How to Move a File Cabinet

Instructions for moving a file cabinet without hurting yourself or your back.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boxes
• Furniture dolly

1. Remove the contents of the file cabinet and place them in boxes. Number the boxes in the order the files came out. With a heavy duty file cabinet, you can leave the bottom drawer loaded, but keep in mind that any weight in the drawers increases the chances of the drawers not working correctly after the move. If you're not sure of the quality of the file cabinet, it's safest to empty the whole thing.

2. Lock the cabinet. If there is no lock, tape the doors shut. Painters tape will be easiest to remove and cause the least damage.

3. Tip the file cabinet back a few degrees on it's back edge or side. Slide the furniture dolly under it. Ideally you'll want two people for this step. One tips the cabinet, and the other slides the dolly.

4. Tip the cabinet back upright on the dolly. At no time should you have to lift the file cabinet.

5. Roll the file cabinet to the new location.

6. Tip the cabinet to it's back or side so one edge is on the floor. Ideally you want a second person for this.

7. Pull or kick the dolly out from under the file cabinet.

8. Tip the file cabinet back down, and slide into place over carpet. If the floor is not carpet, have two people lift it on the ends and move it into place.

9. Move the boxes and load them back into the file cabinet.

Tips & Warnings

• If there are stairs you can't get around, you're out of luck. You will have to carry it.

Resources

• The style of furniture dolly that works best