It is without question that you are particular about the safety of your properties when you move. Your furniture is no exception, as getting to your new location and finding damaged furniture could be a harrowing and disappointing incident. Hence, it is important you learn how to cover furniture for moving.
Protecting your furniture as a result, is very crucial in your moving process. Unlike some other items you plan to move, furnishings cannot simply fit into a box and be sealed. They require a little more expertise than that.
Let us take a look at the best tips on how to protect furniture in a move. Find out local furniture movers near me on the website to get started on moving.
Five Steps to Packing Furniture During a Move
The following steps will guide you on how to cover furniture when moving.
1. Collect Packing Supplies
Although you may have already purchased moving blankets and cardboard boxes, you will need more than that. Other supplies that are very necessary for moving furniture are:
- Plastic Stretch wraps
- Corrugated cardboard sheets
- Bubble wraps
- Mattress and sofa covers
- Sealable plastic bags
Visit a hardware store close to you and get these supplies ready.
2. Prepare the Furniture For Packing
You should ensure that all items to be moved are meticulously cleaned, getting rid of any dust or stains that may be on them. This is important because dust and other particles can result in scratches that can damage your furniture during your move. In addition, cleaning prevents you from transferring needless dirt into your new place.
Also, in preparing your furniture, remove knobs and pulls from your furniture. Empty your drawers and desks, as it helps reduce the heaviness of their naturally heavyweight.
3. Disassemble Ahead of Time
An effective method to protect your furniture during a move is to disassemble them completely. Dismantling makes it easier to move them and prevents scratches, dents, and other forms of damage that could be gotten while moving.
Also, follow your user's guide to dismantling correctly, and ensure that nails and screws are sealed, so they do not get lost. Also, if you are unsure what piece goes where, you can label the furnishings with a marker and tape.
Confirm the exact drilling methods and tension that are required so as not to cause any damage. Again, disassembling ahead of your moving day helps to save time.
4. Learn the Correct Wrapping Method
It is not enough to randomly wrap your furniture and then move them. You need to wrap them correctly with suitable materials and methods. For example, it would be best if you used bubble wraps to cover and protect wooden parts, and plastic wraps should be used for upholstery. You should place corrugated cardboard between wooden parts and parts wrapped with bubble wrap to avoid scratching when the furniture is in motion.
Mirrors and other fragile furniture, such as glass table tops, are also best wrapped in bubble wraps, and give a little more attention to their edges.
5. Plan Your Arrangement
There is a need to place all the items strategically in the moving van.
- The back of the van should be lined with the same-sized boxes. Their content, nevertheless, should not be fragile.
- Even shaped items like dressers and tables should be arranged next to the wall of boxes.
- Add extra lightweight boxes to the tops of the tables and dressers.
- Place your mattress on the floor next, as this protects it from dirt if it is not wrapped.
- Your upholstered items come next and should be tied to the hooks in the truck to ensure their safety. Also, be cautious of what you place next to them.
Dos and Don'ts When Moving Furniture
Following laid down rules and guidelines always help to bring about the desired results. The following guidelines will help make your furniture moving process easier, better, and, most importantly, safer. Follow them if you want to know how to protect furniture during a move.
Things to Do
Carefully observe all pieces of furniture to confirm they are in good condition and without any damage. You should also label and take a record of all items to decide what to move and what to leave.
Take a measurement of all items to be moved and confirm that they can fit into your doors and hallways.
All movable parts of the furniture should be adequately secured to avoid slipping when the moving van is in motion.
All parts of furniture left exposed are at risk of damage. As a result, you should ensure that no item is left uncovered.
Moving heavy furniture on surfaces like tiles and hardwood leads to scratches that damage the floors. Hence, it is best to you make use of furniture gliders that prevent the items from making marks.
Things Not To Do
- Use Bubble Wrap Directly on Fragile Furniture
Abrasive tape and bubble wrap can damage some items if used directly on them. Therefore, when packing them, you should first wrap them with packing paper to serve as protection. You can then use bubble wraps and tapes.
- Overestimate your abilities
It is great to believe in yourself and what you can do. However, do not do so to the detriment of your precious furniture. You should first confirm that you can handle the packing process yourself, as items with monetary and sentimental value require some form of expertise to pack. If you cannot handle it on your own, please engage the services of professional movers.
- Use Random Truck
Using the right truck to move your items is very crucial. Ensure that your truck has a ramp to make loading and offloading easier. Additionally, it should have tie-downs that can be used to keep the items in check.
- Load Light Furniture First
When loading items into the truck, heavy items should go in first. This gives the truck enough stability, creating an even distribution of weight. You should also place the heavy objects against the wall to create better access when unloading.
Conclusion
Moving inevitably comes with some level of stress. However, having your furniture correctly and safely moved makes the job easier. Now that you have learned how to protect furniture while moving, you can move into your new home and rest assured that all is in place.