A Removalist’s Guide for Safely Moving Furniture into a High-rise

A Removalist’s Guide for Safely Moving Furniture into a High-rise


The thought of manoeuvring your comfy sofa through narrow corridors and up countless floors can indeed feel a tad overwhelming. But here's the deal: it doesn't have to be the Herculean task it seems.

You're not alone in this. Consider us, at Richards Removals & Storage, your trusted moving partners. Our passion is transforming what appears like a moving mountain into a manageable molehill. How, you ask? By arming you with savvy, expert tips that make moving furniture into high-rise buildings a breeze rather than a battle.

Every piece of furniture has its own story, its own corner of your heart. And moving them is not just about logistics; it's about moving lives, memories, and dreams. That's why we're here, as your friendly expert, to guide you every step of the way with a problem-solving spirit that can turn potential pitfalls into smooth pathways.

The Forethought Advantage

You know the old saying, "measure twice, cut once"? Well, when it comes to moving furniture into high-rise buildings, I'd say, "measure thrice, move once." You might chuckle, but I assure you, having accurate dimensions of your furniture, doorways, elevators, and stairwells is like having a secret superpower. Why? Because the last thing you want is to discover that your cherished heirloom dresser won't fit through the front door, or worse, gets stuck halfway into the elevator.

Let's tackle this step-by-step:
  1. Measure Everything: Grab that tape measure and get the height, width, and depth of all your furniture. Be meticulous – those extra few inches can make a world of difference.
  2. Scout Your Route: Pay a visit to your new high-rise abode. Measure the doorways, the elevator's interior, and the stairwells (if applicable). These numbers are crucial in planning the move.
  3. Create a Categorised List: Why, you ask? Well, it's simple. This isn't just a list; it's your strategic game plan. Group your items by size and complexity. You'll want to know which pieces are the "heavy hitters" and which are the "easy movers."
  4. Strategise Your Move Order: With your list, you can now decide the order of operations. Start with the trickiest pieces – those that are bulky or awkwardly shaped. Tackling these first eliminates major hurdles early on.
  5. Identify Challenge Points: Through your list, you'll easily spot which items might pose a challenge. Maybe it's that oversized couch or the antique armoire. Whatever it is, identifying it early gives you time to figure out a solution.
  6. Ensure Nothing's Overlooked: With a comprehensive list, the chances of leaving something behind diminish significantly. Trust me, realising you forgot to load the bedside lamp after you've already locked up the old place is not a fun feeling.
Safeguarding Your Prized Possessions

Let’s face it, those treasures aren't just pieces of furniture; they're reservoirs of cherished memories. Whether you’re moving house or relocating to another office, you'll want to ensure that every item arrives at your new high-rise abode just as it left your old one—sans scratches, dents, or any unwelcome marks.

Why Corner Protectors and Furniture Blankets Are Your New Best Friends
  • Corner Protectors: Imagine these as the knights in shining armour for the delicate corners of your furniture. These little wonders are specially designed to absorb shocks and bumps during the move. A sharp jolt in an elevator or a sudden stop can leave a nasty mark, but with corner protectors, you can breathe easy.
  • Furniture Blankets: Think of these as cosy hugs for your furniture. Wrapped snugly around your pieces, they offer a protective barrier against scratches and dents. Plus, they help in cushioning the blows if your furniture accidentally bumps into walls or doors.
  • Quality Packing Tapes: Don't underestimate the power of a good tape. It keeps everything secure, ensuring that blankets and protectors stay in place during transit. Opt for tapes with strong adhesive qualities; the last thing you want is for your protections to come undone mid-move.
Breaking Down Larger Furniture

