Moving across the country can be exciting, but it can also be very stressful. The hardest part is moving all of your items to the new location, especially the furniture. Furniture can be heavy and difficult to move. It’s also easily damaged if not handled properly. Here are a couple of tips from a professional mover to help you protect your furniture while moving across the country.
1. Clean and examine your furniture prior to the move
Moving can be a stressful time, but take the time to clean your furniture before you move it. Be careful to clean everything with the proper materials. You don’t want to damage your furniture before you even move it! While cleaning, be sure to make a note of any and all damage so that you know if anything happened during the move. It’s a good idea to also take pictures for your records to prevent any disputes.
2. Dismantle your furniture
Whenever possible, dismantle your furniture. If you don’t, pieces are more likely to get broken. Plus, dismantling the furniture will help you fit the items in the truck. If you don’t know how to dismantle the furniture, read the instructions before you start. Try to remember them, too. You’ll have to put the furniture back together again when you get it to your new location. Dismantle before the movers arrive if possible to save time (and money).
3. Use packing materials
Buy the proper items to keep your furniture safe. You will typically use bubble wrap for wood, glass, and mirrors and plastic covers for couches and chairs with upholstery. You can also place tape in the shape of a giant X on glass and mirrors to prevent them from breaking. When in doubt, always use more. This goes double for your favorite antique pieces. If you don’t have bubble wrap and plastic covers, you can look for blankets and sheets in a pinch.
4. Use moving blankets
In addition to covers and bubble wrap, most moving companies make ample use of moving blankets to additionally pad furniture. These specially-designed blankets keep the surface of furniture from getting scratched or dinged during loading, transport, and unloading. To secure a blanket, drape it over a piece of furniture then wrap the whole piece with movers’ wrap (like kitchen saran wrap but thicker) or moving tape. You can pick up moving blankets at your local U-Haul store or ask your moving company to bring extras.
5. Get insurance
Unfortunately, things happen. Even the most careful movers experience damage on occasion. Prepare for the worst and cover your furniture in case something does go wrong. Most reputable moving companies will cover you up to a certain dollar amount. Learn what amount that is and request more if necessary. Be sure to completely understand the insurance and the circumstances when things will not be covered.
6. Pack your items in the truck properly
If you have professional movers, they will probably assist with this. Otherwise, you need to learn how to pack your furniture in your truck the best way possible. Use boxes for stability and start with your large, square pieces. Be sure to measure your furniture so you know how much space it will require. This will help you when you move into your new house, too.
Your furniture is more than just furniture. It’s what you use to spend quality time with your loved ones. To make sure that everything finds its way to your new home in the same condition it was in at your old house, follow these tips.
