9 Tips For Getting Furniture Ready to Move

Moving is already a big enough headache without adding the worry of how to protect your furniture for the big move. Preparing furniture for a move is crucial to ensure that your items arrive at your new location in good condition. The experts at Gardner White are here to help you! Here are the steps to prepare your furniture for a move:

Last Updated: October 24, 2023

Create an Inventory: Make a detailed inventory of all the furniture you plan to move. This will help you keep track of your items and ensure nothing gets lost during the move.
Gather Packing Supplies:
- Moving blankets or furniture pads
- Bubble wrap or packing paper
- Packing tape and a tape dispenser
- Plastic wrap or stretch wrap
- Furniture sliders or dollies (optional but helpful)
Disassemble Furniture: If possible, disassemble large and bulky furniture items. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of damage. Keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled bags or containers. Use tape or plastic wrap to secure drawers and doors on dressers, cabinets, and other furniture with moving parts. This prevents them from swinging open during the move.
Protect Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect delicate or glass furniture parts, such as glass tabletops or mirrors. Secure the protective material with packing tape. Use tape or plastic wrap to secure drawers and doors on dressers, cabinets, and other furniture with moving parts. This prevents them from swinging open during the move.
Wrap Furniture in Blankets: Wrap each piece of furniture in moving blankets or furniture pads. This will protect them from scratches and bumps during transportation. Secure the blankets with packing tape. Use plastic covers or furniture bags to protect upholstered furniture from dirt and moisture during the move.
Use The Right Packaging: Use plastic or stretch wrap to further secure the blankets and keep them in place. This will help prevent the blankets from slipping or coming loose during the move. For small items like drawers or removable shelves, pack them in boxes and label the boxes accordingly. You can also use plastic or zip-lock bags for small parts and hardware.
Label Furniture: Label each piece of furniture with its destination in your new home. This will make unloading and arranging your furniture much easier.
Measure Doorways and Hallways: Measure the dimensions of doorways, hallways, and any tight spaces in your old and new locations to ensure that your furniture will fit through without any issues.
Plan the Loading: When loading the furniture onto the moving truck, place the heaviest items on the bottom and distribute the weight evenly to prevent shifting during transit. If you have assembly instructions or warranties for your furniture, keep them in a safe place so you can reassemble your items correctly at your new location.