How to Protect Your Furniture During a Move

The furniture in a residence frequently accounts for a high percentage of the total physical size and monetary value of household contents. It is a necessary component of a relocation strategy to protect those objects. The large dimensions of sofas, dining tables, wardrobes and beds make them susceptible to surface abrasions, structural indentations plus liquid marks during the process of transit.

This necessity is greater during an international relocation. The furniture often undergoes multiple phases of handling before it arrives at the final location.

The act of preparing belongings helps ensure their safety regardless of if the move is local or international. Professional relocation staff are available to offer instructions and packing methods that correspond to specific furniture categories.

Prepare Furniture Before Moving Day

The preparation of furniture is a task that occurs before the movers arrive. It is necessary to empty all drawers, shelves and cabinets so that smaller objects can stay in separate containers.

To prevent damage, you must detach parts like table legs, internal shelves but also metal handles. The screws and metal hardware are easier to find later if you place them in bags with written labels.

It is also important that furniture is free of moisture and dirt before packing begins. The presence of trapped particles or water under layers of wrap can cause the surfaces to deteriorate during the period of transit or in a warehouse.

Use Suitable Protective Materials

The use of specific materials is necessary for different items. The thick fabric of moving blankets protects large pieces from surface marks. Plastic or paper wrapping materials are useful to cover flat surfaces as well as the narrow edges of items.

The corners metal handles, glass parts and surfaces with a high shine are areas that require a high level of attention – those parts are more likely to break or scratch.

There is no single type of wrap that is effective for every object. It is helpful to discuss the inventory with your moving company to identify which materials are correct for the task.

Protect Furniture During Handling

The risk of damage is present when movers carry items through door frames, narrow stairs and lifts.

To avoid accidents, measure the dimensions of the furniture or the openings of the current and future buildings. The removal of doors or other architectural fixtures is sometimes a necessary part of the logistics.

The relocation staff have the experience to move heavy objects – but the staff can plan the work better if you provide specific data about the weight and the fragile nature of certain pieces. 

Take Extra Care With Wooden Furniture

The surfaces of wooden furniture are sensitive to impacts next to changes in the air. It is necessary to cover tables and desks with materials that prevent scratches.

The doors and drawers of the items must stay closed during transit without the use of excessive force. You should remove any parts that are loose.

It is important to inform the relocation staff about items that have high financial or historical value. The staff may decide that special methods of handling are required.

Protect Upholstered Furniture

The fabric on sofas plus mattresses is susceptible to tearing and liquid stains. The use of plastic or fabric covers keeps the upholstery clean during the move. The movers must exercise care when the items are near walls and stairs where the fabric can rub against rough surfaces.

If the furniture is going into a storage, it is useful to ask about the climate of the room. The air conditions are important if the furniture remains in the warehouse for a long duration.

Moving soon and unsure how to protect your furniture? Ask Cindy, our 24/7 AI assistant for practical moving tips.

Consider Furniture That Will Go into Storage

Not every piece of furniture necessarily needs to travel directly to your new home. During a relocation, you may need storage if your new property is not ready or if you are still deciding what to take with you.

The furniture in a storage is prepared according to the length of time it will stay there. It is necessary to clean the items but also discuss the storage rules with the provider.

The international moving company can often combine the storage and the transit into one contract – this coordination is helpful when the dates of the move change.

Prepare for an International Move

The furniture that travels to another country requires more preparation, because of the many stages of transport by sea, air or road.

To help your international movers team, you must identify the items that are expensive or difficult to replace. The team uses this information to create a plan.

The laws of the destination country regarding household goods are an important factor. The relocation company is able to explain the rules for the shipment.

Consider Professional Packing

The act of packing furniture is a task the owner can do but large items often require technical methods.

The professional movers examine individual pieces to choose the best packing method – this is beneficial for international moves where the furniture stays in a container for a long time.

It is helpful to ask which protection services are in the price when you compare companies. The knowledge of the service level allows you to make a choice.

Check Furniture After Delivery

The inspection of the furniture is the first task after delivery. It is important to look at the surfaces, legs and drawers for any signs of damage.

If a problem is visible, you must record it as well as follow the instructions from the company. The inventory list is a helpful document during this step.

Once everything has been checked, allow furniture to settle into its new surroundings before reassembling or arranging it as needed.

Protect Your Furniture from Start to Finish

The protection of furniture is a process that starts before the move occurs. It involves the preparation of items, the use of wrap, the planning of paths and the exchange of information.

The expertise of international movers is a resource when items move across borders – those companies manage the packing and the storage.

Whether you are moving a single household or planning a larger international relocation, taking care of your furniture means considering every stage of its journey.

Moving With Care

The furniture is a significant part of a home – the time you spend on preparation protects the belongings during the move. The relocation company helps you understand the options for transport or storage.

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Read our Environmental Sustainability Policy to discover more about our commitment to responsible practices.

Let’s get moving.