How to Move A Dresser

Shifting a dresser from one place to another can be more difficult than it seems. Dressers come in many shapes and sizes, but they’re built for tight corners or narrow staircases. Rushing the process or using the wrong techniques can easily result in damaged walls, strained muscles, or broken furniture. That’s why it’s important to have the right tools and a clear plan to move a dresser.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to move a dresser safely and efficiently, including tools and ways to prep stairs before the move, and common mistakes to avoid. You’ll get a complete breakdown of the best way to move a dresser, so you can move it safely.

Why It’s Important to Move a Dresser Properly

A dresser is often heavy, wide, and awkward to grip. If you rush or skip key steps, it can lead to a damaged home, injuries, or a wrecked dresser. These potential outcomes show that it’s necessary to take a proper approach to moving a dresser. Taking a few extra precautions saves you a lot of stress later, especially if you’re moving a dresser by yourself.

• Prevent property damage: Dressers are bulky and tricky to carry and can easily knock into walls, door frames, and floors. One bad turn and you’re looking at a dented wall or scratched hardwood.
• Prevent injuries: Trying to lift a heavy dresser by using incorrect techniques can strain your back, twist your wrists, or worse. Overestimating your ability to carry weight alone is a common cause of injury during moves.
• Protect the furniture: The last thing you want is a cracked drawer, a chipped corner, or a broken leg. Dressers with mirrors or glass panels are especially fragile if not moved with care.
• Make the move go faster and smoother: Using the right tools and process means less guesswork, fewer breaks, and more control over the entire move, especially when stairs or tight doorways are involved.
• Avoid costly repairs or replacements: Damage to your home or furniture during a move can sometimes cost more than the move itself. With proper handling, you can avoid unexpected expenses.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Move a Dresser

When you have the correct tools, moving a dresser will be easier, safer, and faster. These essentials will give you better control and reduce the physical strain involved in the move.

Moving Dolly

If you’re wondering how to move a dresser by yourself, a moving dolly does the heavy lifting for you. Use a four-wheel flat dolly for wide, heavy dressers or a two-wheel hand truck if you’re moving a taller, narrower dresser. They both help shift the weight from your body to the wheels, letting you guide the dresser rather than carry it. Make sure the surface of the dolly has grip, or use a moving blanket to prevent the dresser from sliding.

When dealing with multi-story housing and figuring out how to move a dresser upstairs by yourself, a hand truck with stair-climbing wheels makes a big difference. But for short, flat distances, a simple furniture dolly is usually enough.

Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders go under the legs or corners of a dresser and reduce friction between the dresser and the floor. Felt sliders are best for hardwood or tile to prevent scratches. Use hard plastic sliders on carpeted surfaces. You don’t need to lift the whole dresser; tip it gently and place a furniture slider underneath.

Sliders are invaluable if you’re moving a dresser alone across a room before loading it. You’ll have more control and reduce the risk of damaging both the furniture and the floor.

Lifting Straps

Lifting straps (also called shoulder dollies) shift the dresser’s weight to your shoulders and legs, which reduces strain on your arms and lower back. Lifting straps help you carry a heavy dresser without straining your back. They let you stay upright and work especially well with a helper on stairs. Adjust them to fit your height and the dresser’s size. If you’ve never used them before, practice using them with something lighter.

Moving Blankets or Bubble Wrap

Wrapping the dresser is always a good idea, especially if it has a glossy finish, mirrors, or fragile trim. Cover the top, the sides, and the corners with a moving blanket, securing it in place with packing tape. Add a couple of layers of bubble wrap to avoid minor scratches and dust.

For mirrored or glass parts, place extra padding directly on the surface before wrapping. You don’t need expensive materials; even old towels or thick bedding work well, as long as they cover all contact points.

Packing Tape

Packing tape helps keep the padding in place. It can also be used to tape drawers shut if needed, but don’t let the tape touch finished wood. Always wrap the surface first, then tape over the padding.

You can also use tape to seal loose cords, ziplock bags with screws, and removable parts. Keep a roll nearby since you’ll end up using it more than once.

Screwdriver or Drill

Some dressers are easier to move once parts are removed. Handles, legs, and decorative add-ons can make the dresser wider than it may look. Having a screwdriver or drill ready helps you remove these parts without damaging anything. Be careful not to strip screws when removing them, and keep them in a labeled bag taped to the dresser’s back. For older dressers, check that the screws aren’t rusted or warped before trying to remove anything.

Gloves and Proper Footwear

Gloves with a good grip help prevent slipping and also protect your hands from splinters, sharp edges, and pinched fingers. Don’t go barehanded if your dresser is made of rough wood or metal.

