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           In General information

          When it comes to moving heavy items like furniture, appliances, or multiple boxes, a dolly is one of the most useful tools in a mover’s arsenal. Knowing how to use a dolly properly can save you time, effort, and potential injuries. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using a dolly, from choosing the right type to tips for safely moving different objects.

          furniture dolly

          Types of Moving Dollies

          There are several types of moving dollies, each designed for specific tasks. Understanding which dolly to use and how to handle it will make your move much smoother.

          Furniture Dolly

          A furniture dolly is a four-wheeled flat platform, usually made of wood or metal, with a carpeted surface to prevent scratching. It has no handles and is designed to hold large, heavy, and often bulky items like couches, dressers, and tables. This dolly works best on flat, smooth surfaces such as hardwood or concrete floors.

          Utility Dolly

          The utility dolly, also known as a hand truck, is a versatile, two-wheeled dolly equipped with a small platform at the bottom to slide under objects. It’s perfect for moving boxes, smaller furniture, and other stackable items. The upright design makes it easy to maneuver and transport several items at once.

          Appliance Dolly

          An appliance dolly is a more specialized tool with straps or belts to secure appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens during transportation. The heavy-duty frame and larger wheels are designed to handle extra weight and make it easier to navigate these bulky items across various terrains.

          Stair Dolly

          A stair dolly, also known as a stair-climbing dolly, is similar to a regular utility dolly but comes with additional wheels designed to help move objects up and down stairs. It’s equipped with three wheels on each side that rotate as you ascend or descend stairs, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing strain.

          utility dolly

          What is the Right Dolly to Use?

          Choosing the right dolly depends on several factors. Each type of dolly is designed for specific tasks, and using the wrong one could result in damage to your belongings—or worse, injury.

          Item Size

          The size of the item you need to move will largely dictate the type of dolly you should use. For large pieces of furniture or appliances, a furniture or appliance dolly is your best bet. For smaller items, such as boxes, a utility dolly will be more efficient.

          Terrain

          Consider the surface you’ll be moving items across. If you’re moving things across flat, even ground, any dolly will work. However, if you have to move items up or down stairs or across uneven surfaces, you’ll need a stair dolly or a heavy-duty utility dolly with larger wheels.

          Weight Capacity

          Different dollies have different weight capacities, and exceeding the limit could cause the dolly to break or become unstable. Always check the weight limit of your dolly before loading it up, especially when moving heavy appliances or large pieces of furniture.

          Your Physical Ability

          Using a dolly doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for physical strength. You’ll still need to push, pull, and sometimes lift items to get them onto the dolly. Make sure you’re physically capable of handling the load, or enlist help to ensure your safety.

          How to Use a Furniture Dolly

          Using a furniture dolly is straightforward but requires some caution to ensure you don’t damage your furniture or injure yourself. Here’s how to use it:

          1. Lift the furniture onto the dolly: Position the dolly near the item you want to move. If the item is too large or heavy to lift on your own, get someone to help. Make sure the item is centered on the dolly to maintain balance.
          2. Secure the item: Once the furniture is on the dolly, secure it with straps or ropes to prevent it from slipping off while moving.
          3. Move carefully: Push the dolly gently, keeping an eye on your surroundings. Make sure there’s a clear path to avoid bumping into walls or other objects.
          4. Navigating corners: Turn the dolly slowly around corners to maintain control and prevent the item from tipping.

          How to Use a 2-Wheel Dolly

          A 2-wheel dolly (utility dolly) is often used for boxes, small furniture, and other stackable items. Here’s how to use it:

          1. Slide the bottom plate under the item: Tip the item slightly and slide the bottom plate of the dolly underneath it. Make sure it’s centered for stability.
          2. Tilt back: Grip the handles firmly and tilt the dolly back so the item rests on the dolly’s platform. The weight will shift to the wheels, making it easier to move.
          3. Push or pull: You can either push the dolly forward or pull it backward, depending on the space you’re working in. Pushing generally provides better control.
          4. Stack items carefully: If you’re moving multiple boxes, stack them evenly to avoid tipping. Use straps or bungee cords to secure them if needed.

          How to Use a Dolly to Move Boxes

          Moving boxes with a dolly is one of the most efficient ways to transport multiple items at once:

          1. Load the boxes: Place the heaviest box at the bottom and stack lighter ones on top. Ensure the stack isn’t too tall, as this could make the dolly unstable.
          2. Secure the load: Use straps or bungee cords to secure the boxes and prevent them from shifting during the move.
          3. Maneuver the dolly: Gently tilt the dolly back and push it forward. Keep an eye on the boxes to ensure nothing falls off during transport.
          4. Unloading: When unloading, take off the top box first to maintain balance and prevent the dolly from tipping over.

