If you’re planning a long-distance move and have opted for a DIY approach instead of hiring professional movers, you may be wondering how best to prepare and transport your furniture. While smaller items like clothes are easy to pack, large, heavy furniture can pose a challenge. Without proper precautions, items like upholstered furniture can tear, glass pieces can shatter, and wooden furniture can get scratched. Proper preparation is crucial to prevent damage to your belongings before they even reach your new home.

Getting Your Furniture Ready for a Move

When it comes to preparing your furniture for a move, having the right tools and a few helpful techniques can make the entire process easier and safer.

Gather the Necessary Packing Supplies

In addition to the usual packing materials like cardboard boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap, there are other specific supplies you will need for your furniture. Many of these can be found at local hardware stores or purchased online. Some moving companies even rent out moving supplies, which could be a cost-effective alternative.

For large furniture, make sure you have the following supplies:

  • Moving blankets
  • Bubble wrap
  • Sofa and mattress covers
  • Plastic stretch wrap
  • Corrugated cardboard sheets
  • Furniture pads

Clean the Furniture

Before you begin packing, take the time to clean and dust all your furniture. Dust and dirt can cause scratches during the move. Cleaning your furniture also ensures that you won’t bring unwanted grime into your new home.

Disassemble the Furniture

Whenever possible, disassemble your furniture completely. This makes the moving process much easier, reduces the risk of damage, and helps in organizing the packing of your moving truck. Keep in mind that disassembling your furniture can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly.

Here are some items to consider taking apart:

  • Remove the legs and tops from tables, if possible
  • Take apart bed frames, including the headboard and footboard
  • Detach knobs and other removable parts from dressers and desks
  • Remove cushions and legs from couches and chairs

Packing Furniture for a Move

As you disassemble your furniture, small parts can be easily misplaced. Use sealable plastic bags to store screws, hardware, and other small pieces for each item of furniture. Label the bags with a permanent marker and tape them securely to ensure nothing gets lost during the move.

You can also use newspapers, towels, or soft items like sheets to wrap delicate pieces, allowing you to maximize your packing supplies and reduce the number of boxes needed.

Wrapping Furniture for Protection

Properly wrapping your furniture is the key to ensuring it arrives safely at your new home. For fragile items such as glass tabletops, lamps, and ceramics, bubble wrap is ideal for protection. Plastic wrap is great for upholstered pieces like couches and mattresses.

For wooden furniture, avoid using bubble wrap or plastic wrap directly, as they can damage the surface. Instead, use moving blankets or furniture pads to protect wooden items during transit.

Moving Furniture Safely

With your furniture packed and ready, it’s time to focus on the logistics of moving day. Having a solid plan in place will help ensure the safe relocation of large items.

Measure Doorways and Hallways

To avoid complications during the move, measure both your furniture and your doorways or hallways. This way, you can determine the best way to move larger pieces like sofas, cabinets, and dressers. Consider whether you’ll need to remove door frames or baseboards to make the process easier.

Clear Pathways

A few days before the move, clear all paths leading to the front door. Remove any obstacles and open the doors wide, securing them with a doorstop. This will not only make it easier to move the furniture but also help avoid any accidental bumps or damage to your items.

Use the Right Equipment

For smaller furniture, you may not need any special tools. However, heavier items such as large sofas, cabinets, and dressers will require additional equipment. Consider renting a dolly or hand truck to help move these larger pieces safely. Other useful tools include moving straps and skid boards.

Protect Your Floors with Furniture Gliders

If you’re moving furniture on hardwood or tile floors, place gliders under the furniture to prevent damage to the floor. You can also use towels or cardboard in place of gliders to make the move easier and protect the surface of your floors.

Choose the Right Moving Truck

Selecting the appropriate moving truck is essential when tackling a DIY move. Look for a truck that includes tie-downs and a ramp. The tie-downs will help secure your furniture during the drive, preventing it from shifting. A ramp will make loading and unloading heavy items much easier.

Additional Tips for Moving Furniture

Handling a move on your own can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:

  • Don’t try to move heavy furniture by yourself: This may seem obvious, but many people attempt to lift large furniture alone. Get help from friends or family, or consider hiring labor-only movers for the heavy lifting.
  • Consider moving insurance: While moving on your own may save money, it also means you’re not covered by the same protections professional movers offer. Look into moving insurance or valuation coverage to protect your belongings.
  • Load heavy furniture first: Start by loading the heaviest pieces onto the moving truck. This helps distribute the weight evenly and ensures better stability during the journey. Position heavy items against the walls of the truck for easier access during unloading.

If moving your furniture by yourself feels like too much, consider hiring professional movers. With a moving budget, you can determine if it’s feasible to get assistance while still saving money by preparing your furniture in advance.

Need Help with Moving Furniture in New York?

If all this preparation sounds like a lot of work, Movers Not Shakers is here to help! As a trusted furniture moving company in New York, we specialize in carefully moving your furniture with minimal stress and maximum protection. Whether you’re moving a few heavy pieces or an entire household, our team is equipped with the right tools and experience to ensure everything reaches your new home safely. Contact Movers Not Shakers today for a smooth, worry-free move!