How to Move a Dining Room Table

Moving a dining room table safely

The safest way to move a dining room table is to get help from someone else. “And likely multiple people at that,” said Joshua Holskey, a South Carolina-based physical therapist and orthopedic residency site coordinator with ATI Physical Therapy. “People usually get hurt by trying to lift more than what their body is currently trained to handle.”

Besides having someone assist you with the move, you should also familiarize yourself with the following correct techniques and methods to move a dining room safely.

Measure doorways and vehicle space

Before lifting anything, you should measure the table, door frames and hallways to ensure the table will actually fit through every point of the move. If space is too tight anywhere, you may need to disassemble the table legs or remove doors from hinges to create extra space.

Clear a safe moving path

Remove rugs, furniture, décor and anything else that could cause you to slip or trip while you move. Also, remember to prop doors open and keep children and pets away so you won’t get distracted or have to stop suddenly.

Use the correct technique and have a plan 

As far as lifting techniques go, Holskey recommended getting your legs into the act. “When lifting something heavy, body mechanics are important, as it keeps the force distributed more evenly and closer to your spine and center of gravity,” he explained.

“This means bending at your ankles, knees, hips, and waist is important. Try not to reach the table too far out away from your body. Also, most of our body mass is towards our waist to trunk area, so keeping the weight of the table closer to that area will make the task easier.”

Holskey also suggested making a plan before you start moving the table. “Think about where you are moving the table to, and make sure you have a clear path,” he said. “You’ll also want to discuss with your lifting partner how you plan to manage corners, stairs and any changes in height you may have to make.”

Load and secure in the vehicle

If you’re transporting the table in a vehicle, position the table vertically against the side wall of the truck or cargo area to reduce pressure on the surface. Secure it tightly with straps and pad contact points with blankets to prevent damage.

Unload and reassemble carefully

Once you reach your destination, simply reverse the moving process. Start by clearing a path before bringing the table inside. Once you move the table to your new dining room, you can reattach the legs and hardware before setting it upright in its final position.

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Supplies for moving a dining room table

Having the right supplies can make packing for a move significantly less stressful. The exact materials you need may vary depending on whether your table is wood, glass, metal or stone, but typically, you’ll need the following items:

• Moving blankets or furniture pads to prevent scratches and dents
• Cushioning wrap for fragile areas and edges
• Stretch wrap to hold padding in place 
• Packing tape for securing protective layers
• Corner protectors to shield edges
• Plastic wrap to protect against dust and moisture
• Screwdrivers, Allen wrenches or socket sets for disassembly
• Labeled zip-top bags for storing screws, bolts and other hardware
• Furniture sliders for moving the table across the floor 
• Lifting straps to reduce strain on your body
• Dolly or hand truck for heavy tables
• Painter’s tape to mark parts without damaging finishes
• Extra padding for stone or marble surfaces

You can find most of these items at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s or The Home Depot, or you can rent them from truck rental companies like U-Haul.

How to disassemble a dining room table

If your dining room table is exceptionally heavy, you may want to disassemble it so you can more easily maneuver it through tight spaces. That said, not all tables are designed to come apart.

Remove legs and store hardware

If the dining room table can be disassembled, start by turning the table upside down on a padded surface and removing the legs. Then, put all the screws and bolts into labeled bags and store them in a secure place.

Protect leaves and detachable tops

Next, remove extension leaves or detachable tops and wrap each piece separately with blankets or cushioning material. Store each flat component vertically to reduce pressure and warping.

Wrap legs and base separately

Wrap each leg individually to prevent scratches, then bundle them together so they’re easier to move. You should also pad the base or frame thoroughly, especially at the corners and joints. If you don’t have the time or energy to do these steps, you may want to hire professional movers instead of moving yourself.

Moving a dining room table in a car

You can transport a smaller dining table in a personal vehicle, but a bigger or heavier table may need a truck, a cargo van or the help of professional movers.

When the trunk or hatch will not close

Driving with your vehicle’s trunk or hatch open can be unsafe and may violate local traffic laws. If the dining room table doesn't fully fit into your vehicle, use tie-downs and a bright warning flag, or consider using a larger car or truck to transport it.

How to secure with straps

To secure the dining room table in a personal vehicle, start by placing padding between the table and the vehicle interior. Then, anchor it using built-in tie-down points, seatbelt anchors or cargo hooks.

When to rent a truck

If the dining table doesn’t fit into your car or it blocks driver visibility, rent a truck or cargo van instead. Truck rentals cost money, but they’re typically much cheaper than the cost of damage or accidents.

The chart below presents a quick snapshot of how different vehicle types can handle transporting a dining table.