Moving can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to relocating heavy and delicate items. One of the most challenging aspects of any move is transporting furniture safely. By using a systematic approach and detailed checklist, you can ensure that your furniture move goes as smoothly as possible. In this article, we will discuss a comprehensive checklist to help you organise your furniture move and make it a breeze.
1. Take Inventory
Before you even think about the actual move, make a list of all the furniture pieces you have. This will not only help you decide what to keep and what to discard but also provide an estimate to moving companies should you decide to hire one.
2. Decide What Stays And What Goes
Not everything needs to make the move with you. Perhaps some pieces are worn out or won’t fit in your new space. Decide which pieces of furniture are worth relocating and which ones you might be better off selling or donating.
3. Get The Right Packing Materials
For a successful furniture move, the right packing materials are essential.
- Bubble wrap: For fragile items like glass table tops and mirrors.
- Furniture pads: To protect furniture from scratches and dings.
- Stretch wrap: To protect upholstered items.
- Sealing tape: To secure bubble wrap and padding.
Cardboard corners: To protect the edges of flat items like tables and artworks.
4. Dismantle Furniture When Possible
Many furniture pieces can be dismantled to make them easier to move. This not only makes the moving process simpler but also reduces the risk of damage. Ensure you keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in a labelled bag so you can easily reassemble them at your new place.
5. Clean And Protect
Before wrapping up your furniture, give each piece a good cleaning. This ensures you aren’t transporting any unwanted dirt or bugs. Once cleaned, protect each piece by wrapping it in the appropriate packing materials mentioned above.
6. Hire Professionals If Needed
While it might seem cost-effective to manage a furniture move on your own, hiring professional movers can save you time, stress, and potential damage costs. If you have a lot of heavy or delicate furniture, investing in professional services may be a wise choice.
7. Plan The Furniture Layout In Advance
Before your furniture move, have a clear idea of where each piece will go in your new home. This will minimise the time spent rearranging heavy items. Use a floor plan or sketch to visualise the placement of your furniture.
8. Keep A Toolkit Handy
During your furniture move, you might need to dismantle or reassemble some items. Keep a toolkit with essential tools like screwdrivers, hammers, and a measuring tape handy. This will save you time hunting for tools when you need them.
9. Protect Your Flooring
Moving heavy furniture can damage your floors. Use furniture sliders under heavy items to prevent scratches on hardwood floors. If you’re moving on a rainy day, lay down cardboard or plastic sheeting to protect carpets and floors from mud and water.
10. Communicate With Movers
If you’ve hired professionals for your furniture move, communicate clearly with them. Inform them about any pieces that are particularly delicate or have special instructions. Your guidance will help ensure the safety of your prized possessions.
11. Label Everything
Use clear, bold labels on any wrapped or boxed furniture parts. Indicate which room each item belongs to, the contents (if it’s a box or container), and any special handling instructions like “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”
12. Prioritise Essential Furniture
Determine which furniture pieces you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as beds and essential kitchen items. Ensure these are loaded last so they can be unloaded and set up first.
13. Secure Fragile Parts
For furniture with glass components or other fragile parts, remove them if possible and pack separately. If they cannot be removed, ensure they are adequately cushioned and protected.
14. Consider Furniture Storage
If you’re moving to a smaller space or won’t be settling immediately, consider renting a storage unit. This allows you to safely store pieces until you’re ready to move them into your home.
15. Photograph Before Dismantling
Before you take apart furniture items, take photos of them. This will provide a reference for reassembly and also serve as evidence of their pre-move condition in case of disputes with moving companies.
16. Use Resealable Bags For Small Parts
When dismantling furniture, keep all small parts (screws, bolts, etc.) in resealable plastic bags. Attach these bags to the respective furniture item or label them clearly to avoid confusion.
17. Check Furniture Dimensions
Ensure that larger furniture pieces can fit through doors, hallways, and staircases both in your current home and the new location. Measure in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
18. Have An Emergency Kit
Prepare an emergency kit for moving day. Include items like adhesive bandages, pain relievers, snacks, water, and other essentials. Moving can be unpredictable, and having necessities on hand is always a good idea.
19. Seek Recommendations
Before hiring a moving company, ask friends or family for recommendations. Check online reviews and ensure the company has experience with furniture moves specifically.
20. Update Insurance
Ensure your homeowners or renters insurance covers any potential damages during the move. If not, consider purchasing temporary moving insurance for additional protection. Adding these points to your furniture move checklist can further streamline the process, ensuring that you’ve covered all bases and are prepared for any eventualities. Proper organisation is the key to a hassle-free move.
Organising a furniture move might seem overwhelming at first, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it doesn’t have to be. By following the above checklist, you can ensure that your furniture is transported safely and efficiently to your new home.
Remember, preparation is key. The more you plan in advance, the smoother your furniture move will be. Whether you’re transitioning to a new home or just relocating some pieces, always keep the goal in mind: a successful and stress-free furniture move
Looking To Move House In Brisbane?
If you’re after a furniture mover and storage specialist in Brisbane, the professionals at Giffen Removals are here to help! Call us today to discuss how we can help with your furniture move and storage requirements today.