How To Move A Kitchen Island Safely and Easily

Are you wondering how to move a kitchen island? Moving a kitchen island safely and easily involves careful planning, preparation, and execution. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help you relocate your kitchen island, whether you’re renovating, remodeling, or simply rearranging your kitchen space. We’ll cover everything from initial assessment and preparation to disconnecting utilities, safely transporting the island, and reinstallation.

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Assessing the Situation

Before you even think about touching your kitchen island, a thorough assessment is crucial. Moving without considering all the factors can lead to damage or injury.

Evaluating the Island’s Construction and Weight

Start by carefully inspecting the island’s construction. Is it a solid, heavy piece, or is it made of lighter materials? The weight significantly impacts how you’ll handle the move.

• Solid Wood: These islands are typically very heavy and require multiple people or specialized equipment.
• Engineered Wood/MDF: While generally lighter, these can still be bulky and difficult to maneuver.
• Combination: Many islands use a combination of materials. Identify the dominant material to estimate the weight.

Estimating the weight is vital. If you can’t find any manufacturer specifications, try lifting a corner to get a sense of its heft. If it feels like you can barely lift one side, it’s likely too heavy to move without help.

Measuring the Kitchen Island

Accurate measurements are key for successful relocation.

1. Length, Width, and Height: Measure the island’s length, width, and height to determine if it will fit through doorways, hallways, and its new location.
2. Doorways and Passageways: Measure the width of all doorways and hallways the island needs to pass through. Ensure there is enough clearance, accounting for any protruding handles or decorative elements.
3. Destination Space: Measure the area where you plan to relocate the island. This ensures it fits without overcrowding the space or blocking access to other areas.

Tip: Sketch out a floor plan with dimensions to visualize the movement path and potential obstacles.

Identifying Electrical and Plumbing Connections

Many kitchen islands have electrical outlets or even sinks with plumbing. Before attempting to move it, you must disconnect these safely.

• Electrical Outlets: Locate the circuit breaker that controls the outlet on the island. Turn off the breaker and test the outlet with a voltage tester to confirm it’s off.
• Plumbing (Sinks/Dishwashers): Turn off the water supply to the island. This is usually located under the sink. Disconnect the water supply lines and drain lines. Be prepared for some water spillage.
• Gas Lines (If Applicable): If the island has a gas cooktop, you MUST hire a qualified gas technician to disconnect the gas line safely. Do not attempt to disconnect a gas line yourself.

Assessing the Floor

The type of flooring can affect how easily you can move the island and whether you need to protect it.

• Hardwood Floors: These are easily scratched. Use protective materials like moving blankets or furniture sliders.
• Tile Floors: While more durable, tile floors can still crack under extreme weight. Use wide furniture sliders to distribute the weight evenly.
• Laminate Floors: Similar to hardwood, laminate floors are susceptible to scratches and dents. Take extra care and use appropriate protective materials.

Preparing for the Move

Preparation is paramount for a smooth and safe move.

Gathering Necessary Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools can make the job much easier and safer. Here’s a list of essential items:

• Screwdrivers (Various sizes): For disconnecting electrical outlets or removing panels.
• Wrenches (Adjustable and pipe wrenches): For disconnecting plumbing.
• Voltage Tester: To ensure electrical circuits are off.
• Moving Blankets: To protect the island and floors from scratches.
• Furniture Sliders: To make it easier to slide the island across the floor.
• Dollies: For transporting heavy islands.
• Gloves: To protect your hands.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes.
• Crowbar (Optional): For gently prying the island loose if it’s secured to the floor.
• Drill/Driver: To re-secure the island in its new location.
• Level: To ensure the island is level after installation.
• Shims: For leveling the island if needed.
• Plumber’s Tape: To seal pipe threads during reconnection.

Clearing the Path

Remove any obstacles that could hinder the movement of the island. This includes:

• Furniture: Move chairs, tables, and other furniture out of the way.
• Rugs and Mats: Roll up and remove any rugs or mats.
• Appliances: Ensure appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers don’t block the path.
• Loose Items: Pick up any small items on the floor that could be tripping hazards.

Protecting the Island and Floors

Protecting your island and floors is essential to prevent damage during the move.

