How To Move A Refrigerator

Publish Date: July 18, 2025

Last Modified Date: July 18, 2025

Tags: Tags: fridge, how to move fridge, how to move refrigerator, moving fridge, moving refrigerator

When you’re packing kitchen utensils and dishes, you’re likely keeping an eye on total box weight. After all, it does no good to pack perfectly padded plates in a box that’s so heavy no one can manage it. But what do you do about items that are heavy on their own?

A standard fridge can weigh 150 to 300 pounds or more, and that’s after you empty out the food and drinks. Trying to move one without help is more than frustrating — it can be a safety issue. It’s a good idea to handle this moving task with help from friends or professional movers.

But knowing how to move a refrigerator safely helps you plan ahead, protect your appliance, and avoid injury. We walk you through the steps below, from checking the owner’s manual and getting measurements to protecting your floors and moving it.

Moving Your Refrigerator, Step by Step

If you’ve ever explored how to move a refrigerator to clean behind it, you know it’s not something you want to tackle solo. That’s even more true when you need to get the appliance out of one house and into another.

“You probably shouldn’t [move a fridge by yourself]. At minimum, a DIY refrigerator move requires a sturdy appliance dolly, ratchet straps, and someone to help guide or spot you.”

One option is to hire movers for the job. When you book professional help through HireAHelper’s platform, you don’t have to approach this task alone. You can connect with moving services on our marketplace that handle the entire fridge relocation, and come with the proper equipment to move it safely to your new home.

That said, if you’re moving it with help from others, review the 14 steps below to make sure it’s done safely.

1. Check the Owner’s Manual

Start by checking your refrigerator’s owner’s manual for potential safety considerations and brand-specific precautions. Some manuals also include transport details like how long to wait until you plug a fridge back in after moving it or whether you can lay the appliance on its side.

If your model has water lines, built-in filters, and other features, they may require special prep or handling during a move.

Don’t have the manual for your fridge anymore? Not to worry, you can typically look it up on the manufacturer’s website using your model number.

2. Measure Everything

Measure your refrigerator’s height, depth, and width. Then, measure doorways, hallways, stairwells, and tight turns along the exit path of your old home. Do the same for the entry path of your new home. And don’t forget to check your moving truck’s clearance height too.

Knowing the exact dimensions of your fridge and the spaces you need to get it through helps you make a plan. You may need to re-route your fridge through the back door and along the side of the house to avoid a tight hall, for instance.

3. Gather the Right Supplies

You’ll need a few essentials to move a fridge safely:

A heavy-duty dolly with straps
Moving blankets
Packing tape or stretch wrap
Furniture sliders

Using these tools reduces the risks of injury to yourself and damage to the fridge during transport. And don’t forget a buddy to help with balance and navigation. Moving any kind of fridge by yourself (except for a mini fridge or a skincare fridge) is not recommended.

4. Empty the Fridge

Fridges are already heavy enough without being full of bottles, frozen goods, or accessories. Remove everything inside before you move the appliance, including the produce in the crisper and whatever’s hanging out in the deli drawer. Not to mention, your fridge will need to be unplugged while you move it, which could last hours — most perishable stuff that’s not frozen is going to spoil anyway.

Place items in coolers right before you move so you can transport them to your new home. If you’re low on cooler space or don’t want to worry about moving food, you should start eating down the fridge a week or so before you move to reduce the need to pack the items.

5. Unplug and Defrost

Unplug your fridge before you move it, allowing enough time for any necessary defrosting. Modern fridges don’t typically need to be defrosted before you move them. However, turning them off and unplugging them for 30 minutes to a few hours ahead of time helps ensure everything settles and that you don’t have water or melted ice in the moving van.

If your fridge or freezer does get ice buildup inside, you’ll need to defrost it. This can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the model and how much ice there is. Plan accordingly, as you won’t be able to keep food in the fridge during this time safely.

6. Clean and Dry Thoroughly

An empty, defrosted fridge is much easier to clean than one that’s plugged in and housing food. Take the time to scrub it inside and out with warm, soapy water. Remove shelves and drawers, and scrub under and behind those areas.

Dry everything completely before shutting the fridge door. A clean, dry refrigerator cuts down on odors and mold, and reduces the risk that water might damage items in the moving truck. Plus, starting off in your new kitchen with a crystal clean fridge is super nice.

