30 Tips to Prevent Furniture Damage While Moving (and Protect Everything Else, Too)

Plan Ahead to Prevent Damage

While not all old sayings are accurate, the one about a little prevention being better than a lot of cure is true, especially when it comes to moving. Before moving day, use these practical tips to get organized and keep your belongings safe.

Tip 1: Declutter to reduce what's at risk

The more items you have to pack and move, the higher the risk of damage. Reduce frustration by decluttering your home well in advance. Plus, decluttering can help you reduce the cost of your move, since fewer boxes mean less packing, less time to load and unload, and maybe even a smaller rental.

Tip 2: Measure furniture, doorways, and stairwells

Before moving day, measure furniture, doorways, and stairwells. This is to check that you’re able to move your furniture without bumping into anything or having to maneuver around too-tight spaces. Measuring early gives you an opportunity to adjust your moving plan.

Tip 3: Create a photo inventory of valuables

Make a list of your important items, like furniture and valuables. Then take a photo of each one. Pay close attention to sides, legs, corners, and other easily damaged surfaces. If you notice damage later, you can use these photos to determine when it occurred and have helpful evidence on hand for insurance companies if you want to file a claim.

Tip 4: Decide what to move yourself (high-value or delicate items)

Create extra peace of mind by moving high-value or delicate items yourself. Think family heirlooms, expensive jewelry, small electronics, and plants. Because let’s be honest — no amount of bubble wrap is going to make you feel better about handing over your wedding album or favorite guitar.

Tip 5: Schedule extra time for wrapping/packing to avoid last-minute mistakes

Packing in a rush often leads to errors. To prevent item damage caused by inadequate wrapping or poor packing, set aside plenty of time to pack your belongings. Rushed packing is usually where mistakes happen, so consider it time well spent if it keeps your favorite items in one piece.

Prevent Furniture Damage

Furniture is bulky, heavy, and expensive. It's also one of the first things to get scratched or broken. To help keep it safe, here are 6 more tips to prevent furniture damage while moving.

Tip 6: Remove legs, knobs, and detachable parts

 Disassembling furniture reduces stress on the joints, lowering the risk of move-related damage. Removing legs, knobs, and other detachable parts gives you more wiggle room, especially when maneuvering furniture through tight hallways and sharp turns. It also makes the piece lighter when heavy legs and drawers aren’t involved, so lifting and carrying the item is easier.

Tip 7: Use furniture blankets and stretch wrap generously

Wrap all wood, upholstered, and delicate pieces with furniture blankets or stretch wrap. This helps prevent scratches, scuffs, and dust buildup. It’s one of the easiest and best ways to make sure your pieces look the same coming off the truck as they did going in.

Tip 8: Protect corners, edges, and glass surfaces

It doesn't take much to damage delicate surfaces. Even a minor bump can result in cracks and scratches. Prevent this type of damage by using foam edge guards or folded cardboard during loading and transit. It’s a small step that can save you from a big repair bill later.

Tip 9: Use furniture sliders and dollies to avoid drops

It's tempting to show off your strength by dragging or lifting heavy items, but it's safer to use furniture sliders and dollies. You'll save your back and reduce the risk of damage caused by sudden drops.

Tip 10: Secure large pieces inside the truck

If furniture and other large items aren't properly secured, even a short drive across town can quickly turn into a disaster.

Use tie-down straps to prevent heavy pieces from skidding or tipping over. We also recommend you avoid stacking anything on upholstered or antique furniture to prevent damage from the other items jostling around.

Tip 11: Know when to let the pros handle it

Doing a DIY move is a great way to save money, but furniture damage can easily eat away at your savings. For some items, it makes sense to hire a pro. Use the HireAHelper platform to find a trusted mover who can help with pianos, heirlooms, and fragile items. You'll save time and avoid frustration.

Pack Like a Pro (and Avoid Breakage)

Moving furniture safely is just one step. You also need to think about how you'll carefully pack boxes and other belongings. With the right approach, you’ll save time and make sure your most cherished items arrive in one piece.

Tip 12: Use sturdy boxes, tape, and cushioning materials

When it comes to packing materials, quality is the most important consideration. Picking the cheapest option can lead to crushed boxes and broken contents. Look for high-quality boxes, packing tape, and cushioning materials.

Tip 13: Match box size to weight

Matching box size to weight keeps boxes intact and makes them easier to lift. For heavy items, use a small box. Stick with large boxes for lighter items, such as towels, bed linens, and clothes. This is so no one box gets too heavy. In general, you shouldn’t be lifting boxes more than 40 to 50 pounds.

Tip 14: Fill empty space to prevent shifting

If you leave empty space between items, there's a good chance they'll shift during transport and cause damage to everything around them. To counteract this threat, fill empty space with packing paper or soft items. Space fillers prevent rattling and breakage.

