A moving dolly is a tool with which you can safely transfer bulky and heavy items, even if you’re working alone. A dolly can help you rearrange furniture, move items into a truck for a move, or replace heavy appliances. Read our guide below to learn how to use a moving dolly, how to choose the model that’s best for you, and how to stay safe while you work.

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Types of Moving Dollies

Moving dollies come in various shapes and sizes, and each can handle specific tasks. Below are the most common types:

Furniture Dollies

Furniture dollies are flat, low-profile platforms that have four swivel casters. They’re best for moving large, bulky items such as sofas, dressers, and tables. The low profile allows you to easily slide the dolly under furniture, and the swivel casters make maneuvering through doorways and around corners simple.

Hand Trucks

Hand trucks, which are also known as two-wheel dollies or utility dollies, have L-shaped designs. They feature upright handles and two wheels. Use a hand truck if you have to move stacks of boxes or tall, narrow items. These allow you to tilt and balance your load, and reduce strain on your back.

Appliance Dollies

Appliance dollies are similar to hand trucks but feature additional support. They have tall frames and wide bases that allow you to move refrigerators, washing machines, and other bulky appliances. The straps more successfully secure items during transport.

Specialty Dollies

Consider using the specialty dollies below if you have very specific tasks to manage.

• Piano dollies: These feature a wide base and strong wheels that can support the weight and shape of pianos.
• Stair-climbing dollies: These have special wheels or tracks that help you to navigate stairs more easily.
• Trailer dollies: Use these to move small trailers or boats short distances.

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Choosing the Right Moving Dolly

Learn how to pick the best moving dolly for your job below.

Consider the Item’s Size and Weight

The size and weight of the items you’re moving should be your main consideration. Use furniture dollies to move large, flat furniture pieces, and use appliance dollies to move tall appliances. A hand truck is usually the best choice for boxes and smaller items.

Always check the weight capacity of the dolly and make sure it can handle your heaviest items. Overloading a dolly can damage the dolly and injure you.

Evaluate the Terrain

Think about the path you’ll take once you’ve loaded your dolly. Smooth, flat surfaces are best, but you may encounter the obstacles below.

• Rough outdoor surfaces: Large wheels can help you to navigate gravel or uneven pavement more easily.
• Stairs: Use a stair-climbing dolly to navigate stairs, or ask someone for help.
• Tight spaces: Use a dolly with swivel casters in narrow hallways or doorways.

Assess Your Physical Abilities

Consider how strong and mobile you are when you’re picking a dolly. If you have back problems or limited upper body strength, consider using a four-wheel platform dolly, which is easier to manage than a two-wheel hand truck, which you have to tilt and balance.

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Where To Get a Moving Dolly

Once you’ve determined the type of dolly you need, you need to decide whether to buy or rent one. Your options are below.

Purchasing Options

You can buy moving dollies from the sources below.

• Local hardware stores: Many hardware stores carry a selection of dollies and hand trucks that you can test.
• Online retailers: Websites such as Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s offer a wide variety of dollies that come with customer reviews.
• Specialty moving supply stores: These stores have a broad selection of dollies, including specialty options.

Rental Services

If you only need a dolly for a short time, consider renting from the sources below.

• Equipment rental stores: These carry a variety of dollies for short-term use.
• Home improvement stores: Some larger chains such as Home Depot offer dolly rentals.
• Moving truck rental companies: These typically offer dolly rentals along with truck rentals.

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Proper Techniques for Using a Moving Dolly

Follow the steps below to safely and efficiently use a dolly:

Loading the Dolly

1. Place the dolly on a flat surface near the item you want to move.
2. Remove any loose parts or items that could fall during transport.
3. Use proper lifting techniques while you’re lifting the object. Make sure you bend at the knees and keep your back straight.
4. Place the item on the dolly and make sure to evenly distribute its weight.
5. Use straps to secure the load, especially if it’s tall.

Maneuvering with a Loaded Dolly

1. Clear obstacles and make sure your doorways are wide enough.
2. Keep your back straight and use your legs to push or pull the dolly.
3. Move at a steady pace, especially around corners or on uneven surfaces.
4. If you’re using two-wheel dollies, tilt the load back slightly to balance it on the wheels. If you’re using four-wheel dollies, push rather than pull.

Unloading Safely

1. Bring the dolly to a complete stop on a flat surface.
2. Slowly tilt a two-wheel dolly forward until the load is flat on the ground.
3. If you’re using a furniture dolly, carefully lift one end of the item off the dolly, then remove the dolly.
4. Always lift with your legs, not your back, when removing items from the dolly.

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Safety Precautions When Using Moving Dollies

Follow the precautions below to stay safe and prevent accidents and injuries while using the dolly:

Wear Appropriate Gear

• Back brace if you’re prone to back strain
• Closed-toe shoes with good traction to prevent slips
• Work gloves for better grip and hand protection

Clear the Path

Remove obstacles from your path and make sure your doorways are wide enough for the loaded dolly before you move any items. Use ramps if there are small elevation changes along your path instead of trying to bump the dolly up steps. 

Maintain Proper Posture

Keep your back straight, use your leg muscles when you’re pushing or pulling, and avoid twisting your body while the dolly is loaded. Ask for help if any items are extremely heavy or awkward to move.

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Tips for Moving Specific Items

Follow the steps below to use dollies with particular items.

Moving Boxes with a Hand Truck

Stack boxes so that the heaviest box is on the bottom, and slide the hand truck’s platform under the bottom box. Tilt the hand truck back, and balance the load on the wheels. Keep the load close to the vertical frame.

Transporting Furniture with a Furniture Dolly

Clear a path so that you can slide the dolly under the furniture. Lift one end of the furniture and slide the dolly underneath. Lower the furniture onto the dolly, and center it. Use furniture straps for additional security.

Relocating Appliances with an Appliance Dolly

Remove or secure any of the appliance’s loose parts, then tilt the appliance slightly and slide the dolly underneath. Secure the appliance to the dolly using the built-in straps. Tilt the dolly back and balance the weight before moving it.

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FAQ About Moving Dollies

What is a moving dolly?

A moving dolly is a platform with wheels that you can use to transport heavy or bulky objects.

What is the difference between a hand truck and a dolly?

Hand trucks have L-shaped designs and upright handles. Dollies are flat platforms with wheels that may not have handles.

What is the difference between a utility dolly and an appliance dolly?

Utility dollies have platforms with upright handles and two wheels. Appliance dollies have vertical supports and straps that make it easier to move taller, top-heavy appliances.

How much weight can one person move with a dolly?

Most dollies can hold several hundred pounds, and large industrial dollies can hold several thousand pounds.

Where can I rent a moving dolly?

You can rent a moving dolly from many moving companies or equipment rental stores.