7. Secure Loose Parts

Ensure loose or moving parts don’t bang or swing during transport. Tape down doors, shelves, bins, and drawers, or remove the parts you can before transport (this cuts down on the weight, as an added bonus). Wrap shelves and other parts in towels and pack them in boxes if you opt to remove them, but make sure everything is labeled for easy reinstallation.

8. Cover it Up

When you’re moving something as big and bulky as a fridge, it’s likely to brush up against or hit things. Wrapping the appliance in a moving blanket and stretch wrap can help cushion it.

“Don’t have the manual for your fridge anymore? Not to worry, you can typically look it up on the manufacturer’s website using your model number.”

If you hire help for your move, let the pros know a fridge is part of the moving day list. They’ll probably bring their own padding, and they know how to wrap a fridge well already.

9. Protect Your Floors

Dragging a heavy appliance over laminate or wood floors can leave some unsightly gashes and scratches, so use furniture sliders or cardboard under your fridge to avoid damage.

If you’re moving a fridge over carpet, put a board or thick cardboard down to help protect the flooring and keep your load stable.

10. Tilt and Load Onto Dolly

Knowing how to move a refrigerator into a truck usually involves a dolly. With help from another person, tilt the fridge slightly and slide the dolly underneath from the side — not the front or back. Strap the fridge on tightly and tilt the entire thing back slowly so you can move the dolly. Don’t tilt it back too far — this can mess with the internal mechanisms that keep a fridge cold or pose a danger to you and your helpers. You just need to tip it back enough to get it moving and balanced.

11. Navigate Through Tight Spaces

Take it slow and use a spotter to help you clear corners and thresholds, and remove doors or handrails if needed. If the fridge must be tilted far back to get through a doorway, avoid turning it fully on its side to prevent oil or refrigerant issues.

12. Transport Carefully

If possible, always move a fridge in an upright position. Doing otherwise could seriously damage the internal components and cooling ability.

If you absolutely have no other choice, you technically can transport a refrigerator on its side. But doing so risks oil backflow or refrigerant disruption. Check your owner’s manual to see if you can put your fridge on its side for any period of time.

Take the same level of precaution as you would with packed fragile dishes when securing the fridge. If possible, ensure it’s secured to the wall of the moving truck so it can’t slide or fall on anything during the ride.

13. Let It Sit Upright Before Plugging In

Let the fridge sit upright and unplugged for several hours — or as long as your manual requires. This lets compressor oil settle back into place, which protects internal components when you power the appliance back on.

14. Plug In and Monitor Temperature

Plug in the fridge and turn it on. Don’t put food in it yet — it can take a while for the refrigerator to get to the right temperature for safe food storage. Keep an eye on the appliance for a few hours, checking the internal temperature occasionally. You can restock when it reaches around 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer.

Staying Safe While Transporting a Refrigerator

Moving a fridge is physically demanding, and if you’re not prepared, you can put more than your muscles at risk. Here are tips to mitigate the risks of property damage or personal injury:

Lift with your legs, not your back. Bend at the knees and keep your spine straight when you lift or tilt the fridge. Let the dolly do most of the work.
Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes. Footwear that gives you traction reduces the risk of slips and falls. Protective footwear also shields your feet and toes from items that might fall on them.
Secure power cords. Coil up cords and tape them to the fridge to keep them from hanging loose and causing tripping hazards.
Disconnect and drain. Shut off and drain the water line before moving to prevent electric shock and water leaks.
Cushion sharp edges and corners. Adding a bit of cushion helps protect people and property. A fridge corner can easily knock a hole in drywall as you move down the hall. A quick wrap in a moving blanket can prevent that.
Don’t do the job solo. We’re repeating this because it’s that important. Even with a dolly and other tools, avoid moving a fridge on your own. Have at least 2 people so someone can act as a guide while the other maneuvers the dolly.

When to Hire Professional Movers to Move Your Fridge

While packing pots and pans or moving your own dishes might be something to DIY, hiring professionals to move the fridge makes good sense. When your fridge might be difficult to move — because it’s oversized or has a built-in water dispenser — pros can provide added peace of mind. Moving services might also help reduce the frustrations of moving a fridge if you need to get it through a narrow space.

How Do You Move a Refrigerator By Yourself?

