Fully InsuredMon–Sun 7am–8pm · (213) 679-6844
Free Quote
HomeBlog › How to Move a Dresser the Easy Way

How to Move a Dresser the Easy Way

Published 2026-06-19 · Best Movers LA editorial team

A dresser is heavy, top-heavy when loaded, and a classic floor-scratcher. With a couple of choices made up front, it moves easily and arrives unmarked.

Drawers: in or out?

For a short, light dresser you can often leave lightweight clothes in the drawers and tape or stretch-wrap them shut. For a heavy or tall dresser, remove the drawers — it lightens the body dramatically, makes it safer to carry, and the drawers travel separately. Either way, never carry a dresser by the drawers or with heavy items left inside.

Wrap and protect

Wrap the body in a moving blanket secured with stretch wrap (not tape on the finish), and pad the corners and feet. Wrap or stack the removed drawers and keep them with their dresser. Glass-topped or mirrored dressers get the mirror removed and wrapped separately.

Carry it safely

Use a dolly for a heavy dresser, lift with your legs, and use two people — one on each end — especially on stairs, keeping the weight downhill. Slide it on floor protection rather than dragging it across bare floors.

The LA carry

Tight doorways, walk-ups and hillside stairs are where dressers get dropped. Our crews remove and replace drawers, wrap the body, and protect floors as part of the move. See our disassembly guide, furniture protection guide, and floor protection guide.

Related guides

Related questions

Should I remove the drawers from a dresser when moving it?

For a heavy or tall dresser, yes — it lightens the body, makes it safer to carry, and the drawers travel separately. For a short, light dresser you can leave light clothes inside and wrap the drawers shut.

Can you carry a dresser by the drawers?

No — never carry it by the drawers or with heavy items left inside. Empty or lighten it, wrap the body, and carry it from the frame with two people.

How do I protect the floor when moving a dresser?

Lay down floor protection along the path and slide the dresser on it rather than dragging across bare floor, or carry it with a dolly. Pad the feet so they don't gouge.

Do movers take apart dressers?

Movers wrap the body and remove drawers as needed; most dressers don't need full disassembly. Mirrors and glass tops come off and are wrapped separately.

Full LA moving cost & FAQ guide →

Get a Free Quote

Flat rate · No hidden fees · Reply in minutes.

Ready for a stress-free LA move?

Call now for a guaranteed flat rate — or get a quote online in 60 seconds.

Call (213) 679-6844  Get a Quote