How to Use Moving Straps

Quick, one-line guide: Use moving straps by sliding the strap loops under each side of the object, securing the harness around your shoulders, and lifting with your legs. Moving straps shift weight to your core, increase leverage, and reduce strain. Use them to lift heavy objects depending on strap rating.

Introduction

Moving equipment straps can make your moving experience easier and more comfortable. You might have heard other people using it. You might have seen moving guides and how-to’s mentioning them.

In this post, we’re going to tell you what they actually are and how they can be used.

What are moving straps?

Moving straps are lifting tools that use leverage to help two people carry heavy items like furniture or appliances. Moving straps reduce strain by shifting weight to stronger muscle groups and stabilizing loads during transport.

You can use moving equipment straps to lift objects weighing 50–800 pounds, depending on the strap design.

For instance, you could use moving straps to lift the following:

• Refrigerators
• Washers and dryers
• Sofas and sectionals
• Mattresses of every size
• Dressers
• Armoires
• Bookcases
• Large tables
• Desks
• Filing cabinets
• Safes within normal residential weight ranges
• Appliances like dishwashers
• Boxes stacked high
• Tall cabinets
• Water heaters

They work best with bulky items that have enough structure for the straps to wrap around, and they shine when doorways get tight.

What are the Benefits of Moving Straps?

Although we touched on them earlier in the definition, here is a bigger list of the benefits that you can enjoy when you’re

• They shift weight to stronger muscle groups
• They make heavy items feel lighter during each step
• They give you better grip and control
• They reduce strain on your hands and lower back
• They help two people stay coordinated
• They make stair climbing safer
• They fit around bulky shapes that are hard to grab
• They keep items more stable during tight turns
• They lower the chance of dropping something
• They speed up the whole move

How to Use Moving Straps?

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter. How do you use the darn things?

Here is a step-wise breakdown:

1. Inspect the straps. Look at the buckles and padding and make sure everything feels solid before you trust it.
2. Clear your route. Pick up rugs, shift boxes around, and measure a doorway if it looks a little too narrow.
3. Pick the right strap style. Go with the shoulder or forearm harness for longer carries, and choose lifting loop straps when you only need a short haul.
4. Get the item upright. Center its weight where the straps will sit so you are not fighting a lean.
5. Thread the straps around the load. One goes low under the base, and another can sit higher to keep things from wobbling.
6. Secure the straps. Clip or tighten them the way the manufacturer suggests, just snug enough to hold without crushing anything.
7. Adjust the length. Stand close to the load, bend your knees a bit, keep your chest up, and get your stance set.
8. Talk to your partner. Decide who leads and who follows. Use a clear signal like “Ready on three. One, two, three,” and start lifting together so no one takes the weight early.
9. Lift with your legs. Rise by straightening your knees and hips at the same time and keep your core tight.
10. Walk in small steps. Move slowly, pivot with your feet when you turn, and let the straps do the work instead of twisting your torso.
11. Handle stairs with care. The lower person controls the weight, and both of you keep steady tension so the load stays predictable.
12. Work through tight doorways patiently. Tilt the item a little if needed, and have one person guide while the other supplies the push.
13. Set the item down gently. Bend your knees again, lower the weight under control, and loosen the straps only when everything is stable.
14. Clean up after. Wipe the straps, dry them if they caught rain or sweat, and stash them somewhere clean until the next move.

Mistakes to Avoid When Using Moving Equipment Straps

Here is a little table that we made describing some mistakes that you should avoid when using furniture moving straps.

Wrapping Up

And with that, we’re going to give this article a wrap.

Moving straps can be a great way to not get tired lugging around heavy stuff during packing and transportation. However, using the straps requires a bit of knowledge.

In this blog, we’ve done our best to provide all the necessary information you’ll need to use moving equipment straps for your next move.