When getting ready for a relocation, it’s crucial to grasp the proper techniques for transferring your furniture to a new residence. Safeguarding your furniture, along with your other belongings and yourself, is paramount for a safe furniture move. The goal is to ensure that everything arrives at your new home in the same condition as it was when it left the previous one.
Moving and safeguarding furniture can pose challenges due to its size and weight. While professional movers can assist in handling furniture correctly, understanding how to move furniture safely becomes essential if you’re moving without professional help. This checklist will outline the dos and don’ts of furniture relocation.
10 Things to Do When Moving Furniture
1. Do Create a Checklist
Prior to preparing your furniture for the move, create a comprehensive inventory listing all the furniture in your current home. Utilize this checklist to determine which pieces you intend to bring along to your new location and which ones you prefer to give to friends or family, sell, or donate to charity. Keep in mind that inexpensive furniture may not withstand the rigors of a move, making it potentially not worth keeping.
2. Do Inspect Your Furniture
Examine your furniture meticulously and document any indications of damage on your checklist. Paying close attention to detail can aid in determining which pieces of furniture you wish to transport to your new location.
3. Do Measure Your Furniture
Ensure to measure your larger furniture items to assess their compatibility with your new space. Compare their dimensions with those of your new home’s doorways, corners, and hallways.
4. Do Clean Your Furniture
Before packing and moving your furniture, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Remove any dirt, dust, and other coarse particles from the items. Use a duster or soft cloth to eliminate these particles and prevent damage to the surface of the furniture pieces.
5. Do Prepare for Packing
Acquire the necessary packing materials to properly prepare your furniture for the move. These may include:
- Furniture blankets
- Bubble wrap
- Shrink wrap
- Packing tape
- Protective sheets of cardboard
- Packing paper
When preparing your furniture, ensure to empty any items that may be inside. Removing contents from drawers and shelves reduces excess weight, making the furniture easier and safer to move.
For items containing glass elements, it’s advisable to remove them and transport them separately to prevent breakage. Additionally, you may need to disassemble larger furniture pieces if they cannot fit through doorways or are difficult to move.
6. Do Know Your Limitations
Moving your furniture independently can be a cost-effective option for your relocation. However, it’s crucial to recognize and respect your limitations to ensure the safety of yourself, your belongings, and your new home. Conduct an honest assessment of what you can handle moving on your own and what may necessitate assistance.
7. Do Use Proper Lifting Techniques
Transporting heavy furniture carries inherent risks of injury, necessitating the use of proper lifting techniques to mitigate these dangers. It is imperative to adopt appropriate methods to prevent serious injuries. When lifting heavy furniture:
- Kneel or squat to establish a stable position.
- Maintain a firm grip on the furniture, keeping it close to your body.
- Lift using the strength of your legs rather than your back to avoid strain and potential injury.
8. Do Use Caution With Heavy Items
Request assistance from friends to help move heavier furniture items. Utilize furniture sliders to slide heavy furniture across the room without causing damage to the floor. Additionally, employ furniture straps or a furniture dolly to lift larger, heavier pieces without risking injury or damage.
When loading heavy furniture onto the dolly, exercise caution and follow these steps in most cases:
- Slightly tilt the furniture piece you intend to move.
- Slide the flat platform of the dolly underneath the bottom of the furniture.
- Tilt the furniture back onto the dolly to ensure it is balanced and centered.
Only use a dolly on flat and smooth terrain, avoiding its use on stairs to prevent accidents.
9. Do Be Careful Moving Down Stairs
When moving furniture up or down stairs, you have the option to lift it by hand or use furniture straps. Proceed slowly and cautiously, ensuring to keep a close watch on the steps to prevent accidents and potential falls.
10. Do Use the Loading Ramp
For your convenience and safety during furniture loading, ensure that the loading ramp is securely attached to the truck. Whether you’re using a dolly to wheel items in or carrying them by hand, the ramp provides a smooth entry point. After loading your furniture, securely fasten it to the side of the vehicle using ropes or straps.
5 Things Not to Do When Moving Furniture
1. Don’t Pack Old Furniture
Avoid packing old, damaged, or outdated furniture that serves no purpose in your new home. Bringing unwanted furniture will only impose a burden on your time and budget.
2. Don’t Pack Without the Right Materials
As tempting as it may be to improvise with available materials, it’s crucial to utilize the mentioned packing supplies to safeguard your furniture.
Avoid using packing tape or bubble wrap directly on furniture surfaces, as they can cause damage. Instead, wrap the furniture in a layer of packing paper first, followed by a second protective layer such as a furniture blanket or bubble wrap.
3. Don’t Leave Furniture Assembled
Avoid leaving large furniture pieces assembled whenever possible. The larger and bulkier your furniture is, the more challenging it becomes to move. Disassembling your furniture allows you to transport it in smaller, lighter pieces rather than all at once, making the process more manageable.
4. Don’t Rush
Avoid rushing when packing or moving your furniture. Take the necessary time to evaluate whether you can manage moving all your furniture without professional assistance and plan accordingly to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
Avoid rushing when packing or moving your furniture. Take the necessary time to evaluate whether you can manage moving all your furniture without professional assistance and plan accordingly to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
5. Don’t Underestimate Safety
Adopting preventive measures is essential to ensure a safe move for everyone involved:
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy closed-toe shoes, to protect yourself from potential injuries.
- Clear your pathway before moving furniture to prevent tripping hazards and obstacles.
- Keep pets and young children in a separate room away from the packing and moving area to ensure their safety and prevent distractions.
Contact Miracle Movers Moving for Your Next Move
Moving to a new home is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be overwhelming, requiring extensive preparations and safety precautions. Hiring professional movers can alleviate these concerns by preventing injuries and ensuring the protection of your furniture. This allows you to have your new home furnished on the day of the move, enabling you to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing evening.
When relocating over short distances, you may require assistance in transporting your possessions. At Miracle Movers, we are here to assist you. Our team of experienced movers can transport your belongings across the street or across the country without hesitation.
For additional tips on local moving or to schedule our services for your upcoming relocation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (385) 526-2633 or reach out to us online.
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