Last updated 11/10/2024
Moving can be challenging, but having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. One of the most essential tools for any move is a dolly, also known as a hand truck. Whether you’re tackling boxes, appliances, or furniture, a dolly allows you to move heavy and awkward items with much less effort. However, there are right and wrong ways to use a dolly, and understanding how to operate it properly is key to a smooth move.
If you’re gearing up for a DIY move, a dolly can help you save time and energy while avoiding unnecessary strain. With a variety of dollies available, you’re sure to find one that fits your specific needs! And if you don’t own one, renting from U-Haul or Home Depot is a convenient and affordable option. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right dolly for your move and how to use it safely and effectively.
Table of Contents
Choosing A Moving Dolly
Many people are familiar with the classic red metal dolly, often seen in garages and used for basic moving tasks. However, this is just one type of dolly available. Different types of dollies are designed to handle specific moving tasks, such as transporting large appliances, heavy furniture, or bulky items.
When selecting the right dolly for your move, consider a model with inflatable rubber wheels. These provide better traction and are more effective at navigating stairs or uneven surfaces, like sidewalks and thresholds. Additionally, for larger or awkwardly sized items, it’s a good idea to invest in a securing strap to help keep items safely fastened to the dolly during transport. This will reduce the risk of shifting or damage while moving from one location to another.
Here are some examples of the types of dollies that are available, and what they’re most useful for:
Utility Dollies
This is the standard all-purpose dolly, designed for moving heavy boxes or small to medium-sized appliances. Typically, utility dollies are capable of supporting up to 600 lbs. They’re versatile and can easily navigate stairs, making them a reliable choice for many moving tasks.
Appliance Dollies
A more robust version of the utility dolly, the appliance dolly is built to handle large, heavy appliances with ease. It often features a second set of wheels or an integrated strap to secure the load. While similar in appearance to a traditional hand truck, the added functionality makes it ideal for moving refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other large items.
Furniture Dollies
This dolly is designed specifically for moving furniture. With a solid square base and four wheels, furniture dollies allow for easy transportation of bulky items without the need for lifting. While they can typically support up to 1,000 lbs, they are not suitable for stairs. For moves involving multiple levels, be sure to have assistance available for navigating tight spaces and stairwells.
Specialty Dollies
In addition to the standard options, there are also specialty dollies available for specific items, such as refrigerators, pianos, or safes. These dollies are tailored to the unique requirements of each type of item and are often available for rent at locations like Home Depot or U-Haul. Check with your local rental center to see what specialized dollies are available for your move.
How to Handle Dollies
Using a dolly may seem straightforward, but there is a proper technique that will make your move safer and more efficient. When loading a box, appliance, or piece of furniture onto the dolly, begin by tilting the item forward and sliding the base plate underneath it. Once in place, use your hand to help balance the load as you carefully tip it back onto its wheels.
For added stability, keep a foot on the low bar between the wheels to prevent the dolly from tipping or sliding out from under you. Once it’s secure, you can either push it forward while maintaining balance or walk backward and pull it, depending on your preference and what feels most comfortable.
For safety, always wear close-toed shoes to protect your feet from heavy objects. Additionally, have a friend spot you to make sure you don’t injure yourself or damage your items. You may also want to place cardboard on carpets and hardwood to make sure the dolly’s wheels or the steel plate don’t scratch up the floor of your home. Finally, when you’re not using it, consider placing the dolly somewhere out of the way to avoid any accidents on moving day.
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Moving Boxes
When moving boxes, it’s important to take a few precautions to ensure a safe and efficient move. First, always place the heaviest box on the bottom. This helps maintain balance and prevents your stack from toppling over. Next, stack the boxes evenly, making sure they are aligned properly. This isn’t a game of Jenga, so don’t risk an unstable pile.
Finally, avoid stacking boxes too high. Not only will it obstruct your view of potential obstacles, but it could also cause the boxes to tip over, risking injury or damage to your items. If the stack is too tall for the dolly to support properly, consider making an extra trip. It’s a small effort that will ultimately save you from a bigger problem, ensuring both your safety and the protection of your belongings.
