Published: May 15, 2023

Preparing Furniture When Moving

Moving can be an exciting yet stressful experience. One of the most challenging aspects is preparing and transporting your furniture safely to your new home. Properly preparing your furniture for the move is essential to ensure it arrives undamaged and ready to be set up in your new space. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to prepare your furniture for a smooth and successful move.

Take Inventory and Declutter

Before you begin preparing your furniture for the move, take inventory of all the pieces you plan to bring with you. This step allows you to assess which items are worth transporting and helps you declutter. Consider selling, donating, or discarding any furniture that you no longer need, or that won’t fit in your new space. Reducing the number of items to move will save you time, effort, and potentially even money.

Measure Doorways and Hallways

Measure the doorways, stairwells, and hallways in both your current and new homes to ensure your furniture can fit through without any issues. This step is crucial to avoid damaging your furniture or getting it stuck during the moving process. If you have large items that won’t fit through the entrances, you might need to disassemble them or find an alternative moving strategy.

Gather Necessary Supplies

Collect all the packing supplies you’ll need to protect your furniture during the move. This may include packing paper, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, plastic stretch wrap, sturdy boxes, packing tape, and furniture sliders or dollies. Having these materials ready in advance will streamline the packing process and safeguard your furniture against scratches, dents, or other damage.

Disassemble Furniture

For furniture that can be disassembled, such as tables, bed frames, or shelving units, it’s best to take them apart before moving. Remove any detachable parts, such as legs, cushions, or shelves, and pack them separately in clearly labeled bags or boxes. Keep track of screws, bolts, and other small hardware by storing them in sealed bags and attaching them securely to the corresponding furniture piece.

Protect Fragile Items

Fragile furniture pieces, like glass tabletops or mirrors, require extra care. Wrap these items in bubble wrap or packing paper, securing them with tape to prevent shattering or cracking. For added protection, consider using cardboard corner protectors or specially designed mirror boxes. Label these items as fragile to alert movers or yourself during the unpacking process.

Wrap and Pad Larger Items

To safeguard larger furniture, such as sofas, mattresses, or dressers, cover them with blankets or moving pads. These blankets provide a protective layer against scratches and impacts during transit. Secure the blankets in place using a plastic stretch wrap or packing tape. For added convenience and ease of movement, consider using furniture sliders or dollies to transport heavier items.

Label and Document

Clearly label each furniture piece and indicate its designated room in your new home. This step will make the unloading and unpacking process much smoother. Additionally, take pictures or make notes of any existing damage or wear and tear before the move. This documentation can be helpful for insurance purposes or to address any disputes in case of accidental damage during the move.

Properly preparing your furniture for a move is essential to ensure it arrives safely and in good condition at your new home. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage and make the moving process more efficient. Remember to plan ahead, gather the necessary supplies, protect fragile items, and label everything appropriately. With these preparations in place, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and stress-free move. For more information, visit UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Grand Rapids or call (616) 612-1017.