Gear Checklist for Moving

Gear Checklist (Sliders, Straps, Dollies, Blankets, Gloves)

Having the right gear turns a dreaded chore into a smooth operation. You don’t need a warehouse full of equipment, just a few key items. Think of these tools as your moving day sidekicks, ready to do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown of the essentials for moving furniture in OKC.

• Furniture Sliders: These little discs are miracle workers. Place them under the legs or corners of heavy furniture, and you can glide items across the room with minimal effort.
• Moving Straps (Forearm Forklift): These straps use leverage to make heavy objects feel significantly lighter. They are perfect for team-lifting bulky items like dressers, washing machines, and couches.
• Dollies and Hand Trucks: For tall, heavy items like refrigerators or filing cabinets, an upright dolly is your best friend. For larger, flat items like mattresses or big dressers, a four-wheel furniture dolly provides a stable rolling platform.
• Moving Blankets: Don’t let the name fool you; these aren’t for staying warm. These thick, padded blankets protect your furniture from scratches and dings and prevent your walls from getting scuffed during the move.
• Gloves: A good pair of work gloves with a solid grip protects your hands from splinters and helps you keep a firm hold on your furniture.

When to Use Each Tool

Knowing what tool to grab is half the battle. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right call.

• Use Sliders for… moving a heavy couch across the living room, repositioning a full bookshelf, or sliding a dresser out from a wall. They are ideal for short-distance moves on a single level.
• Use Moving Straps for… carrying a heavy armoire down a hallway, lifting a washing machine with a partner, or getting a loveseat up a flight of stairs in a Norman apartment complex. They’re best for bulky items that two people need to carry.
• Use a Dolly for… wheeling a refrigerator from the kitchen to the truck, moving multiple stacked boxes at once, or transporting a tall file cabinet. An appliance dolly with a strap is a must-have for moving appliances safely.
• Use Moving Blankets for… wrapping wooden tables, covering the corners of desks, protecting TV screens, and padding furniture inside the moving truck to prevent items from rubbing against each other.

Bird Dog Tip: Furniture sliders are the best twenty bucks you’ll ever spend on a move. Why lift a 200-pound dresser when you can slide it with one hand? Work smarter, not harder—your back will thank you.

Floor Protection for Hardwood, Tile, and Carpet

Your floors are the silent victims of a bad move. One slip or drag can leave a permanent mark. Protecting them is non-negotiable, whether you have historic hardwoods in the Paseo Arts District or brand-new carpet in an Edmond suburb.

• For Hardwood and Tile: The biggest threat is grit. A tiny pebble or debris caught under a furniture leg can create a long, ugly scratch. First, sweep or vacuum the area thoroughly. Then, lay down cardboard, rosin paper, or specialty floor runners along the main pathways your furniture will travel. Always use soft-felt sliders on hardwoods and hard-plastic sliders on tile to prevent scuffs. Never drag unprotected furniture on these surfaces.
• For Carpet: While carpet is more forgiving of scratches, it’s susceptible to rips, dirt, and stains. Heavy furniture can also snag the fibers. The best defense is a self-adhesive plastic film. You can roll it out over high-traffic areas to create a protective barrier that keeps dirt and moisture out. For extremely heavy items, placing a thin piece of plywood or Masonite over the carpet can help distribute the weight and make it easier to roll a dolly.