Moving to a new home can be an exciting and stressful time. Packing up all your belongings and getting furniture ready for the move takes time and planning. Properly preparing furniture for a move helps ensure items make it to the new home safely and undamaged. Follow these tips to get furniture move-ready.

Inspect and Repair Furniture

Inspect all furniture, looking for any loose parts, broken legs or supports, and damage. Tighten any loose screws, reattach legs, and make any needed repairs. Addressing issues beforehand keeps furniture stable during the move.

Look for:

Loose or missing screws
Wobbly or detached legs
Broken slats on bed frames
Damaged table leaves
Doors not shutting properly on cabinets and wardrobes
Faulty drawer glides

Use wood glue, screws, and other supplies to patch, tighten, and reinforce as needed. If significant repairs are required, consider hiring a professional furniture repair service for help. Proper fixing prevents further damage.

Disassemble Furniture as Needed

Take apart any furniture possible. This prevents moving day struggles getting bulky items out the door. It also reduces the chance of damage from forcing items through doorways and maneuvering down stairs.

Furniture designed for easy assembly, like IKEA pieces, should be fully disassembled. Remove legs, pull out drawers, detach door fronts, and take items apart into base components. Use diagrams or digital manuals for guidance on proper disassembly method. Stack hardware together and label parts for simple reassembly later.

For other furniture, removing legs, doors, and drawers lightens the load for transport. Use screwdrivers to detach parts, labeling as you go along. Take pictures of assembled furniture to reference later during reassembly.

Leave bookshelves, curio cabinets, and other fragile items fully assembled if possible. Complete disassembly raises the risk of damage.

Protect Edges and Surfaces

Wrap, pad, and cover furniture edges and surfaces that may bang and scrape during the move. This shields from nicks, dings, and scratches in transit.

Use heavy blankets or moving pads to protect:

Tabletops
Chair and table legs
Dresser corners
Chest and cabinet edges
Headboards and footboards
Desk surfaces

Secure pads with tape or rope. Bubble wrap also cushions delicate areas like carved details and bannisters.

Empty and Transport Drawers Separately

Remove all contents from drawers ahead of time. Transport drawers and contents separately during the move.

This prevents drawers from unexpectedly sliding open and spilling contents while carrying pieces. It also decreases load weight to make transporting furniture easier.

Place removed drawers inside wardrobe closets for safekeeping. Wrap drawer contents securely in moving paper or bubble wrap. Transport in clearly labeled boxes.

Wrap Mirrors and Glass

Prevent shattered glass by properly wrapping mirrors, table tops, and other glass elements before loading onto the truck.

Purchase specialized mirrored moving boxes or wide paper tape to wrap full mirrors and glass furniture. Wrap tape around the entire perimeter with overlap, creating a cocoon-like layered barrier.

For small decorative mirrors or glass insets in furniture, carefully wrap in bubble wrap and secure with tape. Place plenty of cushioning material around the glass for added protection.

Mark Fragile Pieces

Clearly indicate on furniture surfaces any exceptionally fragile or delicate items requiring special handling.

Use arrows, large lettering, and “Fragile” stickers to mark:

Glass, mirrored, or marble tabletops
Thin veneer wood
Decorative carved details
Finely finished antiques

Communicate these fragile elements to the movers doing loading and unloading. Watch extra carefully as marked pieces are moved.

Drain and Dry Out Appliances

For furniture containing appliances or plumbing, like wet bars, wine fridges, or bathroom vanities, take steps to avoid leaks and spills.

Turn off water supply lines and disconnect hoses. Empty out any standing water in sinks or basins. Absorb remaining moisture using towels and rags. Remove ice from ice makers.

Thorough drying prevents possible water damage during transit and storage.

Secure Interior Elements

Protect objects inside furniture from shifting around while in the moving truck. Add stabilizing materials to keep everything safely in place.

For cabinets and hutches, place non-scratch liners on shelves then wrap fragile items with padding. Secure remaining space inside tightly with packing paper or moving blankets.

