Advice · 5 min · 22 March 2024

How to Protect Your Furniture During a House Move

Furniture damage during a move is frustrating and expensive. Most damage is preventable with the right preparation. Here's exactly what professionals do to protect your belongings.

The Professional Toolkit

Our removal teams use moving blankets, stretch wrap, foam corner protectors, furniture sliders and specialist strapping systems on every job. These aren't optional extras — they're standard equipment. The cost of a damaged sofa or scratched wardrobe far exceeds the cost of proper protection.

Sofas and Upholstered Furniture

Wrap upholstered furniture in stretch wrap (plastic film) to protect fabric from dirt, moisture and catching on door frames. Wrap legs in bubble wrap or moving blankets and secure with tape. For large sofas that won't fit through a door, professional dismantling is sometimes required — this is normal and doesn't affect the sofa's quality if done properly.

Wardrobes and Flat-Pack Furniture

Flat-pack furniture (IKEA etc.) is not designed to be moved assembled. If possible, disassemble it before the move and reassemble at the new property. Mark all pieces and keep all fixings in labelled bags. If moving assembled, wrap in moving blankets and avoid any significant jolts.

Mattresses

Mattresses should be covered in mattress bags (available from removal companies) for the duration of the move. Never carry a mattress on its own without protection — they absorb dirt and moisture easily. Stand the mattress upright in the van, not flat, to minimise pressure on the springs.

Artwork and Mirrors

Tape an X across glass with masking tape before moving — this won't prevent breakage but will hold shards in place if glass breaks. Wrap in bubble wrap and moving blankets, and position artwork vertically (like a letter in an envelope) in the van, not flat. Never stack heavy items on top of artwork.

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