Tricks From VanUmove for Moving Furniture in Flats with No Lift

*This is a collaborative guest post

Moving is a difficult undertaking in and of itself, but living in an apartment without a lift may make it seem like you’re ascending Everest while carrying your clothes on your back.  In addition to the occasional scratch on your walls, heavy furniture, tight corners, and narrow staircases are surefire ways to cause tension.  Don’t freak out just yet, though! We’ve put together some top tips to help you tackle the challenge of moving furniture in lift-less flats. Whether you’re planning to do it all yourself or considering professional removal services, these practical steps will make the process a whole lot easier. In case you’re looking for furniture removal near you in the UK, VanUmove’s got you covered with trusted local pros who can make your move a doddle.

Step 1: Measure Everything Properly First

Get a tape measure before you even consider moving that sofa upstairs. I promise you that it can save your life, even though it might seem like a chore.  Although it can seem like a chore, trust me—it could save your life.  First, measure the height, breadth, and depth of your greatest pieces of furniture.   Then concentrate on the places they have to go through, including stairwells, hallways, and entrances.   Light switches, banisters, and radiators are examples of those annoying little items that always seem to get in the way.

Why bother? Well, as the old saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.” In moving terms, it’s more like “Measure twice, move once.” A few minutes with a tape measure can stop you from getting stuck halfway up the stairs with a bookcase that won’t budge. Been there, done that—it’s not fun!

Step 2: Source the Right Kit

Having the right gear can turn a back-breaking job into something manageable. You’ll want to get your hands on some essentials: furniture dollies, sturdy straps, and protective blankets. A dolly is a godsend for shifting heavy items like fridges or washing machines, while straps give you a better grip and keep things secure. Blankets? They’re not just for cosying up — they’ll shield your furniture and walls from dings and scratches.

Not sure where to find this stuff? Some moving and storage services offer equipment rental, which can save you both time and cash. I once tried moving a chest of drawers without a dolly, and let’s just say my arms and patience weren’t thanking me afterwards. Learn from my mistake: kit yourself out properly.

Step 3: Use Smart Lifting Techniques

Your body will thank you if you lift the right way. Rule number one: bend your knees, not your back. Keep whatever you’re carrying close to your body, and lift with your legs, they’re stronger than you think. Avoid twisting while you’re holding something heavy; instead, pivot with your feet to change direction.

Don’t play the hero for those heftier items like that oak dining table you couldn’t resist. Ask a mate to lend a hand. Team lifting splits the load and cuts the risk of pulling a muscle. We’ve all seen those comedy sketches where someone tries to shift a wardrobe solo and ends up flat on their back. Don’t be that person!

Step 4: Master Ropes and Pulleys for Heavier Items

Got something really heavy, like a piano or a massive cabinet? Ropes and pulleys might just be your secret weapon. You can easily move large objects or your furniture up or down stairs by putting up a basic pulley system.  Although it looks like something from an old adventure movie, it works!

That said, this isn’t a job for beginners. If you’re not sure how to rig it up safely, it might be worth calling in the pros. Better safe than sorry when there’s a grand piano dangling above your head. Still, for the DIY enthusiasts out there, a bit of practice with lighter loads could make you a pulley pro in no time.

Step 5: Make Your Move a Breeze, Not a Battle

A good plan can turn chaos into calm. Break your move into bite-sized chunks, don’t try to shift everything in one frantic day. Tackle one room at a time, and make a checklist to keep yourself on track. Label your boxes clearly (no one wants to unpack kitchen gear in the bedroom), and keep a quick inventory so nothing goes missing.

Oh, and pace yourself! Drink some water, take frequent pauses, and perhaps even reward yourself with a biscuit or two.  Moving is a marathon, not a sprint, and if you don’t burn out in the middle, you’ll feel much better.  A little organisation goes a long way towards keeping your sanity intact.

To Wrap It Up

It doesn’t have to be a nightmare to move furniture in an apartment without an elevator.  You can handle it like an expert if you prepare a little, have the appropriate equipment, and use some ingenious strategies. 

Measure everything first, kit yourself out properly, lift smartly, consider ropes for the heavy stuff, and plan your move step by step. But if it all feels a bit much or if you’d rather not risk your back there’s help out there. Platforms like VanUmove can connect you with reliable removal services or a moving and storage service to take the weight off your shoulders.