Wear closed-toe shoes with flat, non-slip soles. If you’re going up or down stairs, a firm footing makes a big difference. Avoid sandals and shoes with raised heels, since they can catch on steps.

Tie-Down Straps or Rope 

Straps with buckles or a thick rope can stop your dresser from sliding during a move. After loading it onto a dolly or a truck, loop the strap over the dresser and fasten it. Keep it snug, but not too tight. If your truck has built-in hooks, use them to anchor the strap.

Prepping the Dresser for the Move 

Getting the dresser ready makes the move smoother and safer.

• Empty the drawers: Can you move a dresser with clothes in it? We don’t recommend it. Take everything out, even if it’s lightweight. Loose items shift when you move your dresser, making it harder to balance. You also avoid things getting trapped or damaged inside.
• Remove mirrors and fragile attachments: Unscrew attached mirrors, decorative tops, and anything breakable. Wrap these items separately and label them so you can find them easily after the move.
• Disassemble if needed: If the dresser is too wide for doorways or too tall for stair landings, take it apart and remove legs, handles, and anything else that sticks out.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Move Your Dresser

When you break down moving tasks into steps, it’s much easier to complete them successfully without any mishaps. Here are the steps to moving a dresser.

1. Clear Your Path

Before you move the dresser, take a good look at the space. Are there rugs you could trip on? There might be furniture in the way, or maybe corners that seem too tight. Move anything that might slow you down. Prop open the doors so they’re not swinging shut mid-move. If there are stairs, make sure they’re dry and well-lit if you or your helper will be stepping backward. For narrow spots, check if you can remove the dresser’s legs, handles, or other small parts.

2. Protect the Dresser and Your Home

Wrap the dresser in moving blankets or bubble wrap, especially the corners. Add padding to tight doorframes, baseboards, and stair railings. To protect the floors, lay down towels or cardboard.

3. Use Furniture Sliders

If you’re moving the dresser across a room, use sliders. Tilt one corner at a time and slide the pad under. Then gently push the dresser, but don’t yank or drag it. Move slowly and evenly to prevent tipping.

This step is also helpful if you’re trying to move a dresser on carpet, in which case you should use a plastic slider.

4. Lift With a Dolly

Slide the dolly underneath while another person stabilizes the dresser. Make sure the dolly is centered and balanced. If the dolly has straps, secure the dresser before moving it. This is especially helpful if you’re going to move a dresser by yourself.

Move slowly, especially on slopes or uneven floors. Avoid sharp turns that could unbalance the load.

5. Carry Up or Down Stairs

If you’re going upstairs, one person should be at the lower end pushing and the other person at the higher end pulling. Tilt the dresser slightly so the weight stays centered. This is the best way to move a dresser upstairs. Going downstairs, reverse the process, lead with the heavier side down, and go one step at a time. Use lifting straps to make it easier. Don’t try to rush this part, and constantly communicate with your helper at every step to ensure everyone’s safety.

6. Load Into the Moving Truck 

If you have a ramp, you can easily roll the dresser up. If you don’t have one, get help from another person and lift the dresser slowly. Once it’s in the truck, slide it flat against a wall. Use straps or rope to hold it in place. If the dresser is next to anything else in the truck, put a blanket or padding between the items to prevent scratches and damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you have the right tools and steps in place, a few minor missteps can cause damage or injury. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for while moving a dresser.

• Not securing drawers: Loose drawers can slide open mid-move and throw off the balance. Always empty or tape them shut.
• Underestimating weight: Dressers look manageable, but they’re often heavier than expected. Don’t try to move a dresser alone without checking if you can handle it without help.
• Dragging on hardwood floors: Sliding a dresser directly on the floor can leave deep scratches in the wood. Always use sliders or lift your dresser completely off the ground.
• Lifting improperly: Lifting with your back instead of your legs is the fastest way to get hurt. Use proper form and lifting straps to stay safe.
• Not protecting corners or walls: One sharp turn can leave a dent or a scratch. Use moving blankets or cardboard at tight corners and doorframes.

When to Hire Professional Movers 

Moving a dresser might seem like a one-person job until you hit a narrow stairwell or feel the weight shift mid-lift. If you’re moving a heavy dresser upstairs, through tight hallways, or across multiple rooms, it’s worth asking whether you really want to do it alone.

Serenity Moving Services takes the stress out of your move. From protective padding to safe loading and transport, our team of experts handles every step with care. To learn more or schedule your move, call us or visit our website today.