Whether you are moving into a new home, rearranging your furniture, or just trying to move some heavy items around, you will probably need the help of a dolly. There are two main types of dollies – the utility dolly and the furniture dolly, but each has its pros and cons.
The Utility Dolly: Also known as a hand truck, this platform has wheels and a handle (two ergonomic handles or a handlebar that runs across the back). It can lift and transport boxes, small items like lamps or mirrors, and even lightweight furniture pieces. It can also be used to maneuver a load up or down stairs.
A utility dolly can be rented or purchased from most U-Haul stores and moving companies for $10 to $7 per day depending on the size and weight capacity of the dolly. It is the perfect solution for moving heavy, awkward-shaped or tall items – especially if you have stairs to climb.
However, the downside is that a utility dolly can be difficult to maneuver in crowded spaces or around sharp corners. It is also heavier than a furniture dolly, and it can only lift a limited amount of weight.
It is not recommended to use a utility dolly when lifting appliances, as it can damage the appliance’s finish or wiring. A better option is an appliance dolly, which has straps and rails to securely hold your large and heavy appliances.
The Furniture Dolly:
A simple looking device, a furniture dolly is made from four square or rectangular pieces of wood – usually plywood or covered in soft material to prevent scratching. These dollies have four wheels, one in each corner.
These dollies vary in size and can load up to 1000 pounds of weight. Some can be pushed by just a single person, while others need two people to push them.
They are also more expensive than utility dollies – ranging from $20 to $60, and they often have carpet tops for additional protection.
The best way to use a furniture dolly is to plan out your exit route before you begin moving it. It is important to consider doorways and hallways, because this will give you a chance to figure out an alternate route if it becomes impassable.
You will also want to position the dolly so that it is able to move freely without bumping into things. For example, if you have a large armoire, it will be best to place it in an upright position so that it is able to clear doorways easily.
Once you have positioned the furniture dolly, you will need to load it with your heavy items. You may need to ask a friend to help with this process, and you should map out your exit routes so that you can work out an alternative route if you find that the stairs are too steep.
You will want to make sure that the bottom plate of your item is covered in rubber or carpet padding to prevent scuffing and scratches. This will also help ensure that your items do not slide off of the dolly as you move them down the stairs.