As you know, the purpose of a move is to move the objects, belongings, and furniture from one specific location (usually a home) to another. Consequently, the goal is to transport all of these items as conveniently and easily as possible and, of course, to ensure they arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
To achieve this, we need to protect both the smallest and the largest objects, such as furniture. This is what is known as packing, and it is also one of the most demanding parts of the move, because in addition to the right materials, it requires time and dedication to ensure that everything is perfectly protected.
So, packing a bunch of pictures or a stack of books is more tiring than difficult. But… what about furniture? It’s usually bulky and heavy, as well as (perhaps) fragile. Not to mention that it’s often particularly vulnerable to being dropped or bumped during the move… That’s why it needs to be packed in a specific way, and that’s what we want to talk to you about today on our blog.
Choose a good time to pack your furniture
When moving, we usually start by packing and putting away the smaller, more accessible items we have around the house. Naturally, we’ll start by clearing out a bookshelf—removing the books, picture frames, figurines, ornaments, and other items on it—and then we’ll pack them securely into boxes.
This task can take us several hours or even days, depending on the number of items to pack and the size of the house we’re clearing out. So, by the time we’re done with this part of the move and have to deal with the furniture, we’ll most likely already be pretty tired.
If this applies to you, consider postponing the packing of your furniture until later. Whenever possible, schedule this task for a time when you’re physically energized and mentally clear, since it will require all your energy to move around and keep track of what you need to do.
In this regard, remember that it’s much better to take the time needed (to pack your furniture properly) than to rush through everything haphazardly (and end up regretting it later).
Gather the packing supplies you’ll need
Another step you should take before “rolling up your sleeves” is to take inventory. Assess and make a list of all the furniture you’ll be moving, since you’ll need to organize it properly based on its size and characteristics. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be able to choose the materials you’ll need and determine how much of each you’ll need when the time comes.
Some of the most common materials used in moving are:
- Bubble wrap or air cushioning film for the most delicate and fragile items.
- Protective foam, which works much like bubble wrap.
- Clear plastic sheeting, very useful for protecting furniture with upholstery or textured surfaces that can be easily damaged during the process. It will prevent them from getting dirty, scratched, or broken.
- Cardboard boxes. They come in various sizes and with different reinforcements, so you can use them to move small pieces of furniture (such as lamps or stools) or furniture that can be taken apart.
- Protective blankets, specially designed to protect and wrap furniture, appliances, and various particularly fragile items.
- Packing tape, an essential item for sealing boxes, securing layers of packaging, and reinforcing the most unstable or vulnerable areas.
- Dividers and organizers—extremely useful if you want to make the most of the space inside boxes while ensuring that the items you store in them don’t bump into each other or shift out of place.
- Newspaper, used clothing, wood shavings, etc., to secure and pad the inside of boxes or add bulk to the packaging.
And don’t forget other items that will also make the process of packing furniture for your move much easier. We’re talking, for example, about corner protectors (to prevent corners from getting damaged or even hurting someone or another object during the move), and a basic tool kit (for disassembling furniture, measuring, cutting, and securing packing materials, etc.), and even wrapping machines to do some of the work for you.
Final Steps Before Packing Your Furniture for the Move
You already know when to do it, and you have all the materials you’ll need right at hand. But the hardest part is still ahead: getting started. So let’s get started!
First of all, don’t forget to clean your furniture, because dirt has no place on this trip. Making this small effort at the very beginning will ensure that later, once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can unpack your furniture and assemble or set it up without making a mess in your new home.
Next, clear a large area around you. You’ll need to move, shift, handle, and even take apart furniture of various sizes, so make sure you can work comfortably without anything getting in your way.
Next step: Secure and protect the corners and areas of the furniture that could be dangerous or sharp. Pay special attention to tables, cabinets, chairs, lamps, etc., and attach pre-made corner guards to their sharpest parts; or create custom solutions using plastic, cardboard, or other packing materials you have on hand.
Finally, check which pieces of furniture you can take apart and which ones you can’t. It’s usually well worth the effort, since it will allow you to move them more easily and safely.
How do you pack furniture for a move?
And, after completing all these preliminary steps, you can start packing. You should pack based on the material of the furniture and its characteristics:
Wooden furniture
In these cases, wrap them in several layers of plastic wrap or bubble wrap, making sure to secure any parts that might move, such as drawers (you should have removed everything from inside them beforehand). Make sure the package is packed tightly enough with electrical tape.
Glass Furniture
These require particularly careful packing, because any impact can not only break them but also make them hazardous due to sharp pieces that may break off. Therefore, cover the glass areas with cardboard or padding to prevent them from breaking or getting scratched. Then, pack the rest of the furniture as we explained in the previous step.
Tubular Furniture
This category includes certain types of chairs, rocking chairs, tables, cabinets, bookshelves, TV stands, etc. Here, you should first protect the tubular frame by wrapping its most delicate parts in cardboard or adhesive film; for the upholstery, you can use padding material, such as polyethylene foam.
Knock-down furniture
Store the smaller parts, such as screws, in a plastic bag and label it so you always know which piece of furniture they belong to. As for the larger components, you can wrap them in bubble wrap. After that, if possible, try to pack everything together in a single box to make it easier to assemble later. Of course, make sure each piece is properly positioned and protected with newspaper or dividers.
Sofas and Chairs
For chairs and stools, pay attention to the legs and wrap them securely with cardboard or bubble wrap. You may even need to remove the wheels first, if they have any.
As for sofas and armchairs, keep an eye on their upholstery and fabrics. Covering them with plastic will help prevent scratches or tears—but be sure to remove and set aside any removable parts, such as cushions, first.
Mattresses
In this case, it will be enough to store them in sturdy plastic bags that cover them completely.
Home Appliance
If you still have the original packaging, use it to put the item back in and move it. Although that’s probably not the case, in which situation it’s best to find a box that fits and place it inside, after wrapping it in bubble wrap and properly protecting the corners.
A moving company can take care of everything
What do you think of these tips on how to pack furniture for a move? It just takes some planning, as well as time and effort on your part. However, if you’d rather avoid the hassle, you can always hire a moving company to take care of everything for you.
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