How to move a dresser
The whole question with a dresser is what to do with the drawers. Empty them, then decide: pull them out to lighten the load for stairs and long carries, or wrap them shut for a short, flat move. After that it is a matter of protecting the finish and carrying it low and controlled.
- People
- 2 recommended
- Time
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Vehicle
- Cargo van or box truck
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Disassembly
- Optional, remove drawers to lighten
In this guide
What you'll need
- Moving blanketsWood dents and scratches easily
- Stretch wrapHolds drawers and doors closed
- Furniture straps
- Furniture dollyIdeal for a heavy loaded dresser
- Two people
Move it step by step
Empty every drawer
Always empty the drawers, even if you plan to leave them in. A loaded dresser can weigh more than two people should lift, and shifting contents throw off your balance mid-carry.
Decide: pull the drawers or wrap them shut
For a short, flat move, wrap the drawers closed and carry the dresser as one unit. For stairs, long carries, or a heavy solid-wood piece, pull the drawers and carry them separately.
- Drawers out = a much lighter, safer carry
- Drawers in (wrapped) = fewer pieces for a quick move
- Never carry a dresser with loose drawers that can slide out
If you remove them, stack and label them so they go back in the right slots, drawers are often fitted to a specific opening.
Protect the finish
Wood and veneer dent, scratch, and chip. Pad it before it goes anywhere near a doorway.
- Blanket the top, corners, and any legs
- Stretch-wrap over the blanket, and over closed drawers
- Do not put tape directly on a finished surface
Get it on a dolly
A heavy dresser is a classic dolly job. Tip it onto a furniture dolly, strap it, and roll it to the vehicle instead of carrying dead weight.
Load and secure upright
Keep the dresser upright in the truck against a wall. Laying it face-down risks bowing the top or cracking a back panel.
- Load drawers back in only after the dresser is placed, or pack them nearby
- Strap the dresser to the wall tie-downs
Common problems
The dresser is too heavy to lift
Remove the drawers to strip out most of the weight, then use a dolly for the frame. A solid-wood dresser with drawers in can easily exceed 200 pounds.
The drawers keep sliding out
Never carry a dresser with drawers that can open. Either remove them or stretch-wrap the whole dresser so the fronts stay shut, tape alone can pull off veneer.
The dresser has a mirror attached
Unbolt the mirror and move it separately, flat and blanket-wrapped or in a mirror box. Mirrors crack the moment a dresser tips.
It scratched a wall or floor
Carry it, do not drag it, and keep corners padded. On tight turns, lift and pivot rather than sliding a corner along the wall.
Will it fit?
Measure your dresser, then compare it with the vehicle's cargo space and door opening. Check the actual vehicle before booking.
Check vehicle fit ↗What will it cost?
Compare estimates for your dresser, distance, stairs, and access. The calculator gives a planning range; your mover confirms the quote.
Estimate moving cost ↗When to get help
- The dresser is solid hardwood or unusually large
- It has an attached mirror or hutch
- Stairs are between the room and the vehicle
- You do not have a dolly for the loaded weight
Let someone else carry the weight
Have your dresser de-drawered, padded, dollied, and loaded without the back strain.
Get this dresser moved ↗Frequently asked questions
Should you remove drawers before moving a dresser?
Empty them always. Remove them for stairs, long carries, or a very heavy dresser; for a short flat move you can wrap them shut and leave them in.
How heavy is a dresser?
A particleboard dresser might be 100 pounds; solid hardwood with drawers can top 250. Empty and, if needed, de-drawer it before deciding how many people you need.
Can you move a dresser with clothes in it?
It is not recommended. Full drawers add weight, shift your balance, and can burst open. Light, soft items in a wrapped-shut drawer are the most you should risk.
How do you move a dresser by yourself?
Empty it, remove the drawers, and use a dolly for the frame. Carrying a full dresser solo is a common source of back injuries.
Should a dresser be moved upright or on its side?
Upright. Laying it flat can bow the top or crack the thin back panel over a bumpy drive.