You might wonder why you should bother disassembling that hefty wardrobe or that sprawling bed frame. Here's the thing: High-rise buildings often come with their own set of spatial challenges—narrow corridors, smaller elevators, and tight stairwells. By breaking down your furniture:
  • Ease of Manoeuvrability: Smaller pieces are infinitely easier to manoeuvre through those tight spots. No one enjoys the awkward dance of trying to fit a bulky sofa through a narrow door.
  • Reduced Risk of Damage: With smaller components, there's a reduced risk of bumping into walls or door frames, thus keeping your furniture—and the building—intact.
  • Lighter Loads: It's simple physics. Smaller pieces are lighter and easier on your back. You're moving to a new place, not looking for an impromptu workout session, right?
Elevator Etiquette and Stairway Strategies

Booking an Elevator Slot

Here's a little secret that not everyone will tell you: book the elevator. Sounds simple, right? But you'd be surprised how often this is overlooked. By reserving an elevator slot, you're guaranteeing yourself uninterrupted access. Why is this crucial? It's not just about convenience; it's about efficiency. When you have the elevator all to yourself, you're not competing with neighbours or waiting for endless stops. This means your furniture gets to your new high-rise home quicker, and you get to breathe that sigh of relief sooner.

Navigating the Stairwells

If you're thinking of opting for the stairs, whether by choice or necessity, there's a right way to go about it. Stairwells can be tricky, and the last thing you want is a mishap with that heirloom dresser. Here are a few nuggets of wisdom to keep you, your helpers, and your furniture safe:

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Always have a buddy system in place. Moving furniture alone up or down stairs is a no-go. It's not just about strength; it's about balance and coordination.

Mind Your Posture

Keep your back straight and lift with your legs. Sounds like gym advice, but trust me, your back will thank you later.

Slow and Steady

This isn't a race. Take your time, especially on turns. Rushing can lead to slips, trips, and tumbles – none of which make for a good moving day.

Communication is Key

If you're carrying a bulky item with a partner, keep the dialogue open. A simple "step" or "turn" can be the difference between a smooth move and a scratched wall (or worse, a twisted ankle).

The Professional Touch – When and Why

Moving into a high-rise building isn't just about getting from point A to B; it's an intricate dance of precision, strategy, and, let's face it, a bit of muscle. But the pros have a few tricks up their sleeves that transform this daunting task into a well-orchestrated symphony.

Why the Pros? It's All in the Tools

You see, professional movers, like the Gold Coast removalists at Richards Removals & Storage, come armed with more than just strong backs. They bring a suite of specialised tools designed to make moving furniture not just safer, but astoundingly more efficient. Ever heard of furniture dollies or hoisting straps? These aren't your everyday household items, but in the hands of a professional, they’re pure gold.
  • Furniture Dollies: Imagine effortlessly gliding your bulky couch down hallways without a scratch. That's the magic of a furniture dolly.
  • Hoisting Straps: These are the unsung heroes for navigating tight corners and stairwells. They redistribute weight, making that awkward dresser feel like a feather.
The Unseen Value of Experience

But why opt for professionals when a DIY approach beckons? Here’s the crux: Experience. Each move is unique, and with each, professionals like those at Richards Removals & Storage refine their strategies, learning and adapting. This isn’t their first high-rise rodeo. They’ve seen it all, encountered every obstacle, and conquered. This deep well of experience translates to a quicker, smoother move for you, with minimal hiccups.
  • Strategic Loading: They know how to load a truck like a game of Tetris, ensuring each piece arrives intact.
  • Efficient Routing: Navigating city landscapes is an art, and the pros know the best routes, avoiding delays.
In high-rise moves, the difference between a challenging ordeal and a seamless transition often boils down to expertise and the right tools. By choosing professionals, you’re not just moving your furniture; you’re safeguarding your peace of mind, knowing that your cherished belongings are in the most capable hands.

So, take a deep breath. With a team like Richards Removals & Storage, you’re not just hiring movers; you’re gaining partners, problem-solvers, and most importantly, friends who understand that this move is about starting a new chapter in your life with confidence and ease.

Richards Removals are specialists in residential and commercial moves for all suburbs the Gold Coast including Hope Island, as well as Northern NSW.