You probably shouldn’t. Most refrigerators weigh 150–300 pounds, and trying to move one on your own can put serious strain on your back. At minimum, a DIY refrigerator move requires a sturdy appliance dolly, ratchet straps, and someone to help guide or spot you.

If you’re second-guessing yourself, that’s a good sign that it’s time to book professional help. HireAHelper makes it easy to find the right crew for the job.

FAQs

How long should a fridge sit after moving?

If the fridge was upright throughout the moving process, let it sit for a couple of hours before plugging it in. If you had to lay it down to move it, ensure it sits at least the same amount of time upright before plugging it in. Consider allowing a full day when possible, and consult your fridge’s manual for details on your model.

How to move a refrigerator in a truck, car, or SUV?

Transport a refrigerator upright in a truck or moving van. Use straps to keep it secure, and place it near the back wall to prevent tipping. Never move a full-size fridge in a car or SUV — it won’t fit and isn’t safe.

If you have a small fridge that can lie on its side in an SUV, check the manual to ensure laying it down won’t hurt it before you attempt the move. A mini fridge can usually fit on the backseat, and you might be able to use the seatbelt to secure it during the drive.

Is it OK to plug in a fridge right after moving?

Only if it was transported upright the entire time, and even then, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours.

If your fridge was on its side, wait at least 24 hours before plugging it in to avoid damaging the compressor. It’s always best to check the owner’s manual for brand-specific wait times.

How heavy is a refrigerator?

The average refrigerator weighs 150–300 pounds, though larger French door or commercial models can weigh 400 pounds or more.

How to move a refrigerator without scratching the floor?

Use furniture sliders or a dolly with rubber wheels to protect floors. Tape down doors to keep them from swinging open and hitting the floor during transport.

Can You Lay a Refrigerator on its Side?

Author: HireAHelper

Publish Date: July 10, 2025

Last Modified Date: September 26, 2025

Category: Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: fridge, fridge side, moving fridge, moving fridge horizontal, moving refrigerator, refrigerator

If you’re out of options and your fridge needs to get horizontal to make a move happen, you can do it. Generally, though, the answer is, “It’s not a great idea.”

Transporting your fridge on its side comes with the risk of damaging the internal components and impacting its cooling functions. You’ll need to take some precautions to ensure you end up with a working fridge after your move.

When you’re moving to a new home, knowing how to safely relocate the fridge is as important as packing your pantry, fridge, and freezer items the right way. Keep reading to learn why laying a refrigerator on its side is a risky move and what leading fridge manufacturers recommend if you don’t have other options.

Why You Need to Be Careful When Transporting a Refrigerator on Its Side

Can you lay a refrigerator on its side to transport it without risk? Not 100%. Reasons to avoid moving a fridge on its side include:

Compressor oil displacement. When the fridge is positioned horizontally, oil in the compressor can move into the refrigerant lines. Displaced oil could cause blockages or negatively impact cooling.
Refrigerant distribution issues. Tilting the fridge to extreme levels could cause uneven refrigerant distribution, which impacts functionality.
Internal component damage. If you lay a refrigerator on its front or back, it can cause pressure on internal parts like shelves or drawers, which could crack or break.
Strain on the appliance structure. Fridges aren’t designed to rest on their sides. The weight could impact frames, joints, and other infrastructure, leading to misalignment.

However, manufacturers’ recommendations for transporting refrigerators can vary widely depending on the model and design. Some brands allow specific units to be laid on their sides, while others warn against it entirely.

“Mini fridges are lighter and easier to maneuver, but they have the same internal systems as full-sized models. The same rules apply…”

Before you move your fridge, it’s best to consult your owner’s manual or check the brand’s official guidance. We’ve summarized some guidelines from major brands below.

