The Best Moving Straps: A Buying Guide

Moving straps can help you avoid back pain and muscle strain when moving. Read our article to learn about the various types of moving straps and our top picks.

Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 06/05/2024

Moving heavy boxes and bulky furniture can put you at risk of injury, especially if you try to do it alone. Moving straps can help make the job easier for any do-it-yourself (DIY) mover and make moves safer and more efficient. Learn more about when to use moving straps, which types are best for your move, and how much weight each type can handle in our guide.

What Are Moving Straps?

Moving straps, also called shoulder dollies or furniture straps, are two-person lifting systems. They feature two padded shoulder harnesses that connect through a long webbing strap. Two people use moving straps by putting on the shoulder harnesses and wrapping the adjustable strap around objects they plan to move. This helps you use core muscles and leg strength instead of back strength and arms to carry objects, making lifting and carrying easier and more efficient.

Using moving straps includes the following benefits:

Better maneuverability: Moving straps make negotiating stairs, doorways, and tight corners easier. They leave your hands free and afford you good line-of-sight as you move around.
Cost-effective: Moving straps are an inexpensive investment compared to hiring professional movers or buying a hand truck.
Less risk of injury: Moving heavy objects the traditional way can cause you to bend awkwardly, strain your muscles, and injure yourself. Lifting straps encourage good lifting posture and proper lifting techniques that protect your back.
Moving is more efficient: Moving straps allow you and your partner to lift and carry heavy objects with less effort. That means you’ll need fewer breaks and can complete a move more efficiently.

When To Use Moving Straps

DIY movers and moving professionals frequently use shoulder dolly moving straps to handle the following:

Appliances: Appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators are difficult to move down hallways and around corners because they’re heavy and awkward. Moving straps make lifting and moving these bulky items a breeze.

Heavy furniture: Sofas, dressers, and bookshelves can strain your back. Moving straps allow you and a partner to lift these items by distributing the weight evenly across your strongest muscles.

Mattresses: Moving extra-deep mattresses can be a nightmare, but moving straps allow two people to easily carry a mattress up and down stairs and in and out of a moving van.

Stairways: Furniture lifting straps are a must if you’re moving objects in a house with stairs. Moving straps free up your hands and can help you to balance yourself and the object you’re moving.

Choosing the Best Moving Straps

Consider the following variables when deciding which moving straps are best for your move.

Type of Moving Straps

Learn about the different moving strap styles and their advantages and disadvantages below.

Shoulder Dolly

A shoulder dolly includes padded vests that distribute weight across your shoulders and core muscles. It features excellent weight capacity and back support, making it ideal for moving large, heavy items and appliances. However, it may be too bulky for some users, and it’s more expensive than other options.

Forearm Forklifts

These furniture-moving straps feature loops that fit around your forearms. They don’t have as much weight capacity as shoulder dollies but are suitable for moving small furniture pieces and boxes around tight spaces. Remember that using forearm forklifts can cause soreness in your arms and shoulders.

Hand Straps

These moving straps feature simple hand loops at either end of long webbing straps. They’re lightweight and affordable, but they have a low weight capacity.

Mattress Slings

These carrying straps cradle mattresses and feature handles for lifting and carrying loads. They make moving mattresses through hallways and stairs easier but aren’t suitable for carrying other items.

Ratchet Straps

These straps, also known as tie-down straps, feature a stainless steel ratcheting mechanism that tightens the straps around your items. They aren’t for helping you move items but to prevent them from moving or shifting in the back of a pickup truck or moving van.

Material and Comfort

Here are some things to note regarding the material and comfort of moving straps:

Choose breathable harnesses: Look for harnesses with breathable mesh panels that allow air to circulate. These will help you stay cool and comfortable during your move.
Choose weatherproof materials: Most straps are made of strong, weatherproof nylon or polyester, which makes them resistant to the elements.
Hardware quality matters: The buckles and hooks on your moving straps should be smooth and easy to operate while wearing gloves. Avoid straps or fasteners that dig into your skin while moving heavy objects.
Look for heavy-duty options: Consider straps made of military-grade webbing if you’re a frequent mover or need to move especially heavy objects. These straps provide extra strength and reduce the risk of strap failure and injury.
Prioritize padding: Look for straps that feature thick padding around areas that cover your shoulders, back, and forearms. Lightweight, high-density foam offers excellent protection for skin and muscles.

Weight Capacity and Versatility

Choose moving straps with a weight capacity that exceeds the heaviest item you plan to move. Look for a buffer of about 20% between the item’s weight and the maximum load capacity of your moving straps. This will help to prevent potential strap failure and injury.

Consider any strap’s versatility and weight capacity. A good set of moving straps will adjust to accommodate awkwardly shaped items, as well as lifters of different heights.

Our Top Picks

Below are our top three recommendations for moving straps. Remember that you should always seek straps that are strong enough for your biggest moving job, comfortable to use, and adaptable to your needs.

Best All-Around Moving Solution: The Shoulder Dolly Moving Straps

This product can lift up to 800 pounds, making it ideal for DIY movers. It has wide straps that you can adjust for height and allows two people of different heights to move heavy objects together. It also has a straightforward design. The Shoulder Dolly Moving Straps are available on Amazon.

Pros

Adjustable for height

Lifts up to 800 pounds

Wide straps rest comfortably on your shoulders

Cons

May not be suitable for professional movers

No padded harness, so your shoulders could get sore

Best Affordable Option: The Forearm Forklift Two-Person Lifting and Moving Straps

This product is less expensive than others and can help reduce the risk of back injuries. These straps can make items feel up to two-thirds lighter, and thanks to three loops at the end of wide polypropylene straps, you can adjust them to suit different heights. However, these straps may not have the weight capacity you need for larger objects. The Forearm Forklift Two-Person Lifting and Moving Straps can be purchased on Amazon.

Pros

Make it easy to maneuver around corners and through doors

Have three forearm loops to accommodate different heights

One of the least expensive options for moving straps

Cons

Little padding on the forearm loops could leave your arms tired

You’ll have to purchase extension straps if you need to move especially heavy or bulky items

Best Option for Professional Movers: Nielsen Products Pro Lift Shoulder Dolly Professional Moving Strap System

These moving straps are worth the investment if you’re a professional mover or move heavy objects often. They come with two nicely padded, fully adjustable harnesses and a 12-inch strap to help you lift 1,000 pounds. The included harnesses also have breathable mesh that prevents overheating on hot days. This product is available on The Home Depot.

Pros

Great for professional movers, warehouse workers, or anyone who moves heavy objects regularly

High weight capacity allows you to move cumbersome objects with less strain

The harness is comfortable to wear even if you’re moving objects all day

Cons

Might be too expensive for the average mover

Our Conclusion

The right moving straps can make your move smoother and safer and prevent back strain and injury. They can also help you lift especially heavy objects such as sofas, bookcases, dressers, and mattresses. Consider the weight capacity, material, comfort features, and strap versatility of each strap when deciding which model is right for your move.

FAQ About Moving Straps

Do moving straps really work?

Yes, moving straps work. They reduce the strain on your back during moves and distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and through your core muscles.

How much can you carry with moving straps?

How much you can carry with moving straps depends on the type you choose. Professional moving straps can hold several thousand pounds, but most standard moving straps can hold about 800 pounds.

How do you make homemade moving straps?

You can make homemade moving straps from high-quality nylon or polyester webbing, but it’s not typically a good idea. They may break, causing injury or damage to your belongings.

Can you use moving straps to lift appliances?

Yes, you can use moving straps to lift appliances. Ensure the straps you use have a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of the appliance in question.

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