Moving furniture is a challenging task and can quickly become overwhelming. But with the right plan and preparation, you can move your furniture efficiently and safely. Here are five tips to help you do just that — from knowing where your furniture is going in your new home to protecting your pieces correctly.
1. Have a Plan in Place
It's essential to have a plan before starting the moving process. Whether you're renting a truck and moving furniture yourself or hiring a service to do it for you, your moving timeline should begin with mapping out the move ahead of time.
Start by listing the items you plan to move, and figure out the best way to get them from your old home to your new one. Consider how many trips you'll need to make and the size of your rented truck, if applicable. If you're using a moving service, book them for the dates you need as soon as possible. Summer is typically the busiest season for these companies.
When it comes to loading and unloading, work smarter, not harder. If you're using a moving service, ensure they have a detailed list of your items and ask them to provide you with a copy.
2. Protect Pieces With Plastic & Blankets
Cover your pieces with plastic stretch wrap and blankets — the most commonly used materials for protecting furniture during a move — so they stay safe during transport. Plastic wrap prevents scratches and plastic bubble wrap protects furniture from dents and dings, while blankets also help protect and cushion pieces and keep them from sliding in the truck. These materials also protect against dirt and water.
When wrapping furniture, cover sharp edges and corners first. Then, wrap the entire piece in plastic, ensuring no gaps or openings to keep your furniture from shifting during the move. Finally, use blankets to cover your items and secure them with tape as needed.
You'll also want to consider the type of furniture you're moving. For fragile pieces, use more padding and extra plastic bubble wrap. For larger pieces, you may need to enlist the help of a few friends to move them safely. Taking the extra steps now will save you time, money, and stress in the long run and will make moving day a breeze.
3. Sliding Is Better Than Dragging or Carrying
Using furniture slides is much better than dragging or carrying it when moving because it helps protect the furniture from damage. Hard plastic slides are best for carpets, while soft padded slides are preferable for hard surfaces. Ensure the slides are securely in place and the right size for the furniture. Also ensure that slides are free of dirt and grit that could damage floors. Slides can also help reduce the effort required to move furniture by keeping it steady and reducing friction across surfaces.
Using sliders also reduces the risk of furniture getting scratched or damaged. Furniture dragged or carried can get caught on obstacles, dropped, or scratch the floor. Sliders ensure your items move smoothly and won't get caught or dragged.
Slides can also help reduce the risk of injury when moving furniture. Dragging or carrying furniture can be hard to control and cause strain on the back, arms, and legs. Invest in furniture slides the next time you move your furniture for the best results.
4. Disassemble Whichever Pieces You Can
Take apart whatever you can to make moving your furniture easier and lighter. Disassembling furniture is a great way to save yourself from struggling to move heavy pieces. Removing any attached components is crucial to make the furniture lighter and easier to maneuver, whether a sofa, bed, table, or something else. Keep the pieces organized and together to avoid delays in putting them back together later on.
Before disassembling, ensure you have the right tools for the job. Taking pictures of the furniture before and after disassembling is also a good idea, so you know exactly what it should look like when putting it back together. Label the pieces you take off so you know where they go.
Even if you don't have all the tools or experience with disassembling furniture, it's still worth a try. If you take your time and are careful not to break anything, you can easily take apart your items and save yourself time and stress in the long run.
5. Know Where Your Pieces Are Going in Your New Home
Before moving your furniture, plan and map out where each piece will go in your new home. Take measurements and draw a map to ensure you get a perfect fit. Doing so will save you time and energy when it comes to moving day, as you'll already have a plan for where your furniture is going. Knowing where everything is going will also help you decide if you need to disassemble any pieces before you move them.
If you have larger furniture pieces, it helps to measure the doorways and hallways ahead of time to make sure they're wide enough to fit your furniture. You should also consider how the items will fit into the room and measure the space. Doing this is especially important for furniture that must remain assembled.
Remember potential obstacles like stairs, narrow hallways, and tight corners when moving furniture.
Apply These Tips for a Smooth Move Into Your New Home
Moving furniture doesn't have to be complicated; following these simple tips can make the process efficient and less stressful. With some preparation and know-how, you can move your furniture quickly and easily, then sit back and relax.
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