Tip 15: Wrap all fragile parts and items

Use bubble wrap or padding to prevent table legs, drawer handles, and electronics from snapping off or breaking. Wrapping sharp edges can also help you avoid injury while moving fragile objects.

Tip 16: Pack dishes, mirrors, and art in specialty boxes

Plain cardboard boxes are fine for paperback books and DVDs, but they're not a good fit for dishes, mirrors, art, and other specialty items. Use dish packs to prevent plates, glasses, bowls, and mugs from breaking. Mirror cartons are large enough to accommodate oversized mirrors without damaging them. We also recommend using foam to protect the corners of paintings and other types of artwork.

Tip 17: Keep hardware and cords with the item

There's nothing worse than moving a large item across town and then discovering you can't use it because you lost the charger or remote. Avoid frustration by placing accessories in bags and taping them directly to your furniture.

Tip 18: Label everything clearly — and flag fragile boxes

Every box should have a label, especially if it contains fragile items. Otherwise, you’ll be playing “what’s in the box?” after a long day of moving. Plus, labeling your belongings clearly ensures easier unloading and helps movers treat them with care. They can’t handle the boxes with your champagne glasses properly if they don’t know delicate glass is in there.

Protect Your Home on Moving Day

Now that you know how to prevent damage to furniture while moving, it's time to focus on protecting your home. After all, you don't want to dent a wall with your couch or scratch up your wood floors by dragging heavy objects. Here's how you can prevent damage to doors, walls, floors, and other home features.

Tip 19: Clear pathways before movers arrive

Before the movers arrive, take time to remove tripping hazards from hallways and entryways. This includes toys, shoes, and packed boxes. A clear path makes it easier for movers to carry items safely, reducing the risk of damage.

Tip 20: Protect floors with runners or plywood

During the loading process, it's easy to track dirt, leaves, and other types of debris into your home. On top of that, you also have to think about the potential for scuffs and scratches. The solution? Put down floor runners or large pieces of cardboard or plywood in high-traffic areas.

Tip 21: Add padding to door frames and corners

Give yourself an extra layer of protection by placing padding around doorways and sharp corners. This can help you avoid denting, scuffing, or scratching doors and door frames, even if you happen to knock something against the corner.

Tip 22: Remove obstacles from stairs and hallways

Stairways and hallways are often narrow, making it more difficult for movers to carry heavy items. Reduce the risk of damage by removing all obstacles from these areas. If you have a runner in your hallway, make sure it has a nonskid backing to help your movers avoid falls.

Tip 23: Cover banisters with foam or blankets

Stair railings are susceptible to damage because movers often have to carry heavy items at an angle. Even a small bump from a couch or dresser can leave a noticeable mark. Prevent chips and scuffs by covering your banisters with foam or blankets.

Tip 24: Reserve a close parking spot to reduce carrying distance

The farther you have to carry a heavy item, the more opportunities you have to drop it. Reserve a close parking spot to ensure you don't have to walk far with furniture, electronics, or other heavy items. Shorter hauls mean fewer risks.

Tip 25: Keep pets and kids safely out of the way to avoid accidents

Pets and kids are adorable, but your movers need room to work without interruptions. Even a quick dash into the hallway can cause a trip or a drop. Plan ahead by creating a safe space for children and pets before moving day arrives so nobody gets underfoot.

Plan for Long-Distance Risks

If you're moving to a new city or state, your belongings will have to spend more time in a moving truck than they would if you were moving across town. This increases the risk of damage, especially in hot, cold, or humid conditions. Follow these tips to keep your items safe during long drives.

Tip 26: Protect items sensitive to heat, cold, or humidity

If you have temperature- or humidity-sensitive items, pack them separately and keep them with you in an air-conditioned vehicle. This includes food, cosmetics, and medications. The cargo compartment of a moving truck may not have climate-control features.

Tip 27: Use breathable wraps for moisture-prone items

Some items are sensitive to moisture, so it's important to prevent condensation from building up.

In many cases, moving blankets prevent condensation better than plastic wrap alone. Consider adding baking soda or silica gel packets to boxes containing these items as an added measure.

Tip 28: Avoid packing items that can melt, warp, or leak

Candles, wax melts, liquids, and aerosol sprays can melt, leak, or explode during transit. This increases the risk of permanent damage to some of your most valuable items.

Instead of packing high-risk items, try donating them or giving them to friends. Otherwise, pack them in a cooler and keep them with you.

Communicate Clearly With Movers

Clear communication helps everyone involved in a move understand what to expect. A quick walk-through with your movers can go a long way toward keeping your belongings safe.

Tip 29: Flag fragile/high-value items early

Avoid surprises by telling movers which items require special care, even if they’re already labeled. It only