How to Use Moving Straps

Moving straps can help you and a partner easily lift heavy items that you normally wouldn’t be able to like washing machines, file cabinets, wooden dressers and sofas. If you’re moving with the help of friends instead of hiring professionals, moving straps are a must. That’s especially if you have to navigate stairs.

Worn correctly, moving straps also reduce the risk of injury because they require less bending and twisting to get the job done. Not to mention, they’re easy to use and affordable.

Admittedly though, moving straps look like a twist of nylon when they come out of the package, and it isn’t always clear how to use them. Don’t worry. We’ve detailed step by step how to use moving straps and everything else you need to know about them.

What are moving straps

Also known as furniture lifting straps, moving straps use the principle of leverage to allow you to lift more than you normally could. This works because the straps, which are attached to your shoulders or forearms and slipped under the heavy object, distribute its weight. Moving straps also lower the center of gravity of the item you’re lifting, reducing the need for excessive bending.

There are two basic designs of moving straps: shoulder and forearm. You can purchase both versions on line for relatively little money. Forearm straps cost about $25 while shoulder straps start at $40. If you have enough people helping or a wide variety of heavy items to move, consider investing in a set of each. Then, as you and a partner move a mattress with shoulder straps, two of your friends can move a file cabinet with forearm straps.

When to use them

Moving straps can be used anytime you need to lift and relocate a heavy item. However, moving straps make sense in some instances more than others. For example, if you can slide a dolly underneath an item and secure the item to the dolly, it is easier and safer to transport that item using the dolly. However, you’d be better off moving that same item down the stairs using moving straps rather than a dolly.

At the same time, if you don’t have a dolly, moving straps are a much better option than nothing at all. Lifting a couch, for example, without moving straps takes more energy and requires you to bend and reposition in ways that can lead to injury.

General instructions

Whether you decide to use forearm or shoulder straps, the same basic guidelines apply.

  1. Read the instructions that come with your moving straps. Make sure you know how to position the straps, and understand exactly what you need to do and how to lift properly. If your partner hasn’t read the instructions, fill him in.
  2. Wear the appropriate shoes and clothes for moving. Your shoes should be sturdy and provide enough grip to avoid slipping. (No flipflops!) Additionally, dress in comfortable clothing. Err on the side of more coverage to protect your arms and legs from scratches and scrapes.
  3. Measure the furniture and any doorways, halls and staircases you have to navigate to make sure the item you are moving will. If necessary, remove doors from their hinges for additional space.
  4. Decide on the best route to take, and clear the path from your starting point to ending point. Let your partner know exactly what the plan is before you lift the item. If the route has significant challenges, consider walking it with your partner and strategizing your moves in advance.
  5. Place the straps either on your forearms or across your chest and shoulders depending on which type of moving strap you are using. Refer to the diagram in your moving strap’s instructions to see proper placement of the straps. The instructions should also tell you how to adjust them so they don’t slip.
  6. Lay the lifting strap on the floor in front of the item you’re moving. With your partner’s help, tip that item back and slide the strap under it. If you are working with two straps, repeat the process, tipping the item forward to slip the second strap under the other side.
  7. Center the strap in the middle. If you are working with two straps, place each strap near the front and back edges, and center the item over them.
  8. How you lift will depend on whether you are using forearm or shoulder straps. Make sure you understand the proper lifting technique and the potential for injuries before you start.
  9. Work in tandem with your partner. Lift at the same time, then move at the same time with one person taking small steps forward and the other small steps back. Communicate as you go. If one of you needs a break or needs to make an adjustment, lower the item and continue when ready.

Moving with forearm straps

Forearm moving straps have loops on each end. One end attaches to your forearm while the other end attaches to your partner’s. Since you will use two straps to move items, you will have two straps attached to your forearms, and each of those straps will be attached to one of your partner’s forearms.

Because your forearms are not as strong as your shoulders, you won’t be able to lift the heavy items you could with shoulder moving straps. Forearm straps work well for maneuvering a mattress or a chaise lounge, for example, but you will need shoulder straps for a moving a refrigerator or washing machine.

Follow these steps to move items using forearm moving straps:

  1. Place each strap near the edge of the object you are using. If the item has legs, like a chair, place the straps parallel along the inner side of the legs. For items without legs, place straps in an x-pattern for added stability.
  2. Locate the correct loop to safely move the item, and slip your forearm inside. Because forearm moving straps have several loops, you’ll need to find the loop that allows you to lift the item at least 5 inches off the ground.
  3. With your arms secure in the loops and your back straight, bend your knees. At the same time as your partner, lift the load using your legs.
  4. Take small steps with one of you moving forward and the other moving back. Be sure to communicate and keep the majority of the weight on your legs.
  5. When you get to your destination, work in tandem with your partner to lower the item. Remove the straps from your forearms and slip them out from under the item.

Moving with shoulder straps

Also known as a shoulder dolly, shoulder moving straps consist of a harness that fits over your shoulders and a detachable lifting strap. (Refer to the diagram that came with your shoulder moving straps to ensure you put yours on correctly.) Typically, the straps cross in the back, making an “x” and have a bar in front that connects to the lifting strap.

When you lift using shoulder moving straps, leverage evenly distributes the weight on the shoulders, allowing you to move heavier items than you could on your own or even with forearm shoulder straps. And, unlike forearm straps, shoulder straps leave your hands free to help balance the item.

Follow these steps to move items using shoulder moving straps:

  1. Position the harness over your shoulders according to manufacturer’s instructions. The bar should face front.
  2. Slip the lifting strap under the item you want to move, and center it. Then, attach the strap to your harness by weaving it up and over the bar on the front of your harness. Have your partner do the same.
  3. Adjust the strap length so you can lift the item at least 5 inches off the ground. Your partner should do likewise. When you stand, the item should be level. That means the shorter person will have more unused strap on the ground than the taller one. Tuck the excess strap in your harness so you don’t trip on it.
  4. Bend your knees, and put your hands in front of you on the side of the object. Push against the object, and in tandem with your partner, lift using your legs and keeping your back straight.
  5. Slowly move with one person taking small steps forward and the other small steps back. Continue using your hands to stabilize the item.
  6. When you’ve made it to your destination, lower the item to the ground in tandem with your partner. Remove the lifting strap from your harness, and slip the strap out from under the item.

Too much work?

If the lifting sounds like too much work even with moving straps, consider hiring a professional moving company instead. Professional movers will do all the heavy lifting for you. Most will even pack your belongings up if you want them to. Check out our extensive network of reliable, licensed and insured movers to find the right professionals for the job.