Furniture Lifter Tools: Key Takeaways
- A furniture lifter helps with quick home rearrangements, in-house moves, or prepping furniture before relocation
- It lifts one side of a heavy object so you can place sliders underneath for easier movement
- Using a lifter requires physical effort and caution and is not ideal for moving fragile or valuable furniture
- Hiring professional movers is the better option if you’re moving multiple large items, dealing with stairs, or having high-value pieces you don’t want to damage
Looking at your 200 lb. dresser, you realize moving is no joke. Will a furniture lifter tool be enough to do the job, or do you suspect you’ll need some extra hands?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What a furniture lifter does
- When to use it
- How to operate one
- Why hiring pros is smarter
Don’t risk injury or damage. Call Imperial Movers
How a Furniture Lifter Works and Why It’s Useful
A compact tool with a long handle and a flat metal base, a furniture lifter tool lifts one side of a heavy object off the ground.
How does it work?
- You slide the metal base under the edge of your furniture, for example a dresser, sofa, wardrobe, or filing cabinet.
- You press the handle downward and raise the item using leverage.
- Once lifted, you can move your furniture across floors without dragging with the help of protective pads or gliders.
A furniture lifter helps:
- Minimize physical effort.
- Protect flooring.
- Lower the risk of injury while straining or bending.
A furniture lifter can also be used in commercial settings. For example:
- Facilities managers may use furniture lifters for reconfiguring office layouts or staging showrooms.
- Event planners might find them useful when adjusting venue furniture or prepping spaces on a budget.
When Do You Need a Furniture Lifter?
Furniture lifter tools are great for quick rearrangements, small-scale renovations, or when you’re getting ready for a move.
Rearranging Furniture in a Room
Redesigning your bedroom? You might need to move your bed from one corner of the room to the other. A furniture lifter tool can help you do that without scratching your hardwood or laminate flooring.
Preparing for a Move
Thinking of relocating? You might want to shift your china cabinet to the exit. A furniture lifter lets you put sliders or moving pads under it and glide it without toppling or damaging the frame.
Swapping Out Rugs or Floor Protectors
Need to center your new rug under the sofa? A lifter may come in handy. It’ll help you raise one side at a time and slide the rug or move it to the desired position with little effort.
How To Move Heavy Furniture Using a Lifter Step-by-Step
Working with a furniture lifter is a straightforward process provided you’re using it on flat, stable surfaces.
- Clear rugs and nearby objects to avoid tripping.
- Slide the lifter tool under one corner of your furniture, ensuring it’s aligned and stable.
- Press the handle down to lift the furniture.
- Put a slider or pad under the lifted corner.
- Do the same for all corners.
- Push or pull the heavy pieces across the room to the desired location.
Limitations of a Furniture Lifter
While convenient and relatively easy to use, a furniture lifter comes with a few drawbacks.
Not Suitable for All Furniture Types
Using a lifter for items with uneven legs or fragile frames, for example, antique chairs or particle board bookshelves, can distribute weight unevenly and cause cracking or warping.
Requires Physical Effort and Skill
Despite their ergonomic design, lifters require body control and balance, which may be challenging if you’re not used to manual labor or strain.
Potential for Injuries and Property Damage
If used incorrectly, a lifter tool can lead to injuries, requiring costly treatment. It can also cause floor dents, crack furniture legs or leave permanent marks on lifted items, needing an expensive repair.
Although a furniture lifter is a budget-friendly and easy-to-use tool it has its own disadvantages
What To Do When a Lifter Isn’t Enough
Planning a move but not sure if you can operate the furniture lifter? Moving companies can help you do the job.
Hiring pros is recommended when:
- Your furniture is too large, delicate, or expensive.
- You’re dealing with tight doorways or hallways.
- You need to move more than a few pieces.
- You’ll be moving your furniture up or down stairs.
- You don’t have help from friends and neighbors.
- You have physical limitations.
Having professional movers:
- Eliminates physical strain.
- Prevents injuries and damage.
- Saves time and stress.
Choosing a furniture lifter vs. professional movers depends on several key factors
Need Moving Services? Call Imperial Movers
So, you’ve decided you need a moving company. Why call exactly Imperial Movers?
A trusted partner when moving to New York, our team has the tools and the experience to move everything from furniture to art and grand pianos.
We offer:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Floor and wall protection
- Custom crating for delicate items
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible scheduling, including same-day and last-minute moves
- VIP moving services for high-profile clients
With Imperial, you don’t need a furniture lifter. We’ll lift the whole move off your plate.
One wrong lift can cost more than hiring a pro. Call Imperial Movers
Furniture Lifter Tools Explained: FAQs
Using a furniture lifter or professional movers? If you’re still not sure which should be your choice, read on.
Can I use a furniture lifter on carpets?
While you can use a furniture lifter on carpets, standard plastic pads won’t glide well because of the carpet fibers. Ensure you have carpet-friendly sliders before you start.
What weight can furniture lifters handle?
Most furniture lifters can handle between 300 and 660 lbs. To stay on the safe side, check the tool’s guide before use.
Is a furniture lifter tool worth buying?
Furniture lifters can be a good buy if you often move furniture around or live alone. For full moves, consider hiring pros (Discover why professional packers and movers are worth every penny).
Can I use a furniture lifter tool for moving a refrigerator or washing machine?
Yes, you can move a refrigerator or washing machine with a furniture lifter. Make sure you also use sliders or rollers to protect both your floors and your appliances.
Can I use a furniture lifter with stairs?
No. Lifters are designed for use on level surfaces. Stairs require human lifting and precise coordination, often needing professional interference.
How do I choose a reliable moving company?
To choose a trusted moving company, research and compare multiple providers and quotes, verify if they have licensing and insurance, and check out customer reviews.
Are furniture sliders the same as furniture lifters?
No. Lifters help raise a furniture piece off the ground. Sliders, on the other hand, sliders are pads that you put under furniture legs to facilitate movement from one end of a room to the other.
What are the most common types of furniture lifters?
The most common types of furniture lifters include:
- Manual lifters: Use a long handle and leverage to lift furniture manually and are a good choice for occasional home use and small to medium furniture.
- Hydraulic lifters: Use hydraulic pressure to lift heavier items and are preferred for frequent lifting tasks in semi-professional settings.
- Electric-powered lifters: Use a motor system to lift items and are an excellent option for moving heavy furniture in commercial or industrial settings.
The furniture lifter not cutting it? Imperial Movers can help