In desks, anchor down contents by packing unoccupied areas with cushioning materials. Use adhesive hooks or velcro strips to keep drawers closed and items contained inside.

Restrain Doors and Lids

Keep furniture doors, lids, and lifting tops closed during transport using special hinges, latches, ties, and straps. This keeps contents protected and prevents falling open while loading, unloading, or in storage.

Options for restraining furniture include:

Child safety latches for cabinets and chests
Elastic tie downs to keep lids down on trunks and coffee tables
Shrink wrap holding doors closed on wardrobes, hutches, and bookcases
Removable hinges allowing doors to be taken off then reattached after moving

Rent Moving Equipment as Needed

For moving large or challenging furniture safely, utilize special equipment from rental companies. Necessary items include:

Dollies to roll heavy objects rather than lifting
Appliance carts for transporting refrigerators, washers, etc.
Two or four-wheel piano carts for maneuvering pianos, pool tables
Panel carts for moving large furniture sections like BIG screen TVs
Ramps or lift gates for loading vehicles

Using proper equipment reduces strain and minimizes potential damage.

How to Prepare Different Types of Furniture for Moving

The preparation required depends on the type of furniture being moved. Certain items need disassembly and extra protection. Follow specialized recommendations for these common furniture categories.

Beds

Disassemble the bed frame if possible, labeling parts for reassembly. Wrap rails and posts to prevent scratches.
Use mattress bags for storage and moving to keep clean.
Empty nightstands fully, unplug any devices, and wrap with pads. Transport drawers separately.
Wrap headboards and footboards thoroughly and watch for bumps on corners.
Add braces or support boards to strengthen delicate canopy beds for transit.

Tables

Pad tabletops, legs, and bases all around, watching for delicate hardware and details. Cover with stretch wrap or blankets.
Remove table leaves and pull apart pedestal bases for moving if possible.
Secure bases to tabletops using straps or shrink wrap to prevent separation.
For glass topped tables, use special glass moving boxes or create a tape cocoon.

Dressers and Wardrobes

Remove all drawers, keeping hardware together, and transport separately padded for protection.
Pad edges all around, side mirrors, and any decorative trim with blankets.
Use ties, latches, or removable hinges to keep doors closed.
Anchor interior contents tightly using packing materials to prevent shifting.

Bookshelves

Only disassemble shelving if absolutely necessary and done properly to avoid damage.
Remove heavy books, packing vertically in boxes to transport. Keep shelves stable.
Pad edges and wrap entire piece with stretch wrap or blankets.
Strap shelves and backing tightly together so the unit moves as one solid piece.

Desks

Fully empty then wrap desk surface and edges with padding. Secure objects inside drawers.
Detach any extensions leaves or attached file cabinets and move separately.
Remove detachable legs if possible. Disconnect computer components but leave wired ones in place.
Pad keyboard trays on underside if not removable. Lock drawers closed using tape.

Cabinets and Hutches

Pad and tape cabinet fronts, sides, edges, and hardware. Wrap corners for protection.
Restrain swinging doors closed using temporary child safety locks, latches, removable hinges, or shrink wrap.
Pack inside tightly with packing paper or furniture pads. Anchor delicate objects in place.

Sofas and Chairs

Disassemble sectionals and sets into individual seating pieces whenever possible.
Pad bottom, back, arms, and edges all around. Use moving straps to contain cushions.
Drain and dry out any upholstered pieces with reclining or massage functions beforehand.
Wrap rounded rolled arms and delicate exposed wood feet using blankets or bubble wrap.
Mark designated front of chairs and sofas using arrows for proper reassembly.

How to Prepare Outdoor and Patio Furniture for Moving

Outdoor furniture requires additional preparation to withstand an interstate move fully exposed during transport. Follow these extra steps to prepare patio and lawn furnishings.

Disassemble and Consolidate Sets

Take apart outdoor sets designed for assembly like tables, chairs, and serving pieces. Stack together parts from coordinating groups.

This allows for more efficient space utilization on the truck. It also minimizes risk of pieces becoming separated from sets.

Wrap mounting hardware together with masking tape and label corresponding furniture items. Use diagrams of original configuration for reference during reassembly.

