Strategies for Packing Furniture When Moving

Determine which furniture pieces to dismantle. Moving can pose challenges, particularly with large furniture pieces. If feasible, disassembling items that won't fit through doorways or narrow staircases is advisable. Fragile or valuable items may also benefit from being disassembled for easier transportation. Examples of items to consider disassembling include:

• Beds
• Armoires or wall cabinets
• Tables
• Desks

Document each step of disassembling furniture with photographs. When disassembling furniture, it's essential to capture each step visually to aid in reassembly. Take multiple photos throughout the process to serve as a reference when putting the piece back together.

Acquire packing materials. Properly protecting furniture during a move is crucial. After compiling an inventory, assess the packing requirements for each item. For instance, sofas may require blankets and tape, while delicate items like lamps may need bubble wrap. Supplies can be obtained from local hardware stores or online and may include sofa/mattress covers, bubble wrap, plastic wrap, and packing tape.

Dismantle a sofa by removing cushions and disassembling the frame. Begin by taking off all cushions and flipping the sofa onto its back. Unscrew the legs and set them aside along with the cushions. Use a Flathead screwdriver and pliers to remove staples securing the upholstery to the sofa's underside. Roll up the upholstery to expose the frame and fasteners connecting the arms to the base. Loosen arm bolts or screws and remove them, followed by the seat and back bolts. Take detailed notes for reassembly, and only remove necessary upholstery. Repeat these steps for an armchair.

Disassemble a desk chair by removing the seat back and wheels. Desk chairs are easily dismantled for moving. Turn the seat knob counterclockwise to loosen and remove it. Separate the seat from the chair base and lower the seat to its lowest position. Pop off the wheels and store them separately. Follow manufacturer instructions if available or consult the manufacturer's website for specific disassembly guidelines.

Detach table legs to disassemble a table. For smaller tables, position them on a surface like a counter or workbench for easy access underneath. Larger tables may require getting underneath for a clear view. Each leg is secured with hardware known as a leg assembly. Locate these assemblies and use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the bolts. Once the screws are out, detach the braces from the legs.

• You may also have to unscrew the legs from the table. Twist them gently to the left until they come off easily.
• Separately pack the braces and screws in a labeled bag.

Dismantle your bed by removing the headboard and footboard. Strip the bed of all bedding and pillows, then set aside the mattress and box spring. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the headboard and footboard from the bed's mainframe.

• If your bed frame has slats, unscrew each slat and remove them from the frame.

Remove knobs and detachable parts from dressers and desks. Twist knobs counterclockwise to remove them. Remove any other removable parts from other items, such as kitchen carts. For local moves, you can leave non-fragile items in drawers, padding them with packing paper to prevent shifting.

• If moving locally, you can leave non-fragile items in drawers, padding them with packing paper to prevent shifting.

Wrap furniture with blankets or furniture pads. Protect your furniture by wrapping it with pads or blankets. Use existing blankets or obtain moving-specific blankets from a moving supply company. Start at one end and wrap around the entire piece, ensuring coverage on the top and bottom. Treat it like wrapping a gift and ensure full coverage.

• Larger pieces may require multiple blankets or pads.

Wrap table and chair legs with blankets or pads. Ideally, remove the legs before packing. If not removable, ensure careful wrapping. Secure the material tightly around each leg using padding and plastic wrap, ensuring distinct outlines of each table leg.

Secure covers with plastic wrap. Begin wrapping furniture with plastic wrap, starting at one point and winding it around until you return to the starting point. Use plastic wrap on each piece to prevent blankets or pads from shifting during the move.

• For long-distance moves, plastic wrap also protects furniture from dirt.

Protect corners of desks, dressers, and glass table tops with cardboard. After wrapping furniture, add cardboard to corners of large items. For dressers, place cardboard underneath and cover the base, bending it to protect corners. Use packing tape to secure.

• This method safeguards wooden furniture corners during the move.
• Secure glass tabletops with a piece of sturdy cardboard, taped in place.

Use bubble wrap for fragile items. For added protection, especially for wooden furniture prone to scratches, layer bubble wrap over plastic wrap. Wrap bubble wrap around the item and secure with tape.

Protect mirrors using tape and cardboard. Create X shapes on mirror fronts with masking tape to prevent shattering. Apply small cardboard pieces to each corner, secured with tape.

• Cover mirrors with cardboard pieces and an old sheet, secured with packing tape. Alternatively, use bubble wrap for protection.
• Add Styrofoam pieces for extra protection if desired, securing with packing tape.
• For small mirrors, add extra padding in a box using old sheets, towels, or bubble wrap.

Secure TVs with cloth and plastic wrap. Cover the television with a blanket or cover. Cut two Styrofoam blocks to fit the TV screen width. Place blocks over the cover and secure with plastic wrap.

• Tape cords to the TV base to prevent interference.

Wrap lamps with newspaper. Remove bulbs and lampshades, wrapping the cord around the base and securing with tape. Wrap the base with newsprint and tape.

• Place lamps in boxes with crumpled newsprint for support.
• For lampshades, line box sides with newsprint, place shades inside, and add crumpled newsprint for shape support.

Protect bar stools with bubble wrap. Since bar stools are difficult to dismantle, wrap legs with bubble wrap and secure with tape. Cover fabric seats with plastic wrap.

• If stools have removable cushions, pack them separately.

Pack baker's racks with blankets or pads. Empty the rack and pack items separately. Wrap the empty rack with a blanket or pad, securing with plastic wrap. Use zip ties or rope to secure doors.

Wrap filing cabinets with blankets. Empty the cabinets and pack contents in a box, ensuring essential documents are kept with you. Lock empty drawers to prevent sliding. Cover the cabinet with a moving blanket and secure with plastic wrap.

Balance weight distribution for easier driving. Evenly distribute heavy items throughout the truck to facilitate steering. Place heaviest items against walls, leaving the center space free for easier access.

Protect pictures and mirrors between soft items. Further safeguard pictures and mirrors by sliding them between mattresses for added padding.

• If mattresses are unavailable, use sofa cushions for protection.

Load couches vertically. Maximize floor space by positioning couches vertically, especially if disassembly isn't possible.

Use straps to secure furniture. Many rental moving trucks provide straps for tying down belongings. Upon truck pickup, inquire about included straps and request a brief demonstration on their usage.

• You can find moving supplies at home goods stores such as Home Depot or from moving companies.
• Consult an employee to estimate the required quantity of each item.
• Plan ahead to ensure sufficient time for wrapping furniture, avoiding delays on moving day.

• Old blankets or furniture covers
• Plastic wrap
• Bubble wrap
• Sturdy cardboard pieces
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Allen wrench
• Packing tape
• Masking tape
• Styrofoam blocks
• Newsprint