1. Wrap the Island: Wrap the entire island in moving blankets. Secure the blankets with packing tape to prevent them from slipping. Pay special attention to corners and edges, which are most vulnerable to damage.
2. Protect the Floor: Lay down plywood sheets or cardboard over the flooring along the entire path the island will travel. This provides an extra layer of protection against scratches and dents.
3. Use Furniture Sliders: Place furniture sliders under each corner of the island. This will make it much easier to slide the island across the floor without causing damage.

Disconnecting the Kitchen Island

Before you can move the island, you need to disconnect any utilities connected to it.

Disconnecting Electrical Connections

Safety First: Always turn off the circuit breaker before working with electrical wiring.

1. Turn off the Breaker: Go to your electrical panel and turn off the breaker that supplies power to the kitchen island outlet.
2. Test the Outlet: Use a voltage tester to confirm that the outlet is no longer receiving power. Insert the tester probes into the outlet slots. If the tester indicates no voltage, it is safe to proceed.
3. Remove the Outlet Cover: Unscrew the outlet cover and carefully remove it.
4. Disconnect the Wires: Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the wires to the outlet. Carefully remove the wires. You may want to label the wires before disconnecting them to make reconnection easier.
5. Cap the Wires: Use wire caps to cover the exposed ends of the wires. This prevents accidental contact and electrical shock.

Disconnecting Plumbing Connections

If your island has a sink or dishwasher, you’ll need to disconnect the plumbing.

1. Turn off the Water Supply: Locate the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water lines that supply the island. Turn both valves clockwise to shut off the water supply.
2. Disconnect the Water Lines: Place a bucket under the sink to catch any residual water. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts connecting the water lines to the faucet. Carefully disconnect the lines, allowing any remaining water to drain into the bucket.
3. Disconnect the Drain Line: Loosen the slip nuts connecting the drain line to the sink drain. Disconnect the drain line and allow any remaining water to drain into the bucket.
4. Cap the Pipes: Use pipe caps to seal the ends of the water and drain lines. This prevents leaks and keeps debris out of the pipes.

Disconnecting Gas Lines (Professional Required)

If your island has a gas cooktop, you MUST hire a qualified gas technician to disconnect the gas line safely. Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous, leading to explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Contact a Licensed Gas Technician: Schedule an appointment with a licensed gas technician to disconnect the gas line.
• Ensure Proper Sealing: The technician will disconnect the gas line and properly seal the end to prevent any leaks.
• Do Not Attempt DIY: Under no circumstances should you attempt to disconnect a gas line yourself.

Moving the Kitchen Island

Now that you’ve prepared the area and disconnected the utilities, it’s time to move the island.

Using Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders are a simple yet effective tool for moving heavy objects.

1. Lift Each Corner: Carefully lift one corner of the island at a time and place a furniture slider underneath.
2. Slide the Island: Once all corners are supported by sliders, gently push the island in the desired direction. Maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden movements.
3. Navigate Obstacles: If you encounter obstacles, carefully maneuver the island around them. Take breaks as needed to avoid strain.

Employing a Dolly

For heavier islands, a dolly provides additional support and makes the move easier.

1. Position the Dolly: Place the dolly near one end of the island.
2. Lift and Load: Carefully lift that end of the island and position it onto the dolly. You may need assistance from another person for this step.
3. Secure the Load: Use straps to secure the island to the dolly. This prevents it from shifting during transport.
4. Move the Island: Push the dolly, guiding the island along the planned path. Take extra care when navigating turns or uneven surfaces.

Moving Large Kitchen Islands

When dealing with large kitchen islands, teamwork and extra precautions are necessary.

• Enlist Help: Gather a team of strong individuals to assist with the move.
• Coordinate Movements: Clearly communicate with your team to coordinate lifting and moving efforts.
• Use Multiple Dollies: For extremely large islands, consider using multiple dollies to distribute the weight evenly.
• Take Breaks: Moving a large island can be strenuous. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue and potential injuries.

Kitchen Island Installation

Once you’ve moved the island to its new location, it’s time to install it.

Leveling the Island

Ensuring the island is level is crucial for stability and functionality.

1. Position the Island: Place the island in its desired location.
2. Use a Level: Place a level on the countertop to check for levelness. Check in both directions (lengthwise and widthwise).
3. Use Shims: If the island is not level, insert shims under the base until it is perfectly level. Cut off any excess shim material with a utility knife.

Securing the Island to the Floor

To prevent the island from moving or tipping, it’s important to secure it to the floor.

