Moving advice

How to protect furniture when moving.

Furniture can be heavy, awkward and surprisingly easy to damage. A little preparation and the right protection can make a big difference on moving day.

Before the move

Protect the furniture before you lift it.

Furniture damage does not only happen inside the moving truck. Scratches, dents and marks can happen while items are being prepared, carried through doorways or moved around tight corners.

Good preparation means looking at the furniture, the route it needs to travel and the protection required before moving begins.

Start with preparation

Get furniture ready before moving it.

01

Empty drawers and cupboards

Removing loose contents reduces weight and prevents belongings from shifting while the furniture is being carried.

02

Remove suitable loose parts

Where appropriate, remove legs, shelves, drawers, handles or other detachable parts that make furniture heavier or harder to manoeuvre.

03

Secure anything that moves

Doors, drawers and other moving components should be secured appropriately so they do not open or shift during handling.

04

Check the route

Look at doorways, hallways, stairs, corners and other tight areas before moving large furniture through them.

Protect vulnerable areas

Pay attention to the parts most likely to be damaged.

01

Corners & edges

Corners and exposed edges are particularly vulnerable when furniture is carried through doorways and around tight turns. Give them suitable protection before handling.

02

Finished surfaces

Timber, painted, polished and other finished surfaces can be scratched or marked. Use suitable protective material between the surface and anything that may rub against it.

03

Glass & delicate components

Glass doors, mirrors and other delicate parts require particular care. Protect them from impact and avoid placing unnecessary pressure on vulnerable areas.

Protect the property too

Furniture is not the only thing that needs protection.

01

Protect floors

Consider the route from the furniture to the truck and use appropriate floor protection where required, particularly around entrances and high-traffic areas.

02

Watch doorways

Door frames and narrow openings can become vulnerable when large furniture is being manoeuvred. Plan the movement before lifting.

03

Clear obstacles

Remove rugs, boxes, toys, plants and other obstacles from the route so the moving team has a clear path.

During the move

Protect furniture inside the truck.

01

Wrap vulnerable pieces

Furniture that needs protection should be appropriately wrapped or covered before being positioned for transport.

02

Position carefully

Furniture should be positioned so that it is stable and not exposed unnecessarily to impact, rubbing or pressure from other items.

03

Prevent movement

The load should be arranged and secured so furniture and other belongings do not shift unnecessarily while the vehicle is travelling.

Professional moving

Heavy furniture is easier with the right team.

Large furniture can be difficult to move safely, particularly when access is tight, stairs are involved or items need to be dismantled and protected first.

Professional movers can assess the route, prepare furniture for handling and use appropriate moving techniques to reduce unnecessary risk to your belongings and property.

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Frequently asked

Furniture moving questions.

How should I protect furniture when moving house?

Clean and prepare furniture, remove or secure loose parts, protect vulnerable surfaces and corners, and use suitable wrapping and cushioning to reduce the risk of scratches, dents and other damage.

Should I disassemble furniture before moving?

Some furniture is easier and safer to move when partially disassembled. Remove suitable legs, shelves, drawers or other detachable parts where this makes the item easier to handle and transport.

How do I protect wooden furniture when moving?

Protect wooden surfaces with suitable furniture blankets, wrapping or other protective materials. Pay particular attention to corners, edges and finished surfaces that can be scratched or marked.

How do I protect floors when moving furniture?

Clear the route before moving furniture and use suitable floor protection where needed. Take extra care around entrances, stairs, corners and other areas where furniture may come into contact with floors or walls.

Should drawers be removed before moving furniture?

If drawers are removable, taking them out can reduce weight and make the furniture easier to handle. Secure or protect any remaining moving parts so they do not open or shift during handling.

Can professional movers protect my furniture?

Yes. Professional movers can use appropriate handling and protective techniques when moving furniture, including careful preparation, wrapping and positioning during transport.

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