Moving furniture is an integral part of relocating, but it often comes with the risk of damaging your home. Whether you’re moving to a new house or simply rearranging, the importance of protecting your home cannot be overstated.
Scratched floors, dented walls, and strained backs are just a few of the potential pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your home remains in pristine condition during your move.
Here Are 5 Steps to Take to Protect Your Home While Moving Furniture:
Plan Ahead
Before you lift a single piece of furniture, careful planning is essential. For bigger items and those that are oddly shaped, anticipate the route you’ll take. Look out for tight corners, narrow doorways, or other potential choke points. Having a Plan B is crucial if your original route proves treacherous.
Preparation
Clearing Pathways and Removing Obstacles
The road to a smooth move is literally a clear path. Remove rugs, decor, and any small obstacles that could interfere with moving larger items. Tripping over a small item can cause personal injury or damage to the furniture and home.
Measuring Doorways and Furniture Dimensions
Knowing the dimensions of your furniture and the doorways they must pass through will save you from last-minute adjustments. It will also save you from forceful shoving that can hurt your walls or the furniture itself.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Equipment
Arm yourself with the right tools. Rent or purchase furniture sliders, dollies, and straps. Having these on hand will make the entire process considerably safer and more manageable.
Furniture Protection
Using furniture sliders or gliders makes moving heavy objects across floors a breeze while minimizing scratches and scuffs. For extra protection, consider wrapping pieces in bubble wrap or old blankets.
Disassembling Furniture if Necessary
Take the time to disassemble furniture if it makes for safer transport. Removing legs from tables or separating bed frames are examples of how this step can prevent property damage and make moving more efficient.
Floor and Wall Protection
Using Furniture Pads or Blankets
Do not underestimate the value of old blankets or specialized furniture pads. Draped over banisters or taped to door frames, these can shield against scuffs and scratches.
Laying Down Protective Floor Coverings
Protective materials like cardboard or specialized floor protection can act as a shield for your flooring, absorbing the brunt of foot traffic and sliding furniture.
Installing Corner Guards to Prevent Wall Damage
These small investments pay off in preventing unsightly (and expensive) damage to wall corners — one of the most common casualties in moving furniture.
Lifting and Moving Techniques
Proper Lifting Techniques to Prevent Injuries
Always lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting while holding heavy items. Use lifting straps for heavy burdens, as they assist in better weight distribution.
Teamwork and Communication During the Moving Process
Moving is a team effort. Maintain clear communication with helpers, calling out actions and obstacles to avoid mishaps.
Using Dollies or Hand Trucks for Heavy Items
These tools are indispensable for safely transporting hefty furniture and preventing floor damage. They allow for smooth movement and reduce physical strain.
Hire Experienced Professional Movers to Reduce Cost, Stress and Ensure Safety
Whether you’re an experienced pro or it’s your first time moving, taking the time to protect your home is well worth it. With thoughtful preparation and the right techniques, you can safeguard your home against relocation damage and keep your move worry-free. Remember, hiring professional movers isn’t admitting defeat—it’s a strategic move to ensure that your belongings, and your home, remain intact. And can save you money in the end!
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Crescent Moving & Storage has been in business for many years providing reliable, timely, and safe moving services for businesses and homeowners in the Vancouver area. Find out why so many trust Crescent Moving to care for their most valuable assets. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation moving quote.