When preparing for a move, one common question arises: “Should I empty drawers before moving a dresser?” The answer depends on several factors. While many movers, like Master Movers, can move a dresser with its drawers full, certain situations require unloading the contents. This guide explores the key considerations, helping you decide whether to empty drawers or leave them as they are. Let’s dive into the details of how to move a dresser while protecting both the furniture and its contents.
When Can You Leave Drawers Full?
In many cases, it’s perfectly fine to leave drawers loaded when moving a dresser. This approach has several advantages:
•Time-Saving: Emptying drawers and repacking items into boxes adds an extra step to your moving process. Leaving contents in place saves time and effort.
•Space Efficiency: Keeping items in drawers reduces the number of boxes needed, freeing up space in the moving van.
However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Several factors determine whether it’s safe to move a dresser with full drawers, including the dresser’s construction, what’s inside, and how the dresser will be transported.
Is the Dresser Sturdy?
The sturdiness of your dresser is the most important factor when deciding whether to empty drawers before moving a dresser. A well-built, solid dresser can often handle the added weight of full drawers, but a flimsy or older piece might not.
What to Check for:
Solid Construction: A dresser made of solid wood is usually sturdy enough to handle the weight of loaded drawers.
Stable Joints and Corners: Inspect the joints and corners for stability. If the dresser wobbles or creaks, it’s best to empty it.
Weight Distribution: Ensure the dresser can handle the additional stress of its contents while being lifted and transported.
If your dresser feels fragile, unloading the drawers is a safer choice. Overloaded drawers can strain weak joints, potentially causing damage during the move.
Special Consideration:
Ready-to-Assemble Furniture: If your dresser is made of particleboard or MDF, it’s advisable to empty the drawers and even disassemble the piece before moving. These materials are prone to cracking under pressure.
Do You Have the Strength to Move a Loaded Dresser?
Even a lightweight dresser becomes significantly heavier when its drawers are full. If you’re handling the move yourself, assess whether you and your helpers can safely lift and carry a loaded dresser.
Challenges of Moving a Full Dresser:
Increased Weight: A fully loaded dresser is not only heavier but also more challenging to maneuver through tight spaces.
Upright Transport: To prevent drawer contents from shifting, the dresser must remain upright throughout the move, which may not always be possible.
If you’re unsure about your ability to move a heavy dresser, consider removing the drawers and transporting them separately. Professional movers, like Master Movers, have the equipment and expertise to handle heavy furniture safely, making it less of a concern if you hire help.
What’s in the Drawers?
Even if your dresser is sturdy, its contents can influence whether it’s safe to move with loaded drawers. Here’s a breakdown of items you should always remove:
Fragile Items: Glassware, ceramics, and other breakables should be wrapped and packed in separate boxes. These items are too delicate to withstand the shifting that occurs during transport.
Heavy Items: Books, tools, or other dense objects add unnecessary weight and strain on the dresser. Pack these items in boxes instead.
Valuable Items: Jewelry, money, and important documents should always be removed and kept with you during the move to avoid loss or damage.
Small, Easily Lost Items: Desk supplies, cosmetics, or other small items can shift, fall out, or get stuck in corners. Secure them in separate boxes.
Liquids: Toiletries or other liquid items should never be left in drawers. They may spill and damage the furniture or other belongings.
What Can Stay in Drawers?
Clothing, linens, towels, and other soft items are generally safe to leave in drawers. Just ensure the drawers aren’t overstuffed, as this could damage the dresser’s structure.
Will the Dresser Stay Upright?
Whether or not your dresser can remain upright during the move is another crucial factor. If the piece needs to be tilted, flipped, or carried up stairs, full drawers can cause problems.
When to Empty Drawers:
Narrow Doorways: If the dresser needs to be angled to fit through a door, empty the drawers to prevent items from shifting or falling out.
Curved Staircases: Tight corners or steep stairs make it difficult to keep a loaded dresser upright.
Overhead Transport: If the dresser must be lifted overhead (e.g., onto a truck), emptying the drawers makes it safer to maneuver.
When possible, professional movers will transport dressers upright, minimizing the need to unload drawers.
Preparing a Dresser for Moving
If you’ve decided to keep the drawers full, follow these steps to secure the dresser and its contents:
1.Wrap the Dresser: Use furniture padding or moving blankets to protect the dresser from scratches and dents. Wrap the entire piece, including the drawers, to keep them from sliding open.
2.Use Plastic Wrap: Stretch plastic wrap tightly around the dresser to hold the drawers in place.
3.Reinforce Weak Points: For older or fragile dressers, consider placing a support under the base or securing the frame with additional padding.
If you’re emptying the drawers, pack their contents in clearly labeled boxes to make unpacking easier.
Special Cases: Other Furniture with Drawers
The same principles for moving a dresser apply to other furniture with drawers. Here’s a quick guide:
Desks: Remove papers, supplies, and small items that could shift or fall out. Securely tape drawers shut or remove them entirely.
Filing Cabinets: If the cabinet is sturdy and can be locked, you may leave files inside. Remove important documents and transport them separately.
Beds with Drawers: Always empty these drawers, as beds are typically flipped on their sides during transport.
Sideboards and Buffets: Empty drawers and cabinets to prevent damage to both the furniture and its contents.
Hiring Professionals for a Stress-Free Move
Moving furniture, especially bulky pieces like dressers, can be physically demanding and time-consuming. Hiring a professional moving company, such as Master Movers, eliminates the stress and ensures your belongings are transported safely.
Why Choose Master Movers?
Expertise: Our team knows exactly how to handle dressers, whether loaded or empty.
Safety: We use specialized equipment and proven techniques to protect your furniture and home.
Convenience: Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on other aspects of your move.
The decision to empty drawers before moving a dresser depends on several factors, including the dresser’s sturdiness, the weight of its contents, and how it will be transported. While leaving drawers full can save time and space, it’s not always the safest choice. Use the guidelines in this article to evaluate your specific situation.
For a seamless, stress-free move, consider hiring a professional moving company. Master Movers has the experience and expertise to handle your furniture with care, ensuring it arrives at your new home in perfect condition. Contact us today to request an estimate and make your move a success!