniture sliders are particularly useful for moving heavy items across carpeted or hard floors. If you have a very heavy or large dresser, you might need moving straps or a furniture dolly with straps.

Always have a second person to help. Attempting to move a heavy dresser alone significantly increases the risk of injury or damage. Ensure everyone involved knows the plan and where to grip the furniture.

Protect your floors and doorways

Before you start moving, protect the paths the dresser will travel. Lay down cardboard, old blankets, or floor runners to prevent scratches or scuffs on hardwood or laminate floors. For carpeted areas, a sturdy piece of plywood can help distribute the weight and prevent the dresser from sinking or getting snagged.

Clear the path. Remove any obstacles, rugs, or furniture that might be in the way. Measure doorways and hallways to ensure the dresser will fit. If it’s a tight squeeze, you may need to tilt the dresser or remove doors from their hinges.

Maneuver the dresser to its new location

If using a furniture dolly, tilt the dresser slightly to slide the dolly’s base underneath. Secure the dresser to the dolly with straps if necessary. Move slowly and deliberately, communicating with your helper. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs. If the dresser is too tall to see over while on a dolly, have your helper walk in front to guide you.

If using furniture sliders, tilt the dresser slightly on each corner and place a slider underneath. Ensure the sliders are the correct type for your flooring (e.g., felt for hard floors, rubber for carpet). Once sliders are in place, you can push or pull the dresser more easily. Again, move slowly and use your legs to push, not your back.

Position the dresser and unpack

Once you reach the desired location, carefully move the dresser into its final position. If using sliders, you can often slide it directly into place. If using a dolly, carefully tilt the dresser off the dolly, remove the dolly, and then set the dresser down. Remove the protective blankets and tape.

Reattach any legs that were removed. Inspect the dresser for any damage that may have occurred during the move. Then, you can begin reloading the drawers. It’s a good idea to place heavier items at the bottom to improve stability.

Common Mistakes When Moving a Dresser

FAQ

How to move a heavy dresser

For a heavy dresser, always use a furniture dolly and moving straps to secure it. Ensure you have at least one strong helper. Protect your floors thoroughly and clear the path. Lift with your legs and move slowly, communicating with your helper throughout the process. Consider removing drawers to lighten the load further.

How to move a dresser by yourself

Moving a dresser alone is best attempted with furniture sliders on a clear path. Empty and secure all drawers. Tilt the dresser slightly on each corner to place sliders underneath. Push slowly and carefully, using your legs for leverage. For very heavy dressers, it is strongly recommended to get help to avoid injury and damage.

What is the best way to protect a dresser during a move?

Wrap the entire dresser in moving blankets or thick comforters, paying special attention to vulnerable corners and edges. Secure the blankets with packing tape or shrink wrap, ensuring the tape only adheres to the blankets, not the dresser’s finish. If possible, remove legs for easier handling and to prevent damage.

How to prevent dresser drawers from opening during a move?

Once empty, secure dresser drawers with painter’s tape or bungee cords to prevent them from sliding open. Painter’s tape is ideal as it’s less likely to leave residue on the dresser’s finish. Ensure the tape is firmly applied to keep drawers shut throughout the moving process.