Get matched with top movers in North Berwick, ME

Yes, it’s possible, but it’s important to be extremely careful, and always remove rocks and heavier hardscape items. Drain all the water from the tank, leaving just enough to keep the gravel slightly submerged to keep your bacteria alive. Then, grab a helper or two and carefully lift the tank from either side, supporting the bottom and keeping it level. If the tank is especially heavy, consider slipping plywood underneath to minimize pressure on the glass. Be sure to pack it so it stays level and doesn’t shift during transit.

Start by removing any obstacles in the moving path, such as side tables, lamps, or other furniture. If your couch has legs, unscrew them. Measure the couch and the stairway to ensure you have enough room; if it seems unlikely, examine the shape and size of the couch and decide whether it might fit better up the stairway and through doorways on its side, held diagonally, or moved in an upright position.

Consider putting the sofa on a dolly to go up the stairs. It should be able to fit upright on a standard dolly with wheels. You’ll still need to lift the dolly—with the couch on it—up the stairs, but it will reduce the physical strain. The person holding the dolly should pull the couch up, while the helper should be on the other side, keeping the couch secure and steady.

If you don’t have a dolly, the person in front should lift the couch slightly higher than the person in the back to create more stability. The person in the back should also be the stronger mover, as most of the weight will be distributed there.

Moving a one-bedroom apartment yourself can range from $150 to more than $1,500, depending on distance, the amount of belongings you have, and more. On the other hand, the cost of hiring movers for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,850 on average. You’ll save money with the DIY route, but the process is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Choosing a reliable moving company is critical because you’re entrusting all of your belongings to the professional movers, so you’ll want to make sure you consider the following:

• The experience of the movers and the number of years in the industry

• The add-on services provided, like packing and storage

• The warranty or insurance coverage to protect your belongings 

We also recommend confirming that the movers are properly licensed using Angi’s state licensing tool. You can check for certification from organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association.