Not all furniture needs to be disassembled, and some cannot be taken apart. Furniture that fits through doorways, hallways, staircases, or lifts without issues should remain intact. Items that are heavy or awkward to handle may need partial or full disassembly to avoid damage or injuries.
Some furniture, such as solid wood tables, antiques, or fixed upholstered pieces, cannot be disassembled. Attempting to do so can weaken the structure or cause damage. These items should be protected with moving blankets or padding during transport.
Disassembly is often necessary for large or modular furniture, including beds, sectional sofas, or flat-pack items. Removing parts like legs, headboards, or drawers can make them easier to handle and transport safely.
For furniture that cannot be disassembled, plan the route carefully. Measure doorways and hallways to ensure a smooth move. Remove obstacles or door frames if necessary to prevent damage. Proper preparation ensures furniture is moved efficiently and without harm.
Why It’s Important to Prepare Furniture Properly
Moving unprepared furniture can lead to injuries, damage, or delays during your move. Heavy lifting without proper precautions risks back strain, cuts, or even serious accidents.
Furniture is especially prone to damage during a move, with wooden surfaces getting scratched, glass breaking, or screws loosening.
Some common mistakes that lead to damage include:
- Dragging furniture across uneven floors, which can scratch surfaces or loosen joints.
- Mishandling glass or fragile items without sufficient protection.
- Stacking items like chairs or tables in ways they aren’t designed for.
- Forgetting to secure screws, bolts, or other small parts during disassembly.
Practical Steps to Prepare Furniture for a Move
Here are ten steps to help you prepare furniture safely and efficiently.
1. Create an Inventory List
Document all furniture pieces and note those requiring disassembly, special handling, or extra care. This gives a clear picture of the work involved and helps with planning.
2. Clean Furniture Before Packing
Wipe down all furniture to remove dust and dirt. Cleaning ensures you don’t transfer grime into your new home and helps identify any existing damage before the move.
3. Gather the Right Packing Materials
Having the right supplies on hand makes the process smoother. Bubble wrap works well for fragile items like glass table tops. Use plastic stretch wrap for upholstered furniture to protect against stains or moisture.
Furniture blankets and pads help shield wooden pieces from scratches. Don’t forget tools like sturdy packing tape, corrugated cardboard, and sofa or mattress covers.
4. Disassemble Large or Delicate Items
Disassembling furniture like beds, desks, or sectional sofas can make moving easier. Remove parts such as legs, headboards, or drawers and follow instructions to avoid damage.
For large items that cannot be taken apart, such as solid wood tables or fixed shelving, focus on protecting them with moving blankets or wrap. Measure doorways and pathways to ensure smooth movement. Clear obstacles or remove door frames if needed. Combine disassembly and careful handling for a smooth move.
5. Store Hardware Safely
Place screws, bolts, and smaller parts in sealable bags and label them clearly. Attach these bags to the corresponding furniture pieces with tape or keep them in a labelled container.
6. Wrap and Protect Each Item
Wrap glass and ceramic items in bubble wrap or similar padding. Plastic wrap works well for items with fabric, while moving blankets provide an extra layer of protection for wooden surfaces. Towels, sheets, or clothing can also be used as padding for smaller items.
7. Pre-Plan Furniture Placement
Decide where each piece of furniture will go in your new home before loading the truck. This simplifies the unloading process and reduces the effort of moving items around later.
8. Measure Doorways and Clear Pathways
Measure the width and height of doorways, hallways, and staircases to confirm that large furniture can pass through. Remove obstacles and clutter from walkways to avoid delays or accidents. Keep doors open during the move to save time and protect furniture from accidental collisions.
9. Use Appropriate Moving Tools
Heavy furniture often requires specialised equipment. Dollies and hand trucks are useful for large items, while sliders can be placed under furniture to protect floors and reduce effort during movement.
10. Secure Items in the Moving Truck
When loading furniture into the truck, secure each piece with straps or bungee cords to prevent shifting during transit. Use a truck with a ramp to make loading and unloading safer and faster.
Preparing for Movers on Moving Day
If you’ve hired professional movers, being organised will make the process easier. Provide clear instructions about fragile or valuable items and ensure all pathways are clear for safe and efficient movement. Keep soap, towels, and water accessible, and consider offering refreshments as a courtesy.
Hiring Professional Movers in Newcastle
Professional movers take the stress out of relocating by handling packing, loading, and furniture assembly. Best Removalists Newcastle offers services tailored for homes and offices, ensuring that your items are packed securely and transported safely. With over a decade of experience, our team knows how to handle furniture of all sizes and types.
We also provide services for interstate removals, car transport, and pet relocation. Our service areas include Newcastle, Maitland, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Sydney, and Hunter Valley.
Get a Free Quote Today!
For professional help with your next move, call Best Removalists Newcastle on (02) 4058 5810. You can also email info@bestremovalistsnewcastle.com.au or complete our online request form for a free quote and in-home assessment.