Updated on January 31, 2025
Moving dolly, appliance dolly, hand dolly, utility dolly - whatever you choose to call it, having the right tools like this invaluable piece of moving equipment will be your best option and best friend during a move. A moving dolly is indispensable when transporting heavy furniture pieces and larger items like appliances and large boxes between your home and the moving container with minimal effort. The professional movers use these same moving implements to safely and securely move stuff, making it an indispensable tool for your move.
There are many different types, so knowing which convertible hand truck best fits your needs is essential. Let 1-800-PACK-RAT help you look at the wide range of tools available and the differences, if any, between hand trucks and dollies, and help get your upcoming move done the right way.
Different Types of Dollies
If you have a moving dolly on your moving checklist, choosing the right type of dolly to carry things improves efficiency and safety during your move. Some are unitaskers, meaning they are only for carrying one specific kind of item or have a stringent load capacity rating. Others can be used for a variety of things, from carrying boxes to moving appliances. Knowing the differences can save you headaches and money so that you can buy or rent the right one ahead of time.
Utility Dolly
Also known as a hand truck, a utility dolly is an L-shaped design that tends to be small, using only two wheels and a handle. By sliding the lower shelf, or bottom plate of the dolly, under the item, you can tilt it back to move it wherever you need it to go. It is ideal for moving several boxes at once, as well as small furniture and appliances. It can easily maneuver your load along narrow hallways, up and down stairs, and around sharp corners.
While getting up and down stairs can be challenging, utility dollies are similar to hand trucks and can make moving boxes go much faster than carrying one at a time. Every mover should try to have one for their move.
Appliance Dolly
An appliance dolly works very similarly to a utility dolly, allowing you to move big, heavy appliances, including bulky items, to the edge of the back of the appliance. This is perfect for moving refrigerators, stoves, and washing machines. The appliance and the utility dolly come with straps to secure your items to the upright metal frame of the dolly.
The only issue with these types of dollies is that they are truly suited for one task only. Depending on the size of the lower shelf, you might only be able to use them for moving appliances. Professional moving companies typically have these in their toolkit, but you are better off trying to rent one if you are planning to move yourself.
Furniture Dolly
A furniture dolly is flat and has a broad base with four swivel wheels that can move in any direction, making it perfect for use over flat surfaces. You would typically use this to move large and bulky pieces of furniture like heavy boxes, a couch, a dresser, or a desk. Just load and secure the furniture piece of furniture and give it a push. A furniture dolly can usually handle up to 1,000 lbs, and it has a tight turning radius for hallways and elevators, but it cannot be used on stairs.
While these types of dollies could be considered unitaskers, it is possible to use furniture dollies to transport specific items, including large boxes or large items and bulkier items that fit the width and length of the base of the dolly and move several at a time.
Take a look at one of our other blogs about moving heavy items safely and securely to avoid injury and damage to your belongings to help with your upcoming move.
Is There a Difference Between Various Dollies and Hand Trucks?
As you can see, there are many different types of specialty dollies, so which one is best for your specific needs? That will depend on what exactly you will be moving if you are using professional labor providers to assist with your move, and how much you want to spend on things you might not need after completing your move.
Dollies vs. Hand Trucks
Hand trucks, sometimes called hand or utility dollies, are often viewed as interchangeable with a moving dolly. In practice, though, they are not quite the same.
Hand trucks are vertical in design and are an excellent choice for moving smaller items. One of the benefits of a hand truck is the ease with which you can slide it up under items rather than lifting it onto a flat dolly. Some hand trucks even come with accessories that turn them into a dolly. A hand truck is a great choice to move smaller items, a couple of boxes at a time, and to maneuver in smaller areas. They are close in design and are generally used the same way utility dollies are.
A moving dolly is a platform on four wheels, making it the best choice for safety. Although you must lift the item onto the moving dolly, it can be safely secured once it is there. A moving dolly comes in various sizes, and its design provides greater stability, especially for large and heavy items.
Appliance Dolly vs. Utility Dolly
While an appliance dolly may look like a regular utility dolly, it is specifically designed to help stabilize appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, and dryers. Appliance dollies come with solid wheels and straps to secure these heavy items; some even have additional safety features.
A utility dolly, also known as an all-purpose dolly, is just another name for a hand truck or hand dolly. It can be used to move smaller, lighter items, such as several boxes or small pieces of furniture, from your home to the 1-800-PACK-RAT unit. They can be considered the most helpful dolly of the lot, considering the different types of items they can move, specifically boxes, which likely make up the bulk of the items you are moving.
How to Use a Dolly on Stairs
Navigating stairs with a dolly can present potential obstacles, but it can be done safely with the proper technique. Start by carefully approaching each step's edge, keeping the dolly tilted slightly back to maintain balance. This positioning helps ensure the weight is evenly distributed, preventing the load from tipping over. Having adequate clearance when maneuvering around staircases is crucial, as tight corners can make it challenging to maintain control. If possible, enlist the help of a friend to guide the dolly from behind while you manage the front. This teamwork will enhance stability and reduce the risk of accidents during the stair descent or ascent, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Remember to take your time and avoid rushing when using a dolly on stairs. Moving slowly allows you to adjust to any uneven surfaces or sudden changes in elevation, especially in tight spaces. Additionally, be mindful of your posture and grip; keep your back straight and arms firm to manage the weight of the dolly effectively, ensuring you ease both wheels over the edge of each step. This way, you can minimize strain and ensure a safe transition throughout your move.
