Moving furniture when you live alone can feel like starring in your own ill-advised strongman competition.
That towering wardrobe won’t care that you skipped arm day, and your back certainly will. But with the right kit and a little know-how, shifting heavy loads doesn’t need to end in tears, splinters, or phoning an extra friend or six while wedged under the stairs.
While it might be tempting to simply drag a sofa from one end of the room to the other, doing so risks more than just a scuffed floor. Unwieldy furniture has a way of catching on doorframes, tipping dangerously, or leaving you trapped in a corridor with no escape route. It’s why professional movers are often worth their fees: they’re the difference between a seamless shuffle and a domestic stand-off with your wardrobe.
But if you’re unwilling to shell out a small fortune for the professionals, there are ways to do it solo.
First, technique is everything. Always lift with your legs, not your spine. Bend your knees, keep a firm grip, and avoid twisting mid-lift. Even with tools, poor form can lead to pulled muscles – and nobody wants that after wrangling a TV.
Second, never underestimate the power of accessories. A dolly, set of sliders, or heavy-duty straps can transform a Herculean task into something you could almost call manageable. Hydraulic lifters exist for the most serious jobs, but for most flat-dwellers, a set of rollers or a grip-pad dolly will do the trick nicely.
Finally - and this cannot be stressed enough - never move something unmanageable alone. Even the niftiest gadget won’t replace an extra pair of hands for unwieldy loads. Call in favours, bribe with pizza, and delegate.
Keep scrolling for a curated line-up of the best tools for moving furniture solo. From hydraulic beasts to budget-friendly sliders, they’re the sidekicks your spine has been waiting for.
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LoadSurfer 400kg Wooden Hand Dolly with Brakes
Sturdy, compact, and surprisingly elegant for a block of wood on wheels, this dolly can manage up to 400kg with ease. The integrated brakes add reassurance, preventing rogue wardrobes from making a break for it mid-move. Ideal for navigating narrow hallways and apartment living, it’s a low-cost, high-reward investment for shifting bulky pieces without straining every muscle you have.
Buy now £30.38, Amazon
Amazon Basics Tie-Down Straps
Sometimes the problem isn’t moving the furniture, it’s keeping it in one place.
These tie-down straps are perfect for securing loads on dollies, vans, or even during short shuffles across a room. Lightweight but reliable, they’ll keep your precious cargo from tipping, sliding, or otherwise trying to defy gravity.
A small spend for a significant boost in peace of mind.
Buy now £10.44, Amazon
Furniture Movers with Wheels & Lifter Kit by ONEON
This clever kit combines a lifter lever with wheeled skates, allowing you to hoist one side of a cabinet just enough to slide in the rollers. From there, it’s smooth sailing (or rolling) across the floor. Perfect for those who need to manoeuvre heavy furniture without calling for backup, it’s a smart, budget-friendly option that saves both sweat and floor scratches.
Buy now £29.90, Amazon
Furniture Sliders for Hardwood Floors Felt Large 8 PCS 24cm x 14.5cm
For hardwood floors, these oversized felt sliders are a blessing. Slip them under chair or sofa legs and glide bulky items across the room with minimal effort. They’re reusable, easy to store, and prevent unsightly gouges in your floorboards. Think of them as coasters for your furniture – discreet, protective, and surprisingly effective at making heavy lifting feel optional.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
Move-It Platform Dolly With Grip Pads
A simple but effective solution, this platform dolly comes fitted with anti-slip grip pads to hold furniture securely in place during transport. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, and compact enough to tuck away when not in use. A reliable workhorse for everyday moves — whether that’s shifting a stack of boxes or persuading a stubborn sideboard into its new spot.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
The Workplace Depot Hydraulic Furniture Mover
For those tackling serious loads (think safes, pianos, or heavy-duty office kit) this hydraulic mover is as professional as it gets. With a jaw-dropping load capacity and hydraulic lift mechanism, it does the heavy lifting (literally) so you don’t have to. Expensive, yes, but for businesses or serial movers, it’s an investment in safety and sanity.
Buy now £424.99, The Workplace Depot
B&Q Heavy Duty Furniture Shifter Lifter Removal Set
This versatile kit includes a lever tool and sturdy sliders, making it easy to lift furniture just enough to slip the rollers underneath. Once in place, even large wardrobes can be nudged into position with surprising ease. Affordable and user-friendly, it’s a great middle-ground option for anyone needing more support than sliders alone can provide.
Buy now £24.27, B&Q
TUAKIMCE Heavy Duty Appliance Rollers
Specially designed for kitchen appliances, these extendable rollers make moving fridges, washing machines, or dishwashers far less daunting.
The adjustable frame adapts to different widths, while the durable wheels provide smooth manoeuvring.
A handy tool for deep cleans, appliance swaps, or anyone who’s ever tried to tug a fridge without success.
Buy now £14.99, Amazon
ZINET Moving Strap Load Capacity 150 kg
Sometimes all you need is leverage. These ergonomic lifting straps distribute weight across your shoulders and arms, reducing strain while letting you and a partner move bulky items with relative ease. They may look deceptively simple, but they transform how heavy loads feel in motion. An excellent option for team lifting without wrecking your posture.
Buy now £16.05, Amazon
