Outdoor furniture moving can be a challenging task if you have many large items, such as double-seater chairs, a table, a barbecue and bench seats. While these items are built to withstand the rigours of outdoor life, it doesn’t make them immune to damage when moving. When moving any furniture, it’s essential to take the utmost care to protect each item and ensure your own safety.

 

1. Remove fixtures

Outdoor seating often has pads or cushions tied to the frame. You can remove these and pack them separately for easier handling. Give them a good clean with a brush or vacuum cleaner and carefully pack them away in an appropriately sized box, taking care to avoid crushing or folding the item, which can cause it to lose its shape.

 

2. Cleaning and drying

Any outdoor furniture attracts more dirt and dust than indoor furniture simply from being outdoors. As these furniture items will get loaded with all your other belongings, you’ll want to avoid transferring dirt. Clean them down with a hose and brush to remove stubborn dirt and leave them to dry.

 

3. Dissasemble

Any item that can be disassembled is easier to move and safer to handle. If you have the instructions, follow them to ensure you disassemble each item properly. Secure any small parts in a bag or container for safekeeping and label them to make reassembly easier.

 

4. Packing parts

To make handling, organising, loading and reassembly easier, fasten similar parts together, such as table legs. Cable ties are a better option than tape for this job, as tape can leave sticky residue. Packing parts this way also helps to protect their condition, as they’re less likely to move around in the truck than if loaded loose.

 

5. Protect each item

Like your indoor furniture, you still need to protect your outdoor furniture with heavy-duty wrapping to prevent knocks and avoid unwanted damage. Use packing wrap or moving blankets for large items and bubble wrap for smaller parts.

 

6. Loading the truck

If you have to move your furniture yourself, get assistance to move larger items. Never try to lift large, heavy items alone, as it’s a recipe for an accident causing damage to the item and the risk of injury to yourself. This reason alone makes the cost of hiring professionals worthwhile, as the cost of accidents and injuries can be one you’ll carry for life.

Find a reliable guide from a trusted source about handling techniques before attempting to lift any item. Never drag the item while moving it. Use a moving trolley if you can get hold of one. If, at any time while moving the item, it feels burdensome, stop and place it on the ground. Rest before resuming to protect yourself and the item.

The rule of thumb is to load large, heavy items into the vehicle or truck first to create a stable base. Then load other items, distributing the weight evenly, so your vehicle retains a safe centre of gravity. Use straps and tiedowns to secure items in place and prevent damage.

 

7. Final tips

For safety, professionals won’t carry gas bottles used in barbecues or heaters unless you have had them emptied at an authorised station. Gas leaks can cause explosions!

Handle glass tabletops with extreme care and don’t be shy with the protective wrappings.

Tape towels or bubble wrap over any surface with a point or a sharp edge to prevent injury while carrying it.

Too large or heavy? Any item, whether it is a small box or a large piece of furniture, should be easy to lift and comfortably carry if you have to move it yourself or with assistance. If any item leaves this comfort zone, call in the professionals. The risk of a serious injury or accident just isn’t worth it.