Moving a heavy bookcase takes more than muscle to do it safely. You need a solid plan, moving supplies, and a few smart strategies to move it without wrecking your walls and floors, or worse, your furniture and your back.
With more Canadians setting up home offices, the demand for bookcases has been rising. That means more people are dealing with bulky furniture, and more chances for things to go wrong when it’s time to move.
If you’re moving from one office or home to another, knowing how to move that bulky furniture safely is key. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to move a heavy bookcase step by step, using the right tools and strategies to complete the job smoothly and safely.
What to Do Before You Move a Heavy Bookcase
Before you start moving your heavy-duty bookcase, here are a few prep steps you should do to make the actual move easier and prevent damage to your home, furniture, and body:
Plan Ahead
If you’re hiring professional movers, consider how far in advance you should book your move. This is important because moving companies fill up quickly during peak seasons like spring. Use a moving checklist to stay organised.
Check the Path and Measure Tight Spaces or Doorways
Make sure the bookcase will fit through entrances, hallways, stairs, or elevators by measuring its size and the dimensions of those areas. While you’re on that, pick up anything on the floor that could make you trip.
Wear Proper Gear (Gloves and Footwear)
Wear a decent pair of work gloves to protect your hands from pinches and splinters. It’s also ideal to wear shoes with non-slip soles or closed toes (don’t wear sandals) to keep your feet safe from falls and provide more steady traction.
Decide if You’re Doing it Solo or With Help
If the bookcase is really tall or heavy, don’t attempt to move it all by yourself. Some furniture is just too heavy for one person to move. You can ask a friend or family member to help you, or you can hire professional movers who offer specialty moving services.
When considering DIY moving vs hiring a moving company, think about more than just the moving cost of hiring movers across Canada. For example, the average cost of hiring movers in London, Ontario, for a studio or 1-bedroom unit ranges from $550 to $970. While that’s a significant investment, it can be well worth it if you’re dealing with heavy furniture. Your time, energy, and safety matter too, especially with bulky pieces like bookcases.
What Tools Can You Use to Move a Heavy-Duty Bookcase
Sometimes, you just need the right tools to move a heavy bookcase. Such tools and equipment are valuable, especially when moving house in winter and summer, which can sometimes cause weather-related delays, such as bad weather Here are a few simple tools that can help keep you and your bookcase safe while you move:
- Furniture sliders (for hard floors and carpets): These are smooth pads with foam or felt on one side and plastic on the other, which you insert under the legs or on the corners of the bookcase. The sliders will help heavy furniture slide across floors without scratching them.
- Furniture straps: These straps enable two people to lift the bookcase, reducing strain on their backs. Furniture straps are especially useful when you have to carry the furniture up or down the stairs. If you’re planning to go DIY to stay within a realistic moving budget, these are a solid alternative to hiring movers.
- A sturdy furniture dolly or hand truck: This wheeled platform is extremely useful if you want to roll the bookcase instead of carrying it. Dollies work fine on flat ground, but they can’t be used on stairs, so plan beforehand. If you’re unsure whether to buy this equipment or hire help, take time to compare moving company prices to see what fits your needs.
- Corner guards or padding for tight hallways: If you’re going to turn around a tight corner or doorway, use foam corner guards or taped cardboard on the doorframe edges.
- Blankets and tape: Wrap any sharp edges or corners of the bookcase with bubble wrap or a bit of blanket.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Move a Heavy Bookcase Without Damage
Now that the bookcase is empty and everything is ready, here’s how to move a heavy bookcase safely:
Step 1: Empty the Bookcase and Pack Its Contents
Your first task is to remove everything from the bookcase before attempting to move it. Looking up how to pack for a move before your moving day arrives can be helpful. Otherwise, you might end up tossing stuff into random moving boxes last minute.
Removing Everything From the Shelves
Take time to empty all the shelves and pack books and other contents to reduce the weight of the furniture. Start by taking off books, framed photos, keepsakes, electronics, decorations, and other miscellaneous items.
- Remove all the books and use this opportunity to declutter, especially if you’ll be moving into smaller spaces like a studio apartment or a condo. Consider going through your books and setting aside anything you or your family won’t read again.