Inspect Frames and Fabrics

Check frames for rust or structural damage that may worsen during transit. Look for torn, ripped, or frayed cushions and fabrics needing repair prior to loading.

Use touch up paint on metal frames when needed. Mend or patch fabric tears and replace overly worn cushion fillings if possible.

Clean Thoroughly

Remove dirt, debris, pollen, and environmental build up by cleaning all outdoor furniture prior to moving day. This prevents truck and home contamination later on.

Use all-purpose cleaners and scrub brushes for hard surfaces. Treat fabrics with upholstery cleaner or gentle soap and water. Allow ample drying time afterwards.

Drain and Dry Water Features

If relocating water features like stone fountains and concrete bird baths, drain out any standing water and allow pieces to dry fully before loading onto the truck. Absorb excess moisture with rags or towels.

Prevent leaks using absorbent padding beneath. Wrap securely to keep stable in transit.

Pad and Secure Parts

Apply heavy padding around furniture legs, arms, frames, and hard edges where scratching or breakage may occur. Secure padding well using tape and moving straps.

Use stretch wrap to hold padded furniture pieces together when loading on truck. Prevent parts from separating and shifting around during transport.

Transport Cushions Separately

Always remove cushions from outdoor furniture and transport separately indoors using a moving blanket for protection.

This prevents loss and damage from wind and road debris in the truck. It also reduces weight strain on furniture frames during loading and unloading.

How to Prepare Antique and Vintage Furniture for Moving

Antique and vintage furniture requires special care and preparation before transport to prevent irreversible damage to delicate materials and finishes. Use these tips when moving prized pieces.

Assess Structural Integrity

Carefully inspect older furniture for stability and durability issues that may make pieces prone to damage during transit. Watch for loose joinery, cracked wood, previous repairs, and unsteady legs and frames. Perform any needed reinforcement using subtle, reversible methods prior to moving day.

Pad Extensively

Protect antique and vintage items extensively using quilted pads, blankets, bubble wrap, cardboard, and stretch wrap. Be extremely generous with padding materials to shield all surfaces from bumps, scrapes, jarring movement, and the elements. Watch for fragile decorative carvings, hardware, feet, and trim.

Mark Truly Irreplaceable Items

Use bright stickers or tags marked “Extremely Fragile” on rare, expensive, or cherished family heirlooms requiring the absolute highest level of care during the move. Communicate their exceptionally delicate nature to movers. Consider transporting yourself.

Transport Drawers Separately

If antique dressers, cabinets, or vanities have drawers, remove each prior to moving day. This prevents sliding and jarring of contents during transit which may cause damage. Transport drawers wrapped individually using blankets for padding.

Invest in Specialty Moving Services

For prized antiques and vintage items, hire specialty movers experienced in handling and protecting fragile historical furniture. Avoid amateur DIY moves. Paying professionals with antiques expertise is worth the investment for cherished belongings.

How to Reassemble Furniture After Moving

A bit of work is required to get settled after moving day. Reassemble furniture using the following tips to restore your home furnishings.

Immediately Check for Damage

Before reassembling, thoroughly inspect each furniture item for new damage that may have occurred during transit. Note any scratches, chips, dents, or other wear. Report significant issues immediately to your moving company. Address minor flaws using touch up kits.

Clean Furniture First

Unpack furniture from padding materials and wipe down all surfaces using a soft cloth and mild cleaner. Remove any dirt and debris accumulated during moving and storage before placing items in your newly cleaned home.

Review Disassembly Notes

Refer back to any instructions, diagrams, part labels, and process photos made during initial disassembly. These references assist proper furniture reconstruction. Review all hardware and tools needed for reassembly laid out ahead of time.

Reattach Legs and Drawers

Being by reattaching any legs, casters, or bases removed prior to moving day using original hardware. Check for correct alignment. Reinstall drawers, doors, and shelving using diagrams and labels for accuracy. Examine tracking and slides.

Anchor to Walls

Always anchor larger freestanding shelves, hutches, and bookcases securely to studs in the wall using included hardware or earthquake safety straps. This prevents dangerous tipping accidents in the future.

