--- title: How to Move a Dresser Without Damage or Injury url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to move a heavy dresser # How to move a dresser Move a dresser in six steps, starting with taking the drawers out so the weight drops and the pieces cannot slide open. A dresser with its drawers removed is far lighter, and it is the drawers, not the frame, that break most often in transit. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Six steps to move a dresser - Empty it. Take everything out, including what is on top, and check for loose items inside the frame. - Remove the drawers. Pull each drawer, number them with tape and wrap or pack them separately, bagging any hardware. - Take off the mirror and secure the top. Remove an attached mirror or hutch and keep it flat or upright in padding. - Pad the frame. Cover it with a blanket, secure with stretch wrap over the pad and protect corners and feet. - Lift with two people. Lift from the bottom rails, keep the dresser upright and let one person lead and call turns. - Strap it in. Stand it against the truck wall with a strap, with the drawers set in boxes beside it. Dressers are heavy, tall and tip easily. They are also the piece most likely to have a loose drawer slide or a cracked mirror waiting to cause trouble. Plan to carry one upright with two people, and keep it on its feet from room to truck. ## Why take the drawers out Drawers hold the weight in a dresser. Removing them can leave the frame manageable by two people, and it eliminates the risk of a drawer sliding open mid-carry. Drawers packed with clothing may seem efficient, but they are a common source of cracked rails and pinched fingers. ## Tip-over safety at both ends Tall chests tip, and a dresser can fall on a child. Federal safety agencies urge anchoring furniture to the wall; the Anchor It campaign explains how. When you set the dresser in the new home, anchor it right away, and keep it upright and secured on the truck as well. ## Mirrors and attached hutches Remove a mirror and wrap it with paper and a pad, then carry it upright. Hutches usually unscrew from the base. Use [how to pack mirrors and pictures](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-mirrors-and-pictures/) for the details. ## Delicate finishes Antique dressers and painted pieces need pads against the surface and no tape on the finish. See [moving antiques](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-antiques/). If you would rather not carry it, O'Brien's crews handle furniture of every size as part of a local move; see [local moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/). ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Anchor It](https://www.anchorit.gov/) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/) - [How to take apart a bed frame for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-disassemble-a-bed/) - [Moving antiques safely](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-antiques/) - [Local moving in Reno, Sparks and Carson City](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to move a treadmill and exercise equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-treadmill/) - [How to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/) - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to move a fish tank or aquarium](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/) - [How to move a freezer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-freezer/) - [How to move a stove or range](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-stove/) - [How to move a dishwasher](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dishwasher/) - [How to pack vinyl records](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-records/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Can I leave clothing in the drawers? Not recommended. It adds weight, risks drawer damage and makes the dresser unsafe to tilt. ### How many people do I need? Two for most dressers, and more for large or antique ones. ### Should I anchor my dresser at the new home? Yes. Anchoring a dresser to the wall reduces the risk of tip-over, especially in homes with children. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) J Jessica D. February 14, 2023 I have always had a really good experience with Obriens delivery service. I've been a girl scout volunteer for 6 years now and they are always very friendly and helpful. Thank you for all you do!! ### Owner's reply Jessica, thank you so much for the kind words. We love the Girl Scout cookie distribution time. It gives us the chance to interact with you ladies that are out there making a difference in our community every day! Thank you for everything you do. A Ami M. February 7, 2023 O'Brien's is great! They made my move easy. They were responsive, professional and accommodating. Trusting them with my move was one less thing I had to worry about. ### Owner's reply Ami thank you so much! It was a pleasure to assist you with your move and knowing that we were able to lessen any stress you may have had with the moving process, makes us so happy!! If you need anything in the future please let us know. M Mike K. August 30, 2019 The best customer service ever! ### Owner's reply Thanks Mike we sincerely appreciate you and your business! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070