Will Movers Take Dressers with Clothes in Them?

Will Movers Take Dressers with Clothes in Them?

Introduction

Ever stared at your dresser full of clothes and wondered, “Do I really need to empty this before the moving truck arrives?” If you’ve found yourself pondering this, you’re not alone. This article is your go-to guide for answering the age-old moving dilemma: “Will Movers Take Dressers with Clothes in Them?”

Do I Need to Empty My Dresser for Movers?

Short Answer: It depends. Check your moving company’s policy and consider the dresser’s material and the move’s distance.

The Dilemma: To Empty or Not to Empty

People are often on the fence about emptying their dressers before moving day. After all, it seems like extra work, right? Studies suggest that around 75% of moving customers ask this question themselves or their moving company.

• Question Frequency Stats
  • 75% ask about emptying dressers
  • 15% inquire about desks
  • 10% are curious about cabinets and hutches

The Official Stance: It Depends

Whether to empty your dresser before moving is a bit of a gray area in the moving industry. Officially, the answer often comes down to two words: “it depends.”

Why the Ambiguity?

1. Different Company Policies: Some moving companies may allow clothes but insist on removing valuables and breakables.
2. Material and Build: Whether your dresser is made from heavy oak or light plastic will often determine if it needs to be emptied.
3. Distance of the Move: Local moves might offer more flexibility than long-distance hauls.

Moving Company Guidelines vs Preparation

Many movers have policies, but these guidelines can sharply contrast how you should prepare for movers to pack. While you should prepare your items for safety and efficiency, movers must consider liability and the time it takes to move each item.

Consult and Confirm

Before deciding, consult your moving company’s policy. Qshark Moving Company, for example, offers clear guidelines for its customers on what can and cannot be left in dressers.

Why Empty Dressers are Easier to Move

Emptying your dresser before the move isn’t just a random precaution; it’s often necessary for several reasons.

Benefits of Empty Dressers

1. Speed: An empty dresser is much quicker to move out of your home and into the new one.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Less weight means quicker moves, and quicker moves mean less money out of pocket.
3. Safety: Less weight decreases the chance of injury to you or your moving team.
4. Reduced Risk of Damage: With no items to shift around inside, your dresser is less likely to suffer scuffs or structural damage.

Material Matters

Different materials pose different challenges. Here’s a quick guide:

When It’s Okay to Leave Clothes in Dressers

Sometimes, your moving company might give you the go-ahead to leave clothes in the dresser. This is more likely for lighter dressers, made of materials like plastic or light wood, that aren’t challenging to move. But consult with your moving team before you decide to keep those clothes where they are.

Factors to Consider

1. Weight: Light dressers are easier and faster to move, hence more cost-effective.
2. Sturdiness: Solid construction can handle the additional weight without disintegrating.
3. Distance: Clothes can often stay put for local moves with minimal driving time.
4. Material: Plastic and light wood dressers are usually less problematic.
5. Mover’s Policy: Some moving companies have policies permitting clothes in dressers; always check first.

Scenarios for Leaving Clothes

• Local Moves: Minimal distance and time make it convenient.
• Sturdy Dressers: Solid wood dressers that can handle extra weight.
• Budget Constraints: Save time and reduce moving costs by avoiding unnecessary packing and unpacking.

When Not To

• Fragile or Antique Dressers: These require special care and are unsuitable for moving with additional weight.
• Long-Distance Moves: The risk of damage increases with time and distance.

Should You Remove Drawers?

The decision to remove drawers before moving your dresser comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s how to weigh your options:

Pros and Cons Table

Detailed Pros and Cons

1. Pros

• Easier to Lift: The dresser’s weight decreases with the drawers removed.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: An empty dresser is less likely to be damaged during the move.
• Improved Stability: Without the extra weight, the dresser is less wobbly and easier to secure. Check how to use moving straps for tips on securing.

2. Cons

• Time-Consuming: It takes time to remove, empty, and then reassemble the drawers.
• Could be Unnecessary: If your dresser is lightweight and sturdy, this step might be redundant.
• Requires Reassembly: You’ll need to put everything back together at the new location, which will consume more time.