Brand Recommendations for Moving Refrigerators

Brand	Refrigerator Moving Guidance
GE	Top-freezer and side-by-side models can be laid on their sides for transport. Lay side-by-side models down on the freezer side. French-door, bottom-freezer, compact, and built-in models must always be transported upright. If you transport the fridge on its side, stand it upright for an equal amount of time as it was on its side before plugging it in.
LG	Move the refrigerator in as much of an upright position as possible. If you have to transport it on its side, leave the fridge upright for 24 hours before plugging it back in.
Whirlpool	Strap a refrigerator upright in the moving truck. If you must lay the fridge down, only do so on the left or right side (not the front or back). Stand the fridge upright for at least 8 hours before restarting it after transporting.
Samsung	Keep fridges upright when transporting if possible. If not, stand them upright for at least 4 hours before plugging them in.
Frigidaire	Move refrigerators upright if possible. If you have to lay them down, stand them up in their new location for at least 24 hours before plugging them in.
Bosch	Keep the fridge upright during a move. If you can only transport it laying down, ensure it stands upright for at least 3 hours before you plug it in.
KitchenAid	Transport refrigerators upright unless it’s not possible to do so. If you moved a fridge on its side, leave it standing upright for 24 hours before plugging it in.

What to Do if You Must Transport a Refrigerator on Its Side

Sometimes, it’s not a matter of can you lay a fridge down, but how can you do it with the least risk. When tight doorways or limited space require tilting a refrigerator all the way down, follow these best practices:

Lay the fridge on the left or right side. Don’t lay it on the front or back to avoid damage to internal structures.
Remove shelves and drawers. If it moves, take it out to prevent shifting and cracking during transport.
Secure the doors. Use straps, tape, or stretch wrap to keep doors in place during the move.
Protect the exterior with padding. Use moving blankets or other padding to avoid scratching or denting the fridge.
Stand it upright as soon as possible. Don’t leave a fridge on its side in your new home — unload it and get it into the right position immediately.
Allow the fridge to sit unplugged. Follow manufacturers’ guidance, which is 3 to 24 hours depending on the brand and model. If you don’t have manufacturer guidance, play it safe with 24 hours or more of wait time.

Transporting Your Refrigerator: Special Cases

Knowing how to move a refrigerator goes a long way toward a new home kitchen that’s functional. And since you didn’t go through all the work of packing pots and pans to avoid cooking because your fridge was damaged during the move, following the steps above is a good idea. Here are a few more tips related to special fridge transport cases:

Can you lay a refrigerator on its side for 30 minutes?

Yes, but you still need to follow the same precautions. Even a short trip can shift compressor oil or refrigerant. That is why the same precautions still apply: lay it on its side, secure all internal components, and stand it upright as soon as possible. Once it’s upright again, let the fridge rest unplugged for at least as long as it was on its side or for the length of time recommended by the manufacturer.

Can you lay a mini fridge on its side?

Mini fridges are lighter and easier to maneuver, but they have the same internal systems as full-sized models. The same rules apply, so avoid laying one on its side unless you have to.

A Pro’s Guide to Moving Heavy Furniture Without Hurting Yourself

Author: Kevin The Mover

Publish Date:

Last Modified Date: July 10, 2025

Category: Loading & Unloading Guides

Tags: Tags: budget, fridge, furniture, furniture moving, heavy furniture, how to move a couch, ikea, ikea furniture, loading, movers, moving, moving couch, moving fridge, moving furniture, moving truck, penske, professional movers, rental truck, uhaul, unloading, washing machine

Learning how to move heavy furniture by yourself can be difficult and risky. In 2018 alone, 184,470 workers in the transportation and moving sector sustained injuries on the job that were serious enough to require time off to recuperate. And they had professional experience!

If you’re considering tackling a solo move, it’s important to plan ahead and know how you’re going to handle all the heavy lifting. From getting organized and assembling the right supplies to having proper posture, these tips will help set you up for success.

1. Plan Your Move

Your plan to get organized for your move should start ASAP. Kevin the Mover, a HireAHelper expert with years of experience in the moving business, puts it like this:

“Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.’ Okay, that’s a little weird, but moving heavy furniture is the same idea. You gotta really, really prepare.”

Whether you have a room full of home gym equipment, a collection of inherited antiques, or just a living room with a nice sectional and loveseats, chances are you have some heavy furniture to transport. Planning ahead allows you to sort through your belongings and single out heavy pieces that will be more difficult to move.

For each large piece, ask yourself:

Will this fit through my doorways?
Can I get it down the stairs?
How will I get it into my vehicle/the moving truck?

The answers to those questions will inform your next steps and your shopping list. You need the right gear to protect yourself and your furniture. This is not a task to skip over or minimize — your well-being and wallet depend on developing and sticking to a safety-first strategy.