- You can sell, gift, or donate these extra books to lighten your loan. There are a few places where you can donate your books in Canada before you move. A garage sale is also a great way to offload heavier and unused items to turn unwanted clutter into cash.
- Don’t forget to remove drawers as well, if your bookcase has any. Once nothing is left on or inside the bookcase, dust and wipe it down so it’s clean and debris-free. This will make its surface easier and safer to grip and move.
Unused books and other unwanted clutter may greatly increase your moving costs, especially for long-distance moves, so it’s a good idea to purge as much as possible now. Downsizing smartly contributes to a more affordable relocation and gives you fewer things to pack, move, and unpack.
Packing the Bookcase Contents Properly
Each item from the bookcase needs to be packed in its own way to prevent damage. If you want, movers can pack your stuff for you if you choose to include this service. Otherwise, here’s how you should do it:
- Books: When packing the books, keep them in sturdy moving boxes and reinforce the box bottoms with tape for support. Place the books flat or spine down, with the heaviest ones at the bottom. Fill any gaps with paper so they won’t shift. Make sure not to overfill. In case the box gets too heavy, simply distribute the books into other boxes. You can just label the book boxes by category so you’ll know what’s what later.
- Framed photos and art: If you’ve got framed photos or art, pack those properly and with extra care. Learning how to pack artwork for moving will help you wrap, cushion, and box up framed art safely. Wrap each one in packing paper, then follow with a layer of bubble wrap. Then place them upright in a well-padded box. If there are gaps or empty spaces, fill them with packing peanuts or crumpled paper so the frames won’t rattle around.
- Souvenirs, keepsakes, and collectables: These decorations also need their own safe spot. To expertly pack valuable items, use double-walled boxes, wrap each item individually, and place them in smaller boxes with plenty of cushioning to keep everything in place.
- Miscellaneous items: For oddly shaped items like toys or bookends, consider wrapping them in moving blankets to prevent damage.
Finally, double-check what you’re packing, as some common bookshelf items may be on the list of items that moving companies won’t move due to safety regulations. Always review the contents of the box before sealing. And don’t forget to label boxes properly with “Fragile” or “Handle with Care”.
Never mix fragile decorations, such as ceramic figurines, with heavier items on shelves, like heavy paperweights or bookends. These items can shift in transit when not properly filled with cushioning materials, potentially cracking or crushing the fragile pieces.
Step 2: Packing Your Bookcase
Once the shelves are clear, your next step is to determine if the bookcase can be safely disassembled. Not all bookcases can be disassembled, but if yours can, it will make the move a whole lot easier. Taking it apart reduces weight and makes it easier to grip, especially during tight stairwell moves or office relocation projects where space is often limited.
Before disassembling anything, take a moment to snap some photos of the parts to remember where each piece goes.
Disassembling The Bookcase
During disassembly, it’s advisable to work on soft surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, to avoid scratching parts. Start with these parts:
- Glass doors: Remove all glass doors (if any) by unscrewing their hinges. These hinges can often be loosened with a manual screwdriver. Once removed, place the glass carefully on a padded surface like a towel or blanket. Wrap each glass door with packing paper, followed by a protective layer of bubble wrap. Then, bundle everything in a moving blanket and secure it with tape.
- Detachable shelves: Next, remove any detachable shelves inside the bookcase. These typically slide out or detach with a few screws. If the shelves are not made of glass, you can just wrap each one in a soft material like a towel or moving blanket, then tape it in place. If you’re doing a commercial relocation, keeping these shelf pieces labelled and organised can save time when moving to a new place.
- Bookcase legs: If your bookcase has detachable legs, unscrew these as well. To do this, carefully tip the bookcase onto a soft surface, such as a carpet or rug, to access the bottom. Use the appropriate screwdriver or Allen key to loosen each leg. Once off, wrap each one individually and keep them grouped together so they won’t be misplaced.
- Detachable cabinets: Some bookcases have built-in cabinets. If yours does, detach the top side board of the bookcase by unscrewing the fasteners on either end (a manual screwdriver usually works). Then, disconnect the sideboards by removing the screws at the bottom. Wrap each panel in a moving blanket or thick tower and secure it with packing tape.