The Importance of Removing Fragile Items

Keeping fragile items in your dresser during a move is akin to playing Russian roulette with your valuables. The stakes are high, and the consequences could be costly. Even if your moving company, such as Qshark Moving Company, allows for clothes to be left in the dresser, fragile items like glassware, electronics, or sentimental keepsakes should be removed.

Why Remove Fragile Items

1. Risk of Damage: Vibration and bumps during transport can easily break fragile items.
2. Cost: Replacing or repairing damaged items can be expensive.
3. Sentimental Value: Some things are irreplaceable.

Packing Tips

• Use bubble wrap or moving blankets to cushion your fragile items.
• Consider how to pack fragile items carefully to minimize any risks.

List of Common Fragile Items

• Glassware
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Ceramics
• Sentimental Items

Consequences of Not Emptying Dressers

Leaving items in your dresser may seem like a quick shortcut, but it’s a gamble that could cost you more than expected. If you opt to go this route, you must understand the associated risks and liabilities.

Potential Consequences

1. Damage to Dresser: Extra weight can stress the dresser’s structure, leading to cracks or breakage.
2. Injury Risks: For both you and your movers. Heavy dressers are difficult to navigate, especially on stairs.
3. Increased Costs: A heavier dresser takes longer to move, which may increase your double drive time, and by extension, the overall cost.
4. Liability: If your moving company has a policy against moving full dressers and you ignore them, you could be liable for any resulting damage or injury.

Quick Stats on Risks

• 35% of moving damages are furniture-related.
• 20% of those damages involve overloaded items like dressers.

Real-Life Example

In one unfortunate case, a Boston family decided not to empty their dresser during a move. The result? A cracked dresser leg and a broken heirloom vase were left in one of the drawers.

Conclusion Will Movers Take Dressers with Clothes in Them?

When it comes to the question, “Will Movers Take Dressers with Clothes in Them?” the answer is not a straightforward “yes” or “no.” The policies, pros and cons, can vary widely depending on factors like the dresser material, the distance of your move, and the specific policies of your chosen moving company.

Summing it Up:

1. Consult Your Movers: Contact your moving company for their specific guidelines before making any decisions.
2. Consider Material: The material of your dresser significantly affects its ability to be moved when full.
3. Weigh the Risks: Leaving items in your dresser could result in damage or additional double drive time.

A Word on Costs

Moving is expensive, but keeping an eye on details like this can be a cost-effective way to plan. Get an idea about what you might be looking at cost-wise by checking our article on what do most movers charge per hour.

Make an Informed Choice

Our advice? Always opt for the safest, most efficient option for your specific moving circumstances. That’s not just good advice; it’s a mantra to live by when changing residences.

So, if you’re stuck emptying that dresser, do your homework. Talk to the professionals and make an informed decision. After all, moving is stressful enough. Don’t add to it by cutting corners.

FAQ Will Movers Take Dressers with Clothes in Them?

Can you move a dresser with clothes in it?

It depends on several factors like the dresser’s material, the distance of the move, and the specific policies of your moving company. Consult with your chosen movers for a definitive answer.

Do movers require dresser drawers to be empty?

Most companies have a policy on this, often recommending that dressers be emptied for ease of transport and to reduce the chance of damage or injury. Check with your moving company for their specific requirements.

How do you pack clothes in a dresser when moving?

If your moving company allows for clothes to be left in, fold them neatly to maximize space and minimize wrinkles. However, make sure to remove any fragile or valuable items. Learn more about how to prepare for movers to pack.

What to do with dresser drawers when moving?

If you empty your dresser, consider removing and transporting the drawers separately. For securing drawers during a move, see our guide on how to use moving straps.

What is the hardest room to pack when moving?

Often, the kitchen or home office are considered the most challenging due to the number of small, fragile, and valuable items. However, every room has its own set of challenges.

Can I leave clothes in my dresser when moving, according to Reddit?

Reddit’s community generally suggests emptying dressers for long-distance moves while indicating that it might be okay for shorter, local moves. However, you should consult professional movers for advice tailored to your situation.