6 Pro Tips for Moving to a New Home

Are you sick of your surroundings? Heading for greener pastures? Sometimes, you need to relocate.

From oversized sofas to prized heirlooms, moving-day problems are rarely caused by boxes alone. According to movers, a couple of household items are responsible for common delays, damage, and injuries from residential moves, often because people underestimate how difficult it can be to move these things.

Adrian Iorga, moving expert and founder of Stairhopper Movers, says weight isn’t the biggest issue. Shape, access, stairs and preparation matter, especially in apartments, older homes and buildings with narrow hallways.

“People think heavy means difficult, but it’s usually awkward or fragile items that cause the most trouble,” says Iorga. “When those items aren’t prepared correctly, that’s when damage and injuries happen.”

Adrian breaks down the items that movers struggle with most, and what homeowners can do to make moving them safer and smoother:

1. Sectional sofas and oversized couches

Large sofas often don’t fit through doorways or stairwells, so you need to partially or fully disassemble them. People commonly forget to remove legs, detach modular pieces, or measure tight turns in advance. Taking photos of access points and confirming dimensions ahead of time can prevent last-minute surprises.

2. Large mirrors, glass furniture and artwork

These items are lightweight but extremely fragile. Movers see damage when glass isn’t protected with rigid padding or when pieces are carried flat instead of upright. Using proper wrapping materials and keeping glass vertical reduces stress on pressure points.

3. Appliances with hookups

Washers, dryers, and refrigerators require proper disconnection and stabilization. Failing to drain hoses, secure drums, or tape doors can lead to leaks, internal damage, or injuries during transport. Appliances should be prepped before moving day whenever possible.

4. Gym equipment and heavy specialty items

Treadmills, Pelotons and weight machines are dense, unbalanced, and often top-heavy. Many require partial disassembly to move safely, especially on stairs. Attempting to move them intact significantly increases injury risk.

5. Antiques and sentimental furniture

Older or heirloom pieces are often more fragile than they appear. Loose joints, aged wood, and decorative details need extra protection. Over-handling or improper wrapping can cause irreversible damage.

6. Boxes packed too heavily

Overloaded boxes are a leading cause of broken items and back injuries. Books, kitchenware, and small heavy items should be distributed across multiple boxes rather than packed together.

As Iorga explains, moving is already one of the most stressful days people go through, but the experience can change dramatically with the right preparation. 

“When the most difficult items are prepared correctly, everything changes: Crews work more efficiently, homes stay protected, and people feel far more in control of what’s happening around them.”

For more, visit www.stairhoppers.com.