Moving to a new home or revamping your current space can be exciting experience. However packing large furniture requires careful planning to make sure your pieces arrive in perfect condition.
In this guide, we’ll share tips and tricks for packing large furniture for moving or storage, along with expert advice to simplify the process.
Why Proper Furniture Packing Is Important
Proper packing prevents scratches, dents, and other damage that can occur during transit or storage.
Taking the time to pack your furniture carefully not only ensures its longevity but also saves money on potential repairs or replacements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Large Furniture for Moving
Step 1: Clean and Prep Your Furniture
Start by cleaning your furniture to prevent dust, dirt, or moisture from causing damage.
Different materials require different cleaning approaches. For wood furniture, wipe down surfaces with wood cleaner and polish, ensuring it’s dry before wrapping.
Upholstered items should be vacuumed thoroughly and spot-cleaned, allowing them to dry completely to avoid mould. Leather items require a leather-safe cleaner and conditioner to maintain softness and durability. Glass surfaces should be cleaned with a streak-free glass cleaner to avoid smudges during storage or transit.
Step 2: Disassemble When Possible
Disassembling large furniture reduces the risk of damage and makes transportation easier. Refer to the assembly manual for guidance on dismantling items like beds, tables, and bookshelves.
Place screws, bolts, and small components in labelled bags and tape them to the corresponding piece. Take photos before disassembly to simplify reassembly later.
Step 3: Gather Quality Packing Materials
Investing in high-quality materials can make all the difference. Use moving blankets to provide cushioning for wood and upholstered items,
foam padding to protect delicate corners and edges, and bubble wrap for an extra layer of protection, especially for glass surfaces. Cardboard sheets can keep undersides and corners safe.
If the cost of high-quality packing materials feels daunting, consider exploring options like a quick loan to cover the upfront expenses. This can help you ensure your furniture is well-protected without delaying your move.
Step 4: Wrap and Secure Your Furniture
Tailor your wrapping technique to the type of furniture. Wrap wood furniture with moving blankets, avoiding plastic wrap to prevent moisture damage.
Cover upholstered items with breathable fabric covers for protection. Glass elements should be wrapped in bubble wrap, secured with tape, and reinforced with cardboard corner protectors. Mattresses should be stored in breathable mattress bags and transported upright to save space.
Packing Large Furniture for Storage
If you’re storing your furniture, extra precautions are necessary to protect it from environmental factors. To guard against moisture and pests, lay plastic tarps or wooden pallets on the storage floor to keep items off damp surfaces and wrap furniture securely to prevent pests from causing damage.
Extreme temperatures can warp wood and encourage mould growth, so opting for climate-controlled storage provides stable conditions to keep your furniture safe. Organise your storage space by storing larger items like mattresses and sofas upright to save space, avoiding stacking heavy objects on delicate wood furniture, and leaving small gaps between items for air circulation.
Moving Heavy Furniture Safely
Moving heavy furniture without the proper tools or techniques can result in injuries or damage. Tools like furniture sliders, dollies, and moving straps can make the process smoother and safer. Always get help to avoid injuries, clear pathways of obstacles, and protect floors with cardboard or blankets. Secure items in the moving van with straps to prevent shifting during transit.
Alternatively, look into working with a professional moving company that can help manage the process seamlessly from start to finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using plastic wrap on wood can trap moisture and damage finishes. Skipping labels can lead to confusion during reassembly. Overloading storage units increases the likelihood of damage to your furniture.
After the Move: Caring for Your Furniture
Once your furniture arrives at its new destination, inspect each piece for damage and reassemble using the labelled parts and reference photos. Give wooden surfaces a polish and freshen up upholstery to make your furniture feel brand new.
Furniture Moves: Keeping Your Items Safe
Packing and moving large furniture doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and materials, you can ensure your furniture stays safe and in excellent condition, whether you’re moving to a new home or storing it for the future.
Embrace these tips and enjoy a smooth, stress-free moving experience!