Assess Functionality

Open and close doors and drawers to check for smooth operation following reassembly. Test appliances and mechanical elements like reclining chairs and sofa sleepers for proper functioning after transit.

Position and Enjoy

Once fully reconstructed, arrange your furniture in its new home and enjoy having your familiar belongings surrounding you once again!

How to Prepare Furniture When Moving Out of State

Moving furniture long distances across state lines creates greater potential for damage. Make these additions when preparing furnishings for an interstate relocation.

Inspect Climate Impact

Check for furniture vulnerabilities to climate extremes like wood swelling, joints loosening, upholstery mold, and finish deterioration. Obtain any needed repairs beforehand. Update furniture pads and packaging right before loading if furniture has been in storage.

Anchor Top-Heavy Items

Securely anchor tall, narrow pieces prone to tipping like wardrobes, bookcases, and grandfather clocks to walls or dolly boards for added stability en route. Use strong twine, stretch wrap, and straps.

Utilize Climate Control Options

If available, opt for climate controlled and moisture regulated storage units and moving trucks to protect against environmental damage from condensation, humidity, dryness, etc. This prevents finish and fabric damage over the duration of a long distance move.

Hire Interstate Specialists

Consider hiring movers specializing specifically in long distance, interstate relocations. They are experienced transporting furnishings safely over multi-day journeys across thousands of miles to distant states.

Double Up on Padding

Use additional padding materials when preparing furniture for a cross country journey involving multiple moving days, truck transfers, and periods of storage. Prevent damage from extended moving contact and handling.

Crate Extra Fragile Pieces

For irreplaceable or extremely delicate furniture, invest in professional crating services. Sturdy wood crates prevent damage from multiple movers, long miles, and climate. Bolster interior padding also. Mark clearly as high value.

How to Move Furniture Without Professional Movers

Moving furniture solo without hired movers takes planning and preparation. Follow these tips to safely transport furnishings during a DIY move.

Recruit Helpers

Moving heavy furniture like sofas requires two to four able-bodied adults, depending on size and weight. Recruit family and friends well in advance and confirm participation leading up to moving day. Avoid back injuries from lifting alone.

Rent Moving Equipment

Obtain dollies, ramps, and other moving equipment from rental companies to transport furniture safely without movers. Make reservations early as items book up quickly during peak seasons. Learn proper equipment use ahead of time.

Make a Furniture Moving Plan

Map out details like trailer load order, assigned helpers, equipment, and transport routes. Create labels indicating room placement at new home for easy unloading and setup. Outline step-by-step instructions for helpers.

Pay for Disassembly and Reassembly

If lacking manpower or skills for major disassembly, consider hiring just a few movers to take furniture apart and put back together again. Still transport yourself using a rented truck and helpers. Professionals prevent DIY damage.

Move Smaller Loads

Make multiple trips with lighter loads of well-wrapped furnishings versus moving everything crammed tightly at once. This lowers injury risks and potential damage from trying to rush and overload. Take it slow and steady.

Provide Moving Essentials

Provide all helpers with needed supplies like padding, hand trucks, straps, ramps and tools for an efficient DIY moving experience. Keep frequently used items easily accessible. Fuel up the truck beforehand. Supply food and hydration to keep the crew energized.

How to Protect Fine Furniture During a Move

Expensive and antique wooden furnishings require specialized care and handling when moving to prevent irreparable damage. Follow these extra protection steps when relocating delicate fine furniture.

Hire Specialty Movers

Entrust prized fine furniture only to professional movers thoroughly trained and experienced in caring for delicate antiques and premium pieces. Request references verifying expertise with high end items.

Crate or Cradle Incredibly Fragile Items

For irreplaceable fine furniture unable to withstand any movement or vibration, arrange for specialty crating or stabilization cradles built specifically for individual items. This prevents jarring during transit.

Add Interior Braces and Supports

Consult with a furniture repair specialist to install custom interior supports, braces, and struts inside cabinets, tables, and case goods.