Hand trolley vs dolly: Which makes sense for your move?

How much does your dining table weigh? Most people would guess around 33 lbs, but it's actually closer to 66 lbs. That wooden desk in your home office? 59 lbs. Our everyday furniture weighs far more than we think, which is precisely why the hand trolley vs dolly decision becomes so important for your move.

This guide covers all the factors you need to weigh up when choosing between these two moving workhorses. We’ll break down everything from weight capacity and terrain compatibility to ease of use and cost, so you can make an informed dolly vs hand trolley choice that fits your specific moving situation. By the end, you’ll know exactly which tool handles your items safely and efficiently.

What is a hand trolley?

Moving supplies including stacked boxes and a hand trolley. (Source: iStock)

A hand trolley is a simple, sturdy L-shaped tool designed to move heavy or bulky items with far less strain. It has two wheels, a tall frame with handles, and a toe plate that slips under boxes, furniture, packed small appliances, or gear. Once loaded, you tilt it back so the weight balances on the wheels, letting you roll instead of lift. Most hand trolleys can carry between 299 lbs and 992 lbs, depending on the build.

Most removalists rely on a hand trolley for apartment relocations, appliance deliveries, and anything involving stairs or tight corners. Some models are tailored to specific items and terrains as well:

• Upright hand trolley (utility dolly): The classic model for boxes and tall items over short distances

• Appliance hand trolley: Comes with straps and rails to stabilise fridges, washers, and dryers

• Convertible hand trolley: Switches from upright mode to a flat cart for larger loads

• Stair-climbing hand trolley: Features rotating wheels to glide up steps smoothly

• Folding hand trolley: Compact and easy to store between jobs or in the back of a car

What is a dolly?

Heavy-duty dolly used for moving furniture and large boxes. (Source: iStock)

A dolly features a flat platform supported by four swivel wheels that move in all directions. The low-profile design keeps loads stable and close to the ground, with weight capacities ranging from 299 lbs for standard models up to 2,998 lbs for heavy-duty versions. If you need to transport your fridge, move heavy furniture, or carry multiple boxes and wide objects across smooth, level surfaces, investing in dollies is a great choice.

Depending on your moving needs, you can choose from several four-wheel designs:

• Furniture dolly: Low-profile platform with swivel casters for sliding under large furniture pieces

• Carpeted dolly: Raised carpeted edges protect delicate items during transport

• Rubber dolly: Heavy-duty construction with raised rubber sides, supports 881 lbs+ loads

• Platform dolly: Flat platform with a small upright handle for improved steering control

• Specialty dollies: Purpose-built designs like piano dollies with reinforced bases for specific equipment

Dolly vs hand trolley: Which should you choose?

Unsure whether to go with a dolly or a hand trolley? Below, we’ve broken down key factors like weight, manoeuvrability, and terrain so you can pick the right equipment with confidence (and maybe avoid a few sore muscles).

In terms of weight capacity

Hand trolleys excel at moving single heavy items through their leverage system, with up to 992 lbs for heavy-duty steel models. Thanks to their two-wheel design, the weight tips back over the axle, making it surprisingly easy to load and move around a 440 lbs fridge or stacked washer-dryer. Some industrial-grade models even haul gear over 881 lbs, including large items like commercial ice machines or gun safes, if the load is secured and balanced properly.

On the other hand, dollies are better if you have serious weight requirements or want to avoid multiple trips. With four wheels to spread the load, a quality dolly for moving makes it easy to transport a 330 lbs dining table plus packed boxes when moving your books in one go. For oversized or delicate items, a platform dolly can carry a mix of shapes and sizes, such as filing cabinets, flat-pack furniture, warehouse stock, or stacked appliances.

Whatever equipment you choose, always centre heavy loads over the axle for hand trollies or evenly distribute them across dolly platforms. You should also secure items over 440 lbs with quality ratchet straps to prevent shifting during transport and avoid stacking loads so high that you lose visibility or balance.

In terms of manoeuvrability

Moving boxes efficiently with a hand trolley on a sidewalk. (Source: iStock)

Dollies and hand trolleys meet different manoeuvrability needs. Between the two, hand trolleys are built for tight turns and tricky spaces. Their slim vertical frame means you can get into tight spaces and pivot easily through doorways, angle around furniture, and manage narrow walkways. Some models come with tri-wheel systems that can turn 360 degrees while climbing stairs, perfect for apartment buildings, cramped storage rooms, and any multi-level move.