Also, always let someone know you’re planning to move furniture by yourself. They can sound the alarm if you are injured and fail to check in.

When to Call a Professional Mover

While moving furniture by yourself is typically an option, in some cases, it just isn’t practical or safe. Call a professional mover to take over if:

You feel pain or discomfort.
The item you’re moving is too fragile or valuable.
Stairs or narrow spaces make the move dangerous.

Your health and well-being should always come first. If at any point you feel unsure, you should stop and reevaluate before getting extra help. It’s really not worth it to damage your furniture, your home, or yourself trying to tough it out.

2. Gather Your Tools

Moving heavy furniture requires the right tools. Some of which are almost universally necessary, while others are specialized for certain types of furniture.

A furniture dolly for easier transport.
Furniture sliders to go under the legs of bigger pieces to facilitate movement and protect your floors.
Moving blankets to protect furniture, walls, and floors.
Protective gloves to protect your hands and enhance grip.
Stretch wrap to keep drawers closed.
Lifting straps help evenly distribute the weight of items being carried, and are usually used for heavier furniture like big dressers and couches.
Hand trucks for moving items over uneven ground.
Packing tape for extra security and keeping moving blankets in place.
Ratchet straps and grips to secure cargo during transport.

If you have a prior injury, you may want to wear back or knee braces for extra protection and support.

3. Prepare Your Furniture and the Space

It’s not just materials you have to prepare for, either. Your furniture and home should also be set up so you can have an easier, smoother, and safer time on moving day.

Disassemble Heavy Furniture

Disassembling furniture can make it easier to move items, secure them, and increase the amount of space you have to work with in the moving truck or container. But you don’t need to take items apart completely if that’s not feasible for you. Instead, you can simply take the legs off your dining room table or the mirror off the back of your dresser. Always put nuts, bolts, and screws in a labeled baggie for stress-free re-assembly at your destination.

Some items may not be sturdy or high-value enough to bother taking apart and moving. As Kevin says:

“If you have any pressboard furniture or any furniture that – be honest with yourself – is generally cheap and flimsy, consider selling it or giving it away. Moving it costs time and money and will more than likely turn it into an unusable piece (or pieces) of trash.”

Wrap and Attach Straps

Use wraps and straps to make lifting items easier by redistributing weight and improving your grip. Sometimes, moving items as-is to the truck and then prepping them for secure transport gives you more leverage while lifting and loading.

Kevin the Mover explains it best:

“Moving pads can make it hard to keep a firm grip on your furniture. I always preferred to wrap everything in the staging area, or right there on the truck.”

Use Sliders

Place furniture sliders under the feet of couches, tables, chests, desks, appliances, and any other heavy furniture you plan to slide out instead of lifting. These feet, which come in plastic and felt versions, help furniture glide over the floor without damaging your carpets, hardwood, or tile.

4. Clear a Path

Another key to successfully moving furniture alone is to pinpoint potential hurdles before they happen. Before actually picking anything up, walk the path you plan to take heavy furniture through. Look for anything that could trip you up, such as extension cords, loose tile, or frayed carpet. You should also protect your flooring and walls by following these steps:

Use sliders or towels to safeguard the finish on areas with hardwood or tile.
Use plastic sliders or a dolly over carpeted areas.
Cover door frames and walls with moving blankets, foam strips, or bubble wrap.
Lay down cardboard or blankets to keep the floors clean.
Place temporary runners or mats on the floor to help sliders and dollies move more easily over uneven surfaces.

If you have a large space to traverse and a limited budget, you can create a staging area in the middle. Move everything to that staging area first. Then, move your pads, blankets, and runners to the second half of the path, and relocate everything from the staging area to the truck.

5. Use Proper Lifting and Moving Techniques

Just like your floors, walls, and furniture, you should protect yourself when lifting heavy items. Use these tips to protect your body along the way:

Warm up. Do some stretches to warm up your muscles rather than just lifting “cold.”
Wear the right clothes. Cover your arms and legs to protect your limbs from scrapes and bruises, and wearing closed-toe shoes with grippy bottoms is also recommended.
Practice your posture. Lifting starts with a spine in natural alignment — no stooping or slouching. Stand close to the item you’re lifting and place your feet about shoulder’s width apart for a stable base.
Lift from your knees, not with your back. It’s an old adage, but it’s great advice. Tighten your core and squat down to pick up something heavy. Never arch your back.
Get a grip. Ensure you have a strong grip before lifting anything. You may need gloves to help mitigate sweaty hands.
Straighten up strategically. Use your legs to stand up, keeping your load close to your body at or around waist height.
Keep your body aligned. As you walk, always make sure your feet, hips, shoulders, and head point in the same direction. No twisting or abrupt pivoting.

