Expert Tips for Heavy & Bulky Household Moves
Moving house is never simple but it becomes especially challenging when your home includes large, heavy, or awkward items like sofas, American-style fridge freezers, hot tubs, radiators, wardrobes, or gym equipment. These items require careful handling, specialist equipment, and sometimes dismantling to ensure they’re moved safely and without damage.
At Purdie Worldwide, we’ve been moving oversized and awkward household items for decades. Here’s our expert guide to help you understand what’s involved, what you need to prepare, and why using professionals makes all the difference.
Jump to Section
- Why Large Items Are More Difficult to Move
- Sofas
- American Fridge Freezers
- Hot Tubs
- Pianos
- Radiators
- Home Gym Equipment
- Wardrobes & Large Furniture
- Why Use Professionals
- Tips to Prepare for Moving Large Items
- FAQ
- Get Expert Help
Why Large Items Are More Difficult to Move
Not all household furniture is created equal. Some items are:
- Too bulky to fit through standard doorways
- Too heavy to lift without proper equipment
- Fragile despite their size (e.g., pianos, hot tubs)
- Not designed to be carried by hand
- Loaded with components that can break if moved incorrectly
Trying to move these items yourself can result in:
❌ Damage to the item
❌ Damage to your property
❌ Serious injury
❌ Delays on moving day
This is why professional removal teams use tools like dollies, lifting straps, piano skids, sliders, floor protection, and specialist vans designed for heavy loads.
How to Move Specific Large & Awkward Items
Below is a breakdown of the most common large items our team relocates—and how each one should be prepared and moved safely.
1- Sofas
Sofas are awkward due to their bulk, shape, and limited manoeuvrability.
How to Prepare a Sofa for Moving
- Remove cushions and loose covers.
- Check if the legs can be unscrewed.
- Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases ahead of time.
- Wrap the sofa in protective blankets or stretch wrap to avoid scuffs.
How We Move It
At Purdie Worldwide, we use:
- Specialist sofa covers
- Stair navigational techniques
- Door and banister protection
- Disassembly tools when required
2- American Fridge Freezers
These appliances are extremely heavy and often wider than UK doorways.
Preparation
- Empty and clean the fridge/freezer.
- Defrost it at least 24 hours before moving.
- Disconnect water lines if it’s a plumbed-in fridge.
How We Move It
- Protective wrapping to avoid dents
- Appliance trolleys for safe manoeuvring
- Skilled articulation through tight spaces
- Securing upright in the van to protect the compressor
3- Hot Tubs
Hot tubs are among the most challenging domestic items to move due to weight, size, and delicate components.
Preparation
- Fully drain the hot tub and disconnect all electrics.
- Remove covers, filters, and accessories.
- Ensure clear access for removal.
How We Move It
A hot tub move typically requires:
- Specialist spa dolly systems
- Additional manpower
- Protective padding
- In tight or elevated locations, a crane or hiab may be required
4- Home Gym Equipment
Treadmills, multi-gyms, squat racks, and weights are awkward and dense.
Preparation
- Remove consoles or detachable parts.
- Fold treadmills where possible.
- Secure cables and moving parts.
How We Move It
- Disassembly as required
- Protective padding for steel frames
- Heavy-duty trolleys
5- Pianos
Pianos, whether upright or grand, are some of the most challenging household items to move. They’re extremely heavy yet surprisingly delicate, containing thousands of internal components that can be damaged by even minor impacts.
Types of Pianos We Move
- Upright pianos
- Baby grands
- Grand pianos
- Digital pianos
Preparation
- Remove sheet music, decorations, and loose items.
- Secure the lid on grand pianos.
- Ensure access routes are clear and measured.
How We Move It
Moving a piano safely requires:
- Specialist piano-moving trolleys
- Protective quilted wraps and straps
- Piano skids for grand pianos
- Professional dismantling of legs, pedals, and lids (for grands)
- Multiple trained movers
- Floor protection during manoeuvring
Once loaded, the piano is secured upright and cushioned within the vehicle to prevent vibration and movement during transit.
6- Radiators
Often heavier than they look, radiators require careful handling.
Preparation
- Must be disconnected and drained by a qualified plumber.
- Protect valves with padding.
How We Move It
- Wrapped to prevent wall scratches
- Carried with lifting straps for stability
7- Wardrobes & Large Furniture
Many wardrobes simply won’t fit through doors or staircases.
Preparation
- Empty the wardrobe.
- Remove mirrors and shelves.
- Dismantle where possible.
How We Move It
- Full dismantling and labelled parts
- Wrap components for safe transport
Why You Should Use Professionals for Awkward Item Removals
Trying to move oversized items without training can lead to:
- Injuries
- Drops and breakages
- Scratched floors and walls
- Stuck items blocking hallways
- Stress and delays
- Emergency callouts
Professional movers bring:
✔ Specialist lifting equipment
✔ Trained, experienced staff
✔ Protective covers and blankets
✔ Disassembly and reassembly skills
✔ Proper insurance
✔ Purpose-built removal vehicles
At Purdie Worldwide, we’ve moved everything from grand pianos to heavy industrial appliances—so nothing surprises us.
Tips to Prepare for Moving Large Items
1. Measure everything
Doors, staircases, turns, and lifts.
2. Clear access
Make a path both inside and outside your property.
3. Book early
Large item moves often require a larger team or specialist equipment.
4. Tell your removal company in advance
Accurate quotes and team planning depend on full details.
5. Consider dismantling
Some items simply won’t move in one piece.
Get Expert Help Moving Large Items
If you have big, heavy, or awkward furniture to move, you don’t need to struggle.
At Purdie Worldwide, we specialise in:
- Full house moves
- Piano removals
- Hot tub and specialist item removals
- Dismantling and reassembly
- Packing and wrapping services
- Local, UK and international moves
Our experienced team ensures your belongings are transported safely, securely, and efficiently.
👉 Get a free, no-obligation quote for moving large items with Purdie Worldwide.