Moving to open floor areas? Dollies work best in wide, open areas requiring a wider turning radius. Their four-wheel setup allows movement in any direction, making them great for garages, hallways, or large rooms. If you’ve been packing boxes correctly, you can move loads smoothly across level surfaces, though they struggle with uneven terrain and aren’t suitable for stairs.

In terms of ease of use

Dollies feel more intuitive for first-time users since the motion mirrors what people naturally do: push and pull. Once loaded, they’re forgiving and stable, allowing you to focus on steering rather than balancing. The wide platform means fragile items or heavy appliances stay put, and you can stop or change direction without worrying about loads shifting or falling. Keep in mind that loading heavy items onto a dolly often requires two to three people.

Contrary to that, hand trolleys require more coordination and skill to be used effectively. You need to learn how to tilt it, maintain balance while moving, and constantly adjust your grip and posture. The learning curve is steeper since getting the balance wrong means your items can slide off or tip over. However, once you’ve developed the technique, many users find hand trolleys faster and less physically demanding for navigating tight spaces and stairs.

In terms of the size and shape of the load

Secured and padded furniture ideal for dolly transport. (Source: iStock)

Choosing a hand trolley or dolly depends on how your load behaves when moved. For instance, moving trolleys suit items that stay stable when tilted back at an angle. Tall, narrow shapes like bookshelves, filing cabinets, or stacked boxes work perfectly, especially when navigating through doorways or tight spaces. Loads with solid bases and rigid structures are also great for hand trolleys since they can rest securely against the frame without shifting or losing balance during transport.

If you have wide, low, or fragile loads that must stay level, then using a dolly to move your items is a must. Moving wide furniture pieces like sideboards and couches also benefits from the stable platform, while items with loose components (like chairs with removable cushions or electronics with detachable parts) stay secure without shifting. The flat surface also handles awkward shapes that don’t have a clear ‘base’ to rest against a hand trolley frame.

In terms of terrain compatibility

Given that removal trolleys have two large wheels, they excel across varied terrain through their ability to tilt and roll over obstacles. The larger wheels easily navigate carpet, hardwood, gravel, and uneven ground, while models with pneumatic tires absorb bumps and handle outdoor surfaces effectively. A properly equipped moving hand trolley can work on curbs, driveways, and mixed indoor flooring while keeping loads stable and controlled.

As for dollies, they work best on smooth, flat surfaces like polished concrete or hardwood floors. However, they struggle with thick carpet, uneven paths, cracked pavement, or any outdoor terrain where the four-wheel design can’t maintain consistent contact. Even dollies with air-filled wheels perform poorly on slopes or stairs, with wheels easily catching on obstacles or losing traction. Most moving safety tips suggest using dollies only on indoor level surfaces to prevent tipping, wheel jamming, or loss of control.

In terms of cost

Removalist handling boxes in a warehouse or storage facility. (Source: iStock)

Dollies are usually cheaper upfront, especially for basic models. You can pick up a simple moving cart for around £30. That said, costs rise quickly for specialised options like car tow dollies or large platform versions, which can go well beyond £120.

Hand trolleys start a bit higher, often around £17, and range up to £75 or more for heavy-duty or convertible models. While they cost more, they offer better long-term value if you move things regularly or need a cart that adapts to different tasks.

In terms of versatility

The good thing about hand trolleys is that they aren’t limited to moving day. Their upright design and balanced frame are useful for everything from deliveries and garden clean-ups to shifting supplies around a workshop or job site. Because they adapt easily to different load shapes and surfaces, they’re a practical tool to keep on hand long after the move is done.

Dollies, on the other hand, are designed with one main task in mind: transporting bulky items across smooth, level floors. As a moving cart, they do that job well, especially for heavier furniture or stacked boxes. Outside of those situations, their bulky frame and limited manoeuvrability make them harder to repurpose, so they often end up sitting unused between moves.

Find a skilled removalist today

Now that you’ve got a clear picture of how to move heavy items the right way, it’s time to put that knowledge to work. If you want to take the DIY route, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right tools and handle the load safely. But if you’d rather save the strain and leave it to someone who does this every day, Airtasker can help.

For jobs beyond your comfort zone, Airtasker connects you with local removalists equipped with the right trolley for moving heavy items and the expertise to use it safely. Why risk injury or damage when skilled professionals can handle the heavy lifting while you focus on the bigger picture of your move? Post a task now!