The best way to move a dresser involves keeping its drawers inside for protection and ease of handling, though removing drawers is an option for very heavy pieces.
Primary Method: Keeping Drawers Inside
According to moving advice, it's best to move a dresser with the drawers inside. This method offers several key advantages:
- Protection: Keeping the drawers in place helps maintain the dresser's structural integrity during the move. It also prevents drawers from becoming separated or lost.
- Wrapping: With the drawers secured inside, you can easily wrap and protect the entire dresser as one unit. This allows for thorough padding and wrapping before you start carrying it, which is crucial when navigating tight spaces like doorways.
Steps for Moving with Drawers In:
- Remove all contents from the drawers.
- Secure the drawers shut. You can use plastic wrap or moving blankets wrapped around the entire dresser to prevent drawers from sliding open during transport.
- Wrap the entire dresser thoroughly with moving blankets, furniture pads, or stretch wrap for protection against scratches and dents.
- Lift and carry the dresser carefully, ensuring you have enough people for its weight and size.
Alternative Method: Removing Drawers
While keeping drawers in is generally preferred, the reference notes that if it's solid wood and too heavy to move, you can take the drawers out to lighten the load. This is a practical solution for extremely heavy dressers where reducing weight is the primary concern for safe lifting.
Steps for Moving with Drawers Out:
- Remove all contents from the drawers.
- Carefully remove each drawer from the dresser frame.
- Stack the drawers to the side. Keep them together and consider wrapping the stack of drawers separately for protection.
- Move the lightened dresser frame.
- Wrap the dresser once it's loaded into the trailer or moving vehicle. This means the frame is moved separately and wrapped once it's in place, while the drawers are handled and placed separately.
Key Considerations
Choosing the right method depends on the dresser's weight and material.
| Method | When to Use | Process Highlights | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawers Inside | Most dressers; standard weight | Secure drawers, wrap entire unit before moving | Easy wrapping, protects dresser structure | Can be heavy if dresser is solid wood |
| Drawers Out | Very heavy, solid wood dressers | Remove drawers, move frame & drawers separately, wrap frame after loading | Significantly lightens the main frame load | Drawers can get separated, requires more handling steps |
Always prioritize safety by using proper lifting techniques and having adequate help when moving furniture.
