Written by Move and Care Team
Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim
Updated: January 13, 2024
NO DUDE, THAT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA
Have you seen those videos on the internet of people trying to move a couch through a second-story window? Have you ever watched one and thought, “Hey, that’s a really great idea, I’m sure this will turn out well”? No? There’s a good reason for that—hoisting furniture is not something to attempt cavalierly and leads to injury and property damage when done incorrectly.
📌 DIY Hoisting? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t
- Risk of Personal Injury: Back strain, falls, and crushed fingers are common hazards.
- Property Damage: Without proper padding or straps, windows, floors, and walls can be damaged.
- Lack of Tools: Most people don’t own heavy-duty straps or pulleys necessary for safe hoisting.
DID YOU KNOW? IT’S RISKIER THAN YOU THINK
Sure, moving looks easy when you’re watching a highlight reel of DIY disasters on the internet. But here’s the reality check: moving injuries aren’t a joke, and the numbers back it up.
The majority of moving-related injuries come down to improper lifting techniques and a lack of equipment. And it’s not just amateurs getting hurt—transportation and material moving workers, people who do this for a living, had an incident rate of 193.7 cases per 10,000 workers in 2018. Those injuries often required a whopping 13 days off work to recover (Source: Bls.gov)
Now imagine attempting a risky hoisting maneuver without the training, tools, or backup of a professional team. It’s a recipe for ER visits, broken furniture, and a whole lot of regret.
BOTTOM LINE:: Just because you saw it on YouTube doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Trust the professionals who have the experience, the gear, and the insurance to get the job done safely. Let Move and Care handle the heavy lifting—literally.
BACK-BREAK AND HEART-ACHE
We at Move and Care are professional movers who have experience manually hoisting furniture through windows, and let us tell you this—the first time to try hoisting a couch is not when it’s your couch, your window, or your security deposit at stake. We know what we’re doing, we’ve performed the techniques, and we take all necessary precautions against damage and injury. Let us spell it out, just in case you’re feeling ambitious: Please don’t try hoisting furniture on your own.
We usea team of at least three experienced crew members for all hoisting maneuvers. We wrap the furniture being lifted, pad the access point, and use extra-heavy-duty straps to carefully wrangle the item into (or out of) the home. We also have insurance (learn more on our pricing page). For everybody’s safety and peace of mind, leave furniture hoisting to the pros—it’s literally our job, and we do it well.
FAQ
Answer: Even lightweight furniture can cause injury or damage during hoisting. It's best to leave it to professionals with the right tools and experience.
Answer: Heavy-duty straps, padding, and often a pulley system are used to ensure safety and precision.
Answer: Yes, at Move and Care, we carry insurance that covers potential risks during hoisting maneuvers.
See the full list of services we offer to find exactly what we can do to help.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at
info@move-and-care.com.