          How to Use a Dolly to Move Furniture

          Moving furniture with a dolly can save you a lot of physical strain. Here’s how to do it effectively:

          1. Position the dolly: For larger items like sofas or desks, position the dolly underneath one end of the furniture. If possible, lift the furniture slightly to slide the dolly underneath.
          2. Secure the furniture: Use straps or ropes to secure the furniture in place.
          3. Move carefully: Push the dolly slowly, paying close attention to the item’s balance. Take extra care when moving around corners or through doorways.
          4. Avoid obstacles: Make sure the path is clear of any obstacles that could cause the furniture to tip over or the dolly to become stuck.

          How to Use a Dolly to Move Appliances

          When it comes to moving large appliances, such as refrigerators or washing machines, an appliance dolly is essential:

          1. Prepare the appliance: Make sure the appliance is unplugged and emptied. Secure any doors or drawers with tape to prevent them from opening during the move.
          2. Use the straps: Most appliance dollies come with built-in straps. Wrap these around the appliance to hold it securely in place.
          3. Tip the appliance: Carefully tip the appliance back and tilt it onto the dolly. Appliances are heavy, so having a second person to assist is often necessary.
          4. Move slowly: Push the dolly forward, keeping your pace slow and controlled. Be mindful of weight distribution, especially when navigating stairs or uneven terrain.

          How to Use a Dolly to Move Heavy Objects

          For especially heavy items, such as safes or large cabinets, a dolly can be a lifesaver:

          1. Get help: Don’t attempt to lift extremely heavy items onto the dolly by yourself. Use leverage and the assistance of another person.
          2. Balance the load: Make sure the heavy object is centered on the dolly for better balance. A poorly balanced load can tip over and cause injury.
          3. Move with caution: Slow and steady is the rule when moving heavy items. Sudden jerks or rapid movements can shift the load and increase the risk of accidents.
          4. Use ramps when needed: If you need to move the item over steps or curbs, use a ramp to avoid lifting the heavy object unnecessarily.
          things to watch out for while using a dolly

          Things To Watch Out For While Using a Dolly

          While a dolly makes moving easier, it’s important to stay cautious and aware of certain things:

          1. Uneven surfaces: Moving on uneven ground can cause the dolly to become unstable. Be extra careful on gravel, grass, or uneven pavement.
          2. Weight limits: Never exceed the weight capacity of the dolly. Overloading can cause the wheels or platform to break.
          3. Obstacles: Ensure your path is clear of obstacles like rugs, cords, or debris that could catch the wheels and cause you to lose control.
          4. Stairs: When using a stair dolly, go slowly and ensure that the weight is evenly distributed. Never attempt to carry a heavy item up stairs without assistance.

          Conclusion

          Using a dolly can greatly simplify the process of moving heavy items, reducing the physical strain and risk of injury. Whether you’re moving boxes, furniture, or appliances, selecting the right dolly and knowing how to use it correctly is essential. Follow the tips in this guide, and you’ll have a smoother, safer moving experience.

          FAQs About The Use of a Moving Dolly

          What is a moving dolly?

          A moving dolly is a wheeled platform or hand truck used to transport heavy or bulky items more easily.

          What is the difference between a hand truck and a dolly?

          A hand truck is a type of dolly with two wheels and a handle, designed for moving smaller items like boxes. A traditional dolly typically has four wheels and a flat platform for larger, heavier items.

          What is the difference between a utility dolly and an appliance dolly?

          A utility dolly is a general-purpose dolly used for smaller items like boxes, while an appliance dolly is specialized for moving large appliances and has straps for securing the load.

          How much weight can one person move with a dolly?

          The amount of weight one person can move with a dolly depends on the type of dolly and the person’s strength. A typical utility dolly can hold around 600 pounds, while an appliance dolly can support over 1,000 pounds.

          How to use a furniture dolly on stairs?

          You generally can’t use a standard furniture dolly on stairs. Instead, you’ll need a stair dolly or moving straps to safely transport furniture up or down stairs.

          stc movers

          Planning to Move Heavy Items? Call the Pros

          While moving dollies offer significant assistance in lifting and transporting heavy items, some situations may warrant professional expertise.

          If you’re faced with particularly challenging moving tasks involving large appliances or bulky furniture, like a pool table or a grand piano, consider enlisting the services of experienced movers who possess the necessary skills and equipment to ensure a seamless and stress-free relocation.

          As one of Montreal’s top movers, we know a thing or three about moving and can handle any type of move quickly. No staircase is too steep, no box is too heavy, and no weather is too harsh!

          Our team, techniques, and well-equipped moving trucks are all in the best possible shape to handle both residential and commercial moves of any size. We can also take care of packing and unpacking after the move.

          Submit the form or call us at +1 (514) 418-4466 directly for a free quote. Good luck with your upcoming move, and stay tuned for more moving tips.

          Pavel
          About Author

          Pavel
          Owner/Founder – STC Movers

          I’m Pavel, and I run this company, with the unwavering support of my wife and kids. My team shares my values: we work hard, care about the outcome and want every single customer to feel good about doing business with us.