It is no surprise that one of the most dreaded parts of moving is packing. After all, you have a lot of furniture and belongings that are important to you, and it can be overwhelming to make sure that these items get to their new destination unharmed. Whether you are moving by yourself or enlisting the help of a professional moving company, you should always handle your furniture with care before, during, and after the move. That’s why it’s essential to know how to pack furniture for moving.
In this guide, we’ll go through some of the basics for properly packing and protecting your furniture. So whether you’re moving into a new home or office, or simply want to pack items away in a storage unit, these tips will help.
With a few tips and the right packing supplies, you can pack your fragile furniture without worrying about potential damage. Here are some tips for how to pack furniture for moving.
Most homeowners typically stick to using cardboard boxes, packing tape, and moving blankets. Although these materials will work, they are not always the best items for the job. Consider investing in some additional supplies to help protect your belongings and make the move easier.
Here are some additional supplies you can find in your local hardware store (or even online):
We recommend using a combination of these materials to protect your belongings. For example, plastic bins offer extra protection and waterproofing, which makes them a good choice if the weather takes a turn for the worse during your move.
Before you even start packing, you’ll want to go through your belongings and decide which pieces can stay and which pieces should go. If your new location is a downsized area, you’ll definitely want to clear out unused furniture. To make this process more organized, consider splitting your belongings into different groups: Throw Away, Keep, and Sell/Donate.
Broken or severely damaged belongings should probably be thrown away for safety reasons. Plus, this furniture will just take up space in the moving van. Any unused furniture or belongings can be sold or donated. If you aren’t sure whether you want to move something, consider keeping some items in a storage unit for the time being.
One of the most important steps to prepare your furniture is to clean it thoroughly before packing it away. Clean and dust each piece beforehand to ensure that none of the dirt or debris damages your furniture. Cleaning also helps ensure that you won’t drag any unnecessary grime into your new home or office.
Also, be sure to remove drawers out of dressers and desks to give yourself extra storage space. This will also help lighten the load of heavy furniture items. If you are packing small items, we recommend creating an inventory list to keep track of everything that is going with you. Also, be sure to carefully label each box with its contents.
When possible, we recommend dismantling larger furniture pieces. Doing so will make the furniture easier to move and will help prevent damage when furniture brushes up against walls. We recommend removing the legs from tables and couches, as well as taking apart bed frames and removing cushions from sofas and chairs. In short, if a piece can be safely dismantled, do it. This will also make it easier to load everything onto the moving truck. If you cannot safely dismantle your furniture on your own, consider hiring a professional moving company to help.
Here are a few tips for dismantling furniture.
Take your time wrapping your furniture and belongings. Bubble wrap is great for protecting delicate items, especially wood pieces. You can protect your chairs, sofas, and other upholstered items using plastic wrap or fitted covers. (Of course, in a pinch, old blankets or packing blankets will do the trick.) We also recommend using corrugated cardboard sheets in between wooden pieces for extra protection.
You can protect glass table tops, mirrors, and other fragile items with bubble wrap. Consider using painter’s tape to tape an “X” on the item that spans its entire length. That way, if it breaks, it will be less likely to shatter. Be sure to wrap glass tops or mirrors completely, and pay special attention to the corners. You can also attach cardboard to the corners for extra protection and stability. Then finish by placing the glass between two sheets of heavy duty cardboard.
As for most of your other belongings, bubble wrap and plastic bins should do the trick. Wrap each item in plastic wrap (or heavy paper with packing peanuts) and place them carefully inside plastic bins. Be sure not to overfill the bin, as this can make the load too heavy.
You’ve likely had the opportunity to visit your new home or office. Take some time to plan out your desired furniture arrangement. You should have a basic idea of where you want everything to go so that the movers can place everything in the proper spot. Remember: sometimes plans can change, and what you thought would work may not work the way you intended. Keep an open mind and be flexible with the arrangement. Many moving companies can help suggest furniture layouts that maximize space and encourage good flow.
Packing everything up is already a lot of work, and on top of that, you’ll also have to rent your own moving van. But if you hire a professional moving company, they’ll take care of the heavy lifting by loading up your furniture on their trucks. Professional movers can help save you some hassle on moving day.
Now that we’ve covered some of the “do’s” of packing, let’s go over some of the “don’ts.”
Don’t…
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about how to pack furniture for moving. Here are some additional resources to help you get prepared for moving day:
How to Prepare Your Family for a Move
DIY Vs Professional Furniture Moving
How to Prepare for an Office Relocation
How to Prepare for a Winter Move in Arizona
If you’re planning a move and need the help of a professional moving company, contact our team at Andrews Installation Group. We have over 10 years of experience and are one of Arizona’s go-to moving companies. Contact us with questions or to schedule your next move!
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