If you’re wondering about things you can expect when hiring a full-service moving company, this kind of detailed furniture preparation is often included, but ask upfront to ensure the disassembly of the bookcase is covered.
Make sure to keep any screws or hardware in a labelled bag or box so you don’t lose them. If you can’t disassemble the bookcase, just secure any moving parts. Tie or tape the cabinet doors shut to prevent them from swinging open during the move.
If you’re hiring moving professionals, it’s helpful to ask if they handle furniture disassembly too. It’s one of the questions you should ask before hiring a moving company.
Wrapping the Bookcase
After disassembling the bookcase and packing its parts properly. The next step is to wrap the remaining structure of the bookcase to prevent dents, scratches, or loose parts during the move. Here’s how you wrap a bookcase:
- Wrap the furniture with thick moving blankets over the front, back, and sides. Use packing tape to secure the moving blankets tightly and prevent them from slipping off.
- Use stretch wrap to lock everything in place. For additional protection, go over the entire furniture with plastic stretch wrap. Doing this will also prevent doors or drawers from swinging open during the move. Moreover, if your bookcase doesn’t have doors, the stretch wrap will help shield the exposed surfaces from dust and moisture.
- Use foam corners on sharp or fragile corners. This will add extra padding to the areas as they’re more likely to get bumped during transport.
If wrapping the heavy bookcase feels like too much, professional packing services can help handle the details, especially for oversized and delicate items like a heavy bookcase. If you do hire help, don’t forget to factor in how much you should tip movers, especially when they’re handling heavy furniture like a bookcase.
Step 3: Tilt From the Bottom With Your Knees Bent, Not Your Back
Even if you’re using moving tools or equipment, there will likely come a moment when you need to lift or tilt the bookcase when navigating doorways or tight turns.
According to the Government of Canada’s back injury prevention guidelines, lifting, pushing, or twisting heavy loads without proper technique can cause cumulative strain over time. It’s a serious risk, especially for DIY movers dealing with heavy furniture like bookcases.
So, here are some key techniques to safely move the bookcase and reduce the risk of muscle strains or accidents while carrying the bookcase out:
- Make sure that it’s your legs, not your spine, that do the work. Find a secure grip under a solid part of the bookcase. Then, squat down by bending at your knees. Lift by straightening your legs while keeping your back upright. One of the things to consider when moving is your physical ability and overall safety. So, use the proper moving techniques to avoid putting all the strain on your back.
- Avoid bending at your waist or using your back to lift. Do not hunch forward to lift with your back muscles, as this can strain your spine. Pivot your feet slowly instead of twisting your body if you need to turn. If you’re moving the bookcase with the help of another person, coordinate to lift at the same time and height.
- Go slow and stay aware. Take your time when carrying the bookcase out. This may affect how long it takes to move into your new space, but safety should still come first. Go slowly through doorways and tight turns. If you’re using the stairs, take them one step at a time. When turning corners, pivot slowly.
If the bookcase feels too risky to move on your own or without proper help, it’s better to leave it to professional movers in Canada. Whether you’re in Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, London, Regina, or elsewhere, there are experienced local movers in your area who can handle the job safely.
Step 4: Use Proper Equipment to Move the Bookcase
You can also use moving equipment to avoid carrying all the weight of the bookcase manually. Use furniture sliders, moving straps, or dollies to make moving heavy items safe and more efficient.
If at any point you feel unsafe or think the bookcase is too much to handle, consider seeking help from a professional moving company. Experienced movers have the proper techniques and equipment to move heavy items without damage and injury. This could save you a lot of effort and stress.
Otherwise, if you have the right tools and equipment to move a heavy bookcase, here’s how to use them:
Furniture Sliders
To use a slider when moving a heavy bookcase, tilt the furniture carefully to one side (you can ask for help to lift it an inch or two, or use a pry bar instead). Then, kick a furniture slider under each corner.
The smooth side of the slider is what should be in contact with the floor. So if you’re working on hard flooring, the soft felt side of the sliders should face down. And if you’re working on carpet, the smooth plastic side of the sliders should face the floor.