1. Locate Floor Joists: Use a stud finder to locate the floor joists beneath the flooring.
2. Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes through the base of the island and into the floor joists.
3. Secure with Screws: Use screws to secure the island to the floor joists. Choose screws that are long enough to penetrate the joists securely.
4. Conceal Screws: If desired, use wood filler to conceal the screw heads. Sand smooth and paint or stain to match the island’s finish.

Reconnecting Utilities

Now, it’s time to reconnect any utilities you previously disconnected.

Reconnecting Electrical Connections

1. Turn off the Breaker: Go to your electrical panel and turn off the breaker that supplies power to the kitchen island outlet.
2. Remove Wire Caps: Remove the wire caps from the ends of the wires.
3. Reconnect the Wires: Use a screwdriver to connect the wires to the outlet. Ensure the wires are securely fastened.
4. Install the Outlet Cover: Screw the outlet cover back onto the outlet.
5. Turn on the Breaker: Go to your electrical panel and turn on the breaker that supplies power to the kitchen island outlet.
6. Test the Outlet: Use a voltage tester to confirm that the outlet is receiving power.

Reconnecting Plumbing Connections

1. Remove Pipe Caps: Remove the pipe caps from the ends of the water and drain lines.
2. Reconnect the Water Lines: Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the faucet connections. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts connecting the water lines to the faucet.
3. Reconnect the Drain Line: Tighten the slip nuts connecting the drain line to the sink drain.
4. Turn on the Water Supply: Slowly turn on the shut-off valves for the hot and cold water lines.
5. Check for Leaks: Carefully inspect all connections for leaks. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the plumber’s tape.

Reconnecting Gas Lines (Professional Required)

As with disconnection, you MUST hire a qualified gas technician to reconnect the gas line safely.

• Contact a Licensed Gas Technician: Schedule an appointment with a licensed gas technician to reconnect the gas line.
• Ensure Proper Sealing: The technician will reconnect the gas line and properly seal the end to prevent any leaks.
• Do Not Attempt DIY: Under no circumstances should you attempt to reconnect a gas line yourself.

Kitchen Island Moving Cost

The kitchen island moving cost can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the size and weight of the island, the distance it needs to be moved, and whether you hire professional movers or do it yourself.

• DIY: If you choose to DIY kitchen island move, your costs will be lower, mainly consisting of equipment rentals (like dollies) and materials (moving blankets, sliders). This could range from $50 to $200.
• Professional Movers: Hiring professionals can cost anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more. The price increases with the complexity of the move, such as disconnecting and reconnecting utilities.

Here’s a table illustrating potential costs:

Item	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Equipment Rental (Dollies)	$30 – $50	Included
Moving Supplies (Blankets)	$20 – $50	Included
Plumber/Electrician (if needed)	$0 – $100	$100 – $300
Movers	$0	$200 – $1000+
Total	$50 – $200	$300 – $1300+

Kitchen Island Moving Tips

Here are some essential kitchen island moving tips to keep in mind:

• Plan Ahead: Proper planning is crucial for a successful move.
• Gather Help: Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for assistance, especially for heavy islands.
• Protect Everything: Protect your island and floors to prevent damage.
• Disconnect Utilities Safely: Always turn off breakers and water supplies before disconnecting.
• Hire Professionals When Needed: Don’t hesitate to hire a professional, especially when dealing with gas lines or complex electrical work.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about moving a kitchen island.

What is the best way to protect my floors when moving a kitchen island?

Use a combination of methods. First, lay down plywood sheets or cardboard over the flooring. Then, use furniture sliders under each corner of the island to minimize friction.

Can I move a kitchen island by myself?

It depends on the size and weight of the island. If it’s relatively small and light, you might be able to move it yourself using furniture sliders. However, for heavier islands, it’s best to enlist help or hire professional movers.

Who is responsible for disconnecting utilities when moving a kitchen island?

You can disconnect electrical and plumbing connections yourself, provided you take the proper safety precautions. However, disconnecting gas lines must be done by a qualified gas technician.

What happens if I damage my kitchen island during the move?

If you hire professional movers, they should have insurance to cover any damage. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll be responsible for any repairs. This is another reason to take extra precautions.

How much does it cost to relocate a kitchen island?

The relocate kitchen island cost varies from $50 for a DIY move to over $1000 if you hire professionals and require utility disconnections and reconnections.

Moving a kitchen island might seem like a daunting task, but with the right planning, preparation, and tools, it can be done safely and efficiently. Remember to prioritize safety, protect your island and floors, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Good luck with your project!