It’s finally moving day, and you’ve got a dolly to help with the heavy lifting. Sounds like it should make things easier, right? But before you jump in, make sure you actually know how to use it the right way. A dolly is meant to make moving safer and more efficient—but if you don’t know how to use it properly, it can be risky and even dangerous.

You don’t want to hurt yourself by using a furniture dolly the wrong way and accidentally putting all that weight on your body. It’s a good idea to learn about the different kinds of dollies, how they make moving easier and the right way to use them.

Types of Moving Dollies

A dolly is a wheeled platform that helps you move big, heavy items by rolling them instead of lifting. It’s great for things like furniture, appliances and more. One common type is the upright utility dolly, also known as a hand truck.

This type has an L-shape, is usually small and comes with two wheels and a handle. You simply slide the bottom part under the item, tilt it back and roll it to where you want. It works well for light furniture or stacking and moving multiple boxes at once.

Another type is the furniture dolly which is made for moving big and bulky items. If you’re trying to move a couch, dresser, desk or gun safe, this is the dolly to use. It’s built to carry heavy stuff that a basic utility dolly can’t handle and can usually support up to 1,000 pounds. Just keep in mind—it’s not meant for use on stairs.

Another choice is an appliance dolly which looks like a utility dolly but is made for moving large, heavy appliances. It’s great for things like refrigerators and washing machines. This type comes with strong straps and safety features to keep everything secure. Plus, it can handle about 700 pounds and is safe to use on stairs.

How to Properly Use a Dolly

Start by clearing a path so there’s nothing in your way while moving. Don’t stack anything on the dolly that blocks your view. If you’re moving items upstairs, use a hand truck. And if you come across any bumps, roll over them head-on, not at an angle.

To load something onto your dolly, lean it forward just enough to slide the flat bottom part under the item. Then, tilt the dolly back onto its wheels while keeping the item steady with your other hand. Always put the biggest and heaviest things at the bottom and make sure everything is balanced and lined up properly.

If you’re using a dolly to move appliances, furniture or other delicate items, wrap them in furniture blankets to protect them. Just make sure you still have enough space to hold and grip the item securely while moving it.

If you’re moving furniture with loose parts, take out the drawers to make it easier to handle and a bit lighter. Make sure anything you place on the dolly is secured and wrap items like wooden cabinets if you want to protect their finish. Also, tie up anything loose—like hoses, plugs or wires—so they don’t drag on the floor or get damaged.

If you need to move big items during your move, you can either follow the safety tips mentioned above or hire a professional moving company to do it for you.