Avoid lifting heavy items above waist height. If you need help getting items into an elevated truck bed, rent a ramp or ask for help.

Finally, always listen to your body. If you need a break — or a complete change of plan — it’s worth the delay to keep yourself healthy. Injuries to the back, ankle, shoulder, knees, and hands are all common when moving. Being aware and planning ahead can prevent you from joining those ranks.

6. Check Yourself and Your Furniture

One of the last steps when you move heavy furniture by yourself is to ensure you and your furniture are in good shape at your destination. Furniture that has been disassembled needs to be reassembled and checked over to make sure everything is tightened and in proper alignment.

“[A]lways let someone know you’re planning to move furniture by yourself. They can sound the alarm if you are injured and fail to check in.”

After unpacking, walk through your main pathways again to clear any debris that could cause trips or falls as you get used to your new space. Items like leftover stretch wrap, a dolly sticking out, or a bunched-up moving blanket can be unexpected hazards if you don’t notice them.

Also, check yourself for injuries. Don’t ignore minor pains that don’t seem to ease up. A simple anti-inflammatory or Epsom salt bath may be helpful for easing basic aches and pains. Anything more serious should be checked by your new primary care physician or a healthcare professional at your local urgent care. Back injuries, in particular, should never be ignored.

Considerations for Moving Heavy Furniture Up or Down Stairs

There’s a reason movers sometimes charge extra for stairs — it’s not easy moving furniture up or down them. The best way to prepare is to look into equipment designed for navigating stairs during a move, such as a stair-climbing dolly. Don’t push or slide items — they’ll likely be in for an unfortunate landing.

This may also be the one time you simply can’t go it alone. Kevin the Mover recommends using the buddy method for moving stuff when stairs are involved:

“Hauling large pieces of furniture – more importantly, heavy pieces of furniture – down a flight of stairs is a dangerous proposition if you don’t take it slow (and smart). Make sure you have a strong friend(if not two) on the lower end as you go down (or up) the stairs. Take those steps one at a time. Rest as often as need be.”

Also, watch out for walls, banisters, artwork, and hanging light fixtures. Remove anything that can be taken down before you start moving.

Keep in mind that moving furniture downstairs increases the risk of injury or property damage. You may want to consider moving insurance that includes coverage in case of a stairs-related accident.

Bonus Safety Tips When Moving Heavy Furniture by Yourself

Here are a few extra tips to help you think outside the box while moving heavy objects by yourself.

DIY furniture sliders by cutting circles from plastic lids.
Move during cooler times of day, like mornings and evenings, to maximize comfort and lessen the risk of things like heat stroke.
Take breaks and hydrate often.
Consider renting tools instead of buying them.
Take photos of your furniture before and during disassembly to use as a guide for reassembly later on.
Take doors off their hinges to gain a couple of extra inches of clearance and help large items fit through.
Bungee or strap items to your dolly to prevent slippage.

FAQ

How to move a dresser by yourself?

To move a dresser by yourself, start by removing its contents and drawers. Take off any protruding elements, such as a large mirror or spindle legs. Use furniture sliders or a dolly to help move the dresser from your room to the staging area or moving truck.

Make sure you’re using a dolly with straps or moving straps if you need to carry or roll the dresser instead of sliding it. It may be harder to move heavy furniture by yourself downstairs. In that case, call a friend or hire professional movers to put safety first.

How to move a heavy bed by yourself?

To move a heavy bed by yourself, start by clearing a path to your staging area or truck. Then, take apart the bedframe. Separate the mattress and wrap it in a protective cover, and use furniture sliders or a dolly to transport the disassembled pieces.

You should also use lifting straps to maneuver bigger pieces, such as the headboard and footboard. Lift with your legs, not your back, and take as many breaks as necessary. Always secure furniture to your dolly and in the truck for safety and to prevent damage.