How To Use a Moving Dolly

Do you need to move something heavy? We’ll explain exactly what a moving dolly is, how to choose the right one, and how to use it safely.

Moving heavy items shouldn’t be backbreaking work. The moving dolly is the perfect tool to help you transport heavy items even when working alone. A dolly is a platform with wheels designed to help you move heavy and bulky objects. Its flat base holds furniture, boxes, or other heavy objects, and heavy-duty casters allow you to roll the items across surfaces. 

Different dolly types are suited for different tasks. You’ll find furniture dollies, appliance dollies, and hand trucks among them.

Using a dolly comes with many advantages, such as the following: 

• Creates safe, controlled movement: Dollies create a safe and controlled movement of heavy objects, minimizing the risk of accidents or dropped items.
• Makes moving more efficient: You can load multiple boxes onto your moving dolly and haul more on a single trip.
• Protects your walls and floors: Dollies prevent scratches on your walls and floors by controlling each item’s movement and keeping it elevated.
• Reduces back strain: Dollies prevent back and muscle strain by bearing the weight of the heavy objects.

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Choosing the Right Moving Dolly

Choosing the right moving dolly will make moving a heavy or bulky object easier. Consider these key factors when selecting your dolly:

Item Size

Think about the item’s shape and size when choosing a dolly. Flat, low furniture moves best on a furniture dolly. Platform carts are great for bulky items, and hand trucks are ideal for moving stacks of boxes. Straps can help secure items to your dolly no matter what you’re moving.

Terrain

Consider the path you’ll be taking with your item. Are there stairs? Sidewalks? A gravel driveway? Make sure your dolly can handle the terrain. You might need to use a stair dolly if you’re moving up and down stairs, or increase your wheel size to navigate rough ground more smoothly.

Weight Capacity

Never overload a dolly. Exceeding the recommended weight limit can damage the dolly and make moving the item more dangerous. Check the dolly’s weight capacity and ensure it can handle your heaviest items.

Your Physical Ability

Dollies make moving heavy furniture and other items easier, but it’s still a big task. Consider how much weight you can lift and move on your own. Platform carts with a large push bar are more manageable for many people, but you may need to lift the items higher to load them than you would with a hand truck.

Choose the Right Dolly

• Moving appliances? Use an appliance dolly with straps to help secure bulky appliances in place.
• Moving boxes? Choose a hand truck if you are moving through tight spaces. Otherwise, choose a platform dolly to help you move more boxes at once.
• Moving bulky items? A platform cart is best for big, bulky items. The flat dolly gives you plenty of space to load and won’t easily tip over.
• Moving furniture? A furniture dolly lets you move bulky, flat furniture like sofas and dressers. Choose appliance dollies or hand trucks for taller items.
• Want a versatile dolly? A convertible hand truck gives you a hand truck and a platform cart. It’s a good investment if you need to move many different items.

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Where To Get a Moving Dolly

There are several places where you can find a movers’ dolly. Each has advantages, and you’ll want to consider some things before making a purchase.

Buying vs. Renting

Should you buy or rent a moving cart, a hand truck dolly, or a furniture dolly? Take a look at the pros and cons for both:

Buying

• Pros: It’s a one-time investment and you’ll always be ready for the next furniture move.
• Cons: You’ll pay more upfront for a tool you won’t need often and will have to store somewhere. You might not have the right dolly for every job.

Renting

• Pros: It’s a cost-effective way to get a hand truck, panel cart, or other moving dolly you won’t need to use often. 
• Cons: Rental fees add up, and you may not always be able to get the dolly you need when you need it.

Buying a dolly is more cost-effective if you move frequently or need a dolly often. Renting is a good alternative if you need a specialized dolly or don’t anticipate needing to move heavy objects frequently.

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Using a Furniture Dolly

Furniture dollies take the strain off your back and prevent injuries when moving bulky furniture. Use a furniture dolly when moving items like sofas, dressers, mattresses, or bookcases. The dolly will take the furniture’s weight and protect your floors from scratches and dents.

Safety Tips for Furniture Dollies

• Always stay within the dolly’s recommended load capacity.
• Clear your path before you start moving furniture. Remove obstacles such as cords, rugs, and smaller items that could create tripping hazards.
• Keep your back straight while pushing or pulling the dolly to prevent strain.
• Recruit a friend to help move large items. The furniture dolly will take the weight, but an extra pair of hands can help you maneuver objects safely.
• Use straps to secure the furniture to the dolly for added stability.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip to avoid slipping or tripping.

How To Use the Furniture Dolly

1. Prepare the furniture: Reduce the furniture’s weight as much as possible by taking items out, removing drawers, etc.
2. Position the dolly: Place the dolly on a flat surface next to the item you want to move. Position the dolly so its longest side parallels the item’s longest side.
3. Position the furniture: Carefully lift one end of the furniture and guide it onto the dolly’s base. Lift the other end of the furniture and center it onto the dolly platform so it is balanced.

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Using a Two-Wheel Dolly

A two-wheel dolly is a great way to move multiple boxes simultaneously. It gives you leverage and takes the items’ weight off your body. A two-wheel hand truck also offers vertical support, so it’s handy for moving taller items.

Safety Tips for Two-Wheel Dollies

• Clear your path before you start moving items. Don’t try to roll over cords or other items with your dolly. It could make your load unstable or damage the dolly.
• Inspect your two-wheel dolly before using it. Make sure the rubber wheels are properly inflated and the handle is secure.
• Note the maximum weight capacity of your two-wheel dolly and never overload it.
• Try to push the hand truck more than you pull it. Pulling it puts more strain on your back and joints. Keep your back straight and ask for help if you need to pull a load.
• Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip to avoid slips and falls.

How To Use a Two-Wheel Dolly

1. Position the hand truck: Place the dolly’s platform near the item you want to move with the handle facing you.
2. Load the items: Slip the dolly’s platform under the item, bringing it onto the platform until it meets the handle. You may need to tilt your item to slip the platform underneath it. Lift with your knees and create a stable stack if you move multiple items.
3. Move your items: Tilt the hand truck to shift the load’s weight against the handle. Push the hand truck while keeping a firm grip on the handle with both hands. Always watch where you are going and move slowly around corners and through doorways.

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Our Conclusion

Moving dollies can take the strain of moving a heavy object off your back and prevent injuries. Make sure you choose the right dolly for the job. Consider the item’s weight, size, and shape, and your own physical abilities. Follow the proper steps and precautions for your dolly type to avoid accidents and to move items safely.

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FAQ About Moving Dollies