Moving Appliances
Moving appliances can be intimidating due to their size, weight, and delicate components, which can be costly to repair. If you’d rather not risk it, hiring a professional mover is a great option. However, if you’re handling the move yourself, here’s how to do it safely with a dolly.
For the best results, use an appliance dolly with extra wheels and built-in straps for stability. While a standard utility dolly can work, adding a strap is essential for securing the appliance during the move.
Make sure to secure all cords, hoses, and tubes to avoid damage. You can also use appliance moving wraps for added protection, but make sure to apply it after the appliance is loaded onto your moving truck to prevent slipping.
Finally, unplug the appliance at least 24 hours before moving, and for refrigerators or freezers, allow them to fully defrost to prevent leaks or water damage.
Moving Furniture
When it comes to moving furniture, using a dolly will allow you to transport heavy items like oak dressers, desks, or safes with minimal effort.
Before moving furniture like dressers or desks, be sure to empty all drawers and cabinets. Use painter’s tape to securely close drawers and doors. This will prevent them from swinging open or falling out during transport.
It’s also important to protect your furniture, especially wooden pieces, by wrapping them in moving blankets or furniture pads. This prevents scratches and dings caused by contact with the dolly’s metal frame. A furniture dolly is ideal for moving bulky or awkwardly shaped items, like pianos, pool tables, or treadmills, across flat surfaces. However, for navigating stairs, an appliance dolly or utility dolly with a strap offers better stability and control.
How To Use A Dolly On Stairs
When you think of moving furniture up and down stairs, the iconic “pivot!” scene from “Friends” probably comes to mind – along with Ross, Rachel, and Chandler’s comical struggle to get the couch into the apartment. While moving furniture can feel like a sitcom moment, it doesn’t have to end in disaster. With a dolly, you can make stairway moves much smoother and more manageable. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re wondering how to use a dolly on stairs.
- When using a dolly, don’t stop and start! Stopping and starting repeatedly makes it harder to maintain momentum, especially when navigating stairs or obstacles. When moving over stairs or bumps, try to keep the dolly moving continuously. Stopping can make it more difficult to get going again.
- Use a dolly with inflatable rubber wheels if you are able to. These are better equipped to handle stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Remember to always be cautious when going downstairs. Avoid tipping the dolly too far back, as it can cause the load to shift forward and potentially hit you.
- Steer with control by keeping one hand on the top of the load and steering with the other to avoid items shifting or falling off. Using straps to secure the load will help to ensure everything stays in place and doesn’t shift during the move.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you have the right tools and know how to use them effectively. A dolly is one of the most essential tools for any move, whether you’re transporting boxes, appliances, or furniture. By choosing the right dolly for your specific needs, using it properly, and taking the necessary precautions, you can make the process much smoother and avoid potential damage to your belongings or injury to yourself. If you don’t own a dolly, renting one from a local business is an easy and cost-effective solution. With a little preparation and the right equipment, you can tackle your move safely and effectively.
FAQs
For heavy furniture, a furniture dolly is ideal. It has a solid square base and four wheels, making it perfect for moving bulky items across flat surfaces. For stairs, consider using an appliance dolly or a utility dolly with a strap for added stability.
While a utility dolly can work for small appliances, it’s best to use an appliance dolly for large items like refrigerators and washing machines. An appliance dolly is specifically designed with extra wheels and straps to help secure the load and make the move smoother.
To protect your furniture, especially wood pieces, wrap them in moving blankets or furniture pads before loading them onto the dolly. This helps prevent scratches or damage from the dolly’s metal frame.
A dolly can be used on stairs, but it requires careful handling. Use a dolly with inflatable rubber wheels for better stability, and always maintain a steady pace without stopping or starting abruptly. When going downstairs, avoid tipping the dolly too far back to prevent items from shifting and causing injury.
Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
