Moving large and heavy items is very difficult – and very risky. You can easily hurt yourself in the process, or damage the piece you’re moving, or cause damage to your property – or all of it at once.
To avoid such unfortunate scenarios, you need to be very careful and very well prepared:
- you need to clear the path of obstacles and take measures to protect your property;
- you need to ensure adequate moving help;
- you need to know how to safely lift and carry heavy items;
- you need to have the right equipment for the job.
When it comes to equipment, your best bet for lifting and moving heavy objects is a shoulder dolly.
Shoulder moving straps – commonly referred to as a shoulder dolly – allow you to lift and carry heavy items with ease by utilizing your body’s leverage and strength. They distribute weight evenly on the shoulders, so you can move a heavy object without too much effort and without straining your back – and they keep the piece secure throughout the process.
So, using shoulder lifting straps not only makes it easier to move furniture, appliances, and other heavy household items, but also greatly reduces the risk of injuries and accidents during the move. To make the most of the shoulder dolly lifting system though, you need to know how to use it correctly.
Here is everything you need to know about shoulder moving straps in order to make your move safer, smoother, and easier.
What is a shoulder dolly?
A shoulder dolly is a lifting system designed to facilitate the moving of large and heavy objects. It consists of two shoulder harnesses and a long sturdy lifting strap. The over the shoulders moving straps usually cross behind the back and connect with a buckle on the front. Some models have an additional chest strap for greater stability.
As their name suggests, shoulder moving straps distribute the weight of the object you’re lifting evenly on your shoulders, allowing you to carry it without straining yourself and leaving your hands free to navigate and balance the item.
The typical shoulder dolly is a two person lifting system – two partners put on the harness moving straps over their shoulders and work together to move a heavy item balanced on the lifting strap that is attached to both the shoulder harnesses.
It is, however, possible to use shoulder straps to move a heavy object on your own – the one person shoulder dolly allows you to lift and carry a weighty object by yourself, but it is much riskier and much more difficult than using the standard 2-person shoulder dolly.
A shoulder dolly costs about $40, but it’s quite worth it – shoulder moving straps have great weight capacity and ensure excellent stability, making it possible to move heavy weights in a safe and efficient manner.
See also: What is a dolly and how to use it?
How to use shoulder moving straps
Using shoulder straps for moving furniture and appliances is quite a simple process. As is usually the case though, there are some specifics you need to be aware of in order to achieve maximum safety and efficiency.
Here is how to use a shoulder dolly the right way:
1) Put on the shoulder moving straps
The first thing to do when getting ready to move a heavy piece with a shoulder dolly is to put the shoulder harness on – the shoulder straps should be lying comfortably over your shoulders, the buckle should be lying flat in front of you (make sure the word “FRONT” written on the buckle is facing outward, not toward your body), and the straps should be crossing behind your back.
Have your partner suit up in the same way.
2) Place the lifting strap under the item you intend to move
Position the long sturdy carrying strap under the object in such a way that the bulk of its weight rests on the strap. Make sure the lifting strap is running along the length of the piece.
If you’re moving a furniture piece or an appliance with legs, you can simply slide the strap under the item (between the legs on the shorter sides of the item).
If the object you want to move doesn’t have legs, you’ll need to tilt it backward so you can slide the strap under it.
3) Buckle up
Squat down beside the item you’re about to lift (bend your knees and keep your back straight) and thread one end of the carrying strap that is already positioned under the item through the buckle on your shoulder harness.
Have your partner do the same.
4) Adjust the length of the carrying strap
Once both ends of the lifting strap are attached to the shoulder harnesses, you need to adjust the length of the strap between the two harnesses so that the item is lifted at several inches off the ground when you stand up.
Turn the buckle horizontal to the ground and pull the strap end as much as needed (the shorter the strap, the higher the item will be lifted). The buckle will lock when it is turned vertical.
If there is too much excess strap, tuck it between the harness and your body so you don’t trip over it while carrying the item.
5) Lift the item
With the moving harness system securely in place, place your hands on either side of the item you’re about to lift. Simultaneously push against the item with both your arms until they’re straight. Make sure your partner is doing the same thing at the same time.
Keeping your back straight and balancing the item with your hands, slowly straighten your legs to lift the heavy piece using the leverage from the straps and the strength of your shoulder and leg muscles. Make sure your partner stands up simultaneously with you.
There should be some tension on your shoulders when you stand up and the lifted item should be secure and well balanced.
6) Take the item to its destination
Work in tandem with your partner to carry the item to where you want it to go (into the moving truck, inside your new home, into a different room, etc.). One of you will have to walk backwards and the other – forwards, giving directions and warnings. Walk slowly and carefully and keep your hands on the item you’re carrying to keep it stable and secure.
When you get to your destination, lower the heavy item to the floor and release the strap from the shoulder harness buckles. Remove the carrying strap from under the item and take off your shoulder lifting straps.
Bonus tip: How to use a shoulder dolly on stairs
If you need to move furniture, appliances, or other bulky items up or down stairs, shoulder moving straps are your best option yet again.
Suit up, secure the item you want to move on the shoulder dolly, and lift it as described above.
If you’re moving the heavy piece up stairs, stand backward on the first step and slightly tilt the item toward your partner. Carefully step up and back to the next stair – your helper should follow you, supporting the heavy item from below.
If you’re moving the heavy object down stairs, stand backward on the top step and tilt the item toward you. Carefully step down to the next step, supporting the item from below, while your partner who is higher on the steps guides and steadies the piece.
Good to remember: When using a shoulder dolly to move heavy objects on stairs, the person lower on the stairs takes more of the weight of the item – so, the stronger partner must always walk lower on the stairs.
Must-read: How to prevent accidents and injuries when moving