Tips for Using Dollies for Your Move
1) Whether it is an upright or a flat dolly, make sure any straps used are securely ratcheted into place each trip. If you are unsure how this is done, ask for a quick lesson from whoever provides you with the dolly. However, do not ratchet pressboard furniture onto a dolly too tightly, as the pressure can splinter the item into pieces.
2) Wrap your furniture in pads before securing it to any dolly. This will prevent scratches on wooden furniture and stains or tears on upholstered furniture. You can have furniture pads and other moving supplies shipped to your home so they are ready when you are. If you are trying to save a bit of money, you can use towels or old bedsheets to cover your furniture.
3) Sometimes, desks, horizontal dressers, and couches are best transported on an upright dolly by standing them in an upright position on their end. Be sure to empty or wrap all the drawers first to avoid damage or overloading the dolly with weight!
Pro tip: Standing desks, dressers, and couches upright, which are essential furniture items, are not only suitable for ease of transport but are also a great way to maximize the space inside your 1-800-PACK-RAT portable moving container. Check out our space calculator to ensure you have enough room for your stuff and download our weight estimator sheet so you do not exceed the container's specified weight limit - we can always bring out more containers if your move requires it.
4) When loading a stack of boxes onto a hand truck-style dolly, be sure the stacks are straight, balanced, and fully aligned, with the majority of its weight appropriately positioned so they will not topple over at the front end once you start rolling. Also, make sure the heavier boxes are at the bottom of the stack, considering the weight of the load to ensure stability.
Make sure the top box is not blocking your view and that it is at least partially resting against the bars so that it will not slide off. You might be tempted to load as many boxes as possible to avoid making an extra trip or two, but the risk of damage and injury increases by a large amount if you are pushing a dolly full of boxes that you cannot see around.
5) When rolling over bumps, thresholds, and stairs, be sure the wheels hit head-on. If the wheels go over at an angle, it could tip the dolly and its contents. Try rolling over these obstacles slowly, and if you need a bit of a runway to get over them, have someone spot your boxes or stacked items as you do it to avoid them falling over.
6) Tie or tape up loose items such as hoses, plugs, and wires to prevent tripping over them, getting them tangled in the dolly wheels, or jostling the boxes as you go over them.
Safety Tips When Using a Dolly
Safety should always be a priority when using a dolly, especially in the event of an accident. Begin by assessing your lifting technique; proper lifting is essential to prevent injuries. Always bend your knees and keep your back straight while loading and unloading items onto the dolly. This posture helps to distribute the weight evenly across your body, reducing the risk of strain or injury. Additionally, ensure that the load is balanced and secure before moving, using straps or ties if necessary to keep items from shifting during transport.
Implementing safety measures can further mitigate risks associated with using a dolly and avoid potential obstacles. Wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from falling objects, and consider using gloves for a better grip on the dolly and its load. If you're moving particularly heavy or awkward items, don't hesitate to ask for help or use appropriate equipment designed for such tasks. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safer and more efficient moving experience.
How Much Does a Moving Dolly Cost?
You may need to rent or buy one or more moving dollies if you do not hire professional labor assistance. Moving dolly rental costs vary but generally run about $14-$20 per day for an appliance dolly and less for smaller hand trucks. Consider purchasing an exact model of a moving dolly if more moving is in your future. If you do, keep in mind that quality impacts safety. Small moving or wooden dollies with a lower pound rating may run from $11-$100, while larger moving dollies that can handle more oversized loads, like a furniture dolly, could run in the hundreds of dollars.
You can rent various moving dollies at most big-box stores, including Lowe's, Home Depot, Harbor Freight, and your local hardware store or rental place. If you decide to purchase a moving dolly, those same stores have them to buy, and you can also check your discount stores, like Walmart.
Pro Tip: You can check out places like Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone is selling used moving dollies or hand trucks for cheap. As with any online buying with other people, exercise caution and always meet in a public place.
What are the different types of dollies and their specific uses?
There are various types of dollies, including furniture dollies for moving heavy items, appliance dollies to move refrigerators and stoves, and utility dollies with a flat base for boxes. Each dolly is designed to cater to specific needs, making the moving process more efficient and safe.
Use 1-800-PACK-RAT to Make Your Moving & Storage Needs Even Simpler
From push carts to hand trucks, choosing the right moving dolly will speed up your move and help reduce the strain of moving on your body.
Remember to give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call if you need any local or long-distance moving assistance. Our portable storage containers are the perfect solution for any type or size of move and give you the most flexibility to make your move as smooth as possible. They even double as storage units that can stay on-site or be transported to one of our local and secure warehouse facilities. Go online for a free quote, or give us a call today to see how we can make moving and storage simple for you.