If you are in the middle of planning a move, you probably have a lot on your plate. However, between adding the final touches to your new abode and getting all the utilities set up, you also need to find time for everyone’s least favorite part of moving: packing. Packing smaller items is rather straightforward: you just put them in boxes, right? But what about larger pieces of furniture that will require a lot of maneuvering to even get out of your house? To avoid damaging them, all of them need to be protected appropriately. Here are a few tips for protecting your furniture during your move.
Get the packing materials you’ll need
The first thing you’ll need to do is acquire the necessary packing materials. Going out and buying them is certainly an option that can be helpful if you’re short on time, but if you have just a bit of foresight, you can also collect a lot of materials free of charge. Save old newspapers and the bubble wrap that comes with your packages and ask your friends who moved recently if they have any leftover supplies. Purchase some moving blankets, shrink wrap, packing tape, twine, etc. You can also use old socks and blankets for protection. Write a list of all the things that will need to be wrapped so that you’re sure you’ve collected enough supplies.
Prepare your furniture pieces
When you’ve got your supplies, you might be eager to start wrapping right away, but there are a couple of steps you should first clear. Prep your furniture pieces by cleaning them thoroughly. Most importantly, this will prevent trapped debris from causing unwanted scratches on more sensitive surfaces. However, you will also avoid bringing any dirt into your new home this way.
Taking large pieces apart
Next, measure your large items so that you’re sure they will fit through doorways without bumping into every wall along the way. Bulky pieces, like modular sofas and dining tables, will need to be taken apart for easier transport. Glass elements and knobs and handles should also be removed. When you are disassembling furniture, it’s incredibly important that you stay organized. Place small parts like screws and bolts in clearly labeled plastic bags or containers to make your life easier when the time to reassemble the pieces comes. The best idea would be to tape these containers to the items they belong to.
Time to wrap
When packing your furniture, first, place a protective layer on it and then wrap it all in stretchy plastic that will keep it in place. Place cardboard between wooden pieces to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Use bubble wrap for more delicate areas and secure it with stretch wrap or shrink wrap. Some furniture pieces with moving parts don’t need to be disassembled. Rather, you might want to take some extra care to ensure that those parts stay in place during the move. Use twine for this or wrap the item in stretch wrap extra tightly. When securing packing materials, be sure not to use tape directly on delicate surfaces if you think it could end up damaging them.
Moving and loading
Even if all your furniture is securely wrapped, a lot depends on how you approach the relocation itself. First, plan where each piece of furniture will go in your new home. Clear the way both in your old and in your new place to ensure even bulky pieces can be moved freely. Don’t attempt to move large pieces by yourself: not only is it dangerous for you, but it’s also a straightforward way to break something. Rent a dolly if you need to but don’t drag the furniture and risk damaging your floors. When it comes to loading the moving vehicle, if you decided to tackle this task yourself, loading the items strategically is crucial. You also want to go for a vehicle that accommodates tie-down straps and has a ramp.
Leave it to professionals
A move is stressful at best and if you need to juggle a lot of responsibilities, you might not be able to devote enough time to pack your furniture. However, it’s important that it’s done properly since you certainly don’t want to end up having to replace your furniture as soon as you arrive at your new home. Luckily, a lot of professional movers today offer packing services, which can be a huge help. Reputable removalists from Sydney will even provide packing materials for free when booking their services.
Consider insurance
Even when one does everything by the book, mishaps can happen. You might want some extra protection, especially if you have expensive pieces you can’t afford to replace if something happens to them. Moving insurance is recommended as it can save you both money and stress. Good moving companies will have several options you can choose from. However, be sure to read up on it carefully to learn what is covered and what is not.
Moving is a costly endeavor, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Protect your belongings appropriately before loading that truck. Packing furniture undeniably takes an immense amount of time and work, so entrust the task to experienced professionals if it’s too much for you!