Once the furniture sliders are in place, you can now move that heavy bookcase with less effort and friction. This will reduce strain on your body and protect your floors from scratches. Causing floor scratches is something to keep in mind if you’re handling a rental move. Following a move-out cleaning checklist will help avoid extra charges.
Moving Straps
Moving straps, also known as lifting straps, shoulder straps, or forearm straps, enable two people to lift a heavy object together while keeping their hands free to stabilize it. The strap will go under the bookcase and loop over your shoulders or arms.
Once in place, you and your partner can lift the bookcase using your leg strength instead of straining your back. If you’re moving with pets around, make sure they’re secured or out of the way to avoid tripping while lifting.
Dollies or Hand Trucks
Alternatively, you can also use a dolly or a hand truck. You might need help to tilt and load the bookcase onto the dolly, though. But once on, you can push it with a lot less effort. Make sure to strap the bookcase to the dolly, if possible, to prevent it from tipping over while rolling.
Step 5: Slowly Push or Pull Along Your Planned Route
Now that the bookcase is on sliders, straps, or a dolly, slowly move it down the path you cleared. Don’t rush so that you can keep the furniture under control. Allow the tools to bear most of the weight while you maintain the bookcase balanced and push or pull it in the appropriate direction.
Make sure you occasionally check to see if the bookcase is still stable as you proceed. If you’re using a dolly, roll it carefully over bumps or thresholds. Also, if you’re moving with babies or toddlers around, keep them safely out of the path to avoid interruptions or accidents.
Step 6: Watch Out for Corners and Adjust Your Grip Often
Keep an eye out for doorways, hallways, and corners. Watch the top of the bookcase as well to avoid hitting the ceiling or light fixtures. If you’re working with another person, ensure that you coordinate each movement and communicate about upcoming obstacles (announce turns or say “stop” if either of you needs to rest or adjust grip).
This is also where hiring help may make sense. But make sure to choose the right moving company that’s familiar with tricky residential moves.
Step 7: Tilt and Pivot Through Doorways
Doorways are sometimes the hardest places to move a heavy bookcase. You often have to tilt it at a certain angle to get through the doorway, especially if the furniture is tall.
If your bookcase is wide or tall, you may need to angle it into an “L” shape, where one end is higher than the other. Doing this will allow you to “hook” the bookcase diagonally through the door frame for a better fit and visibility.
In some cases, removing the door from its hinges would help clear a few inches (around 1 to 2). If even angling won’t work, you may need to find an alternative route or fully disassemble the furniture. But this is very rare for bookcases. Generally, tilting and pivoting should do the trick.
Step 8: Load the Bookcase Onto the Truck
When it’s time to load the bookcase into the truck, use the truck’s loading ramp if available. Wheel the bookcase up the ramp using the dolly or carefully carry it up with your partner. Make sure someone is standing by to hold the dolly or assist as the bookcase is being loaded onto the vehicle.
Position the Bookcase Strategically
Place the heavy bookcase nearest the driver’s cab (front wall of the truck) if possible, rather than near the back. The front wall of the truck is fixed and sturdy, so having the furniture flush against it reduces shifting, especially if your move includes long-distance routes like the one between Vancouver and Toronto.
If a tall item like a bookcase is placed further back, it can tip or slide as the truck accelerates, turns, or brakes, which can make it harder to steer or even cause it to tip slightly when braking.
It’s also more efficient to keep heavier items at the front of the truck so they are unloaded last. That lowers the chance of damage to fragile pieces buried under or behind bulky furniture.
Secure the Bookcase With Straps
Use straps or ropes to anchor the bookcase so it can’t tip or shift while driving. This will prevent the furniture from sliding if there are bumps or sudden stops and turns on the road. You can also use blankets or mattresses to fill any gaps around the bookcase.
Step 9: Unload and Reassemble the Bookcase at the New Spot
If you’ve hired full-service residential or commercial and office movers, you won’t have to worry about placing the bookcase inside the truck or hauling it outside again to place it in its new spot. Hiring professional movers is a safer option since they’ve got the proper equipment, crew, and experience to avoid damage.
But if you’re doing it yourself or with a companion, unloading the bookcase safely is the final challenge.
Unload a Heavy Bookcase From the Moving Truck
If you have a moving ramp, set it up securely and use a dolly to roll the bookcase down. Go very slowly and use proper form. There should be one person guiding the dolly from below and another one to steady the bookcase from above.
Once off the truck, place the sliders under the bookcase again or use furniture straps to carry it to your desired room.
How to Reassemble the Bookcase
Once in the new spot, carefully reassemble the bookcase. Start by unwrapping the packaging of the disassembled pieces. Reattach any removed legs, doors, or shelves. Once the structure is reassembled, reload the books and other contents of the bookcase.
5 Tips to Prevent Injuries While Moving a Heavy Bookcase
With some planning and the right tools, you can move that heavy bookcase safely and efficiently. Below are five simple but valuable tips to move safely and prevent injury on moving day:
1. Warm Up Before Lifting
Yes, like a workout. Do some light stretching or walking for a few minutes to get your blood flowing and prep your muscles. This can help prevent strains once you start lifting the bookcase.
2. Don’t Do It Alone
If the bookcase feels too bulky to handle, don’t force it. It’s quite easy to find a good moving company that has the tools and experience to handle heavy items like bookcases without risk.
3. Use the High-Low Carry Method
If the bookcase is too heavy, tilt the furniture slightly so one person carries the top and the other carries the bottom. This technique helps maintain balance and is particularly useful when navigating stairs or tight corners. Don’t forget to communicate constantly with every movement or step.
4. Keep a First Aid Kit Close
Scrapes, pinched fingers, or pulled muscles can happen even if you’re careful. Have a first-aid kit ready just in case. A basic one should include bandages, cold packs, pain relievers, band aids and antiseptic solutions.
5. Pre-test the Grip Points
Before you lift the bookcase, check where your hands naturally go. If the sides are slick or too wide, wrap towels or add grip tape so you can have a better hold.
Conclusion
Moving a heavy bookcase doesn’t have to mean hurting your back or damaging your belongings. Plan ahead, empty and disassemble the unit, and use proper tools and safe techniques to relocate even the bulkiest furniture with minimal risk.
Still, not every move should be a solo effort. Sometimes the smartest choice is calling a backup. There are professional movers near you who can help handle oversized furniture using the right equipment and safety strategies. They are trained to get through doorways, steep stairs, and even the sharpest corners without straining themselves or damaging your furniture.
Yes, hiring movers may cost more than renting a truck and going DIY. But depending on your situation, you might be eligible to claim moving expenses in Canada. Either way, the end goal is the same: get your heavy bookcase to your new home safely and keep yourself injury-free in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to move a bookcase upstairs by myself?
Not really. Unless the bookcase is lightweight, you’ll need a second person. Use moving straps and have a spotter nearby for better control. Navigating steps with heavy furniture can throw off your balance and increase the risk of falls or back injury. Even professional movers use straps, dollies, and backup.
What’s the safest lifting technique for moving furniture?
Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and lift with your legs instead of your spine. Keep the item close to your body and avoid twisting or reaching while carrying the furniture. Gripping low and close to your body provides better balance. If it feels too heavy or unstable, ask for help or use moving straps, sliders, or a dolly to reduce strain.
How much does it cost to move a heavy bookcase in Canada?
It depends on the distance and whether you’re moving other items too. Other factors include stair carry fees, packing add-ons, or the number of movers needed. A quick check with a moving cost calculator in Canada can give you a ballpark.
Can I move a heavy bookcase in a sedan or SUV?
If the bookcase is small enough and the seats of the car fold down. But most solid wood bookcases need a van, truck, or moving service with proper tie-downs. If you’re not sure, measure both the item and your vehicle’s cargo space before moving the bookcase.
Is moving a heavy bookcase dangerous?
Sometimes, yes, because of its bulk, shape, and limited visibility. One bad tilt, and your back or wall takes the hit. If the bookcase is tall, wide, or very heavy, calling in professional movers is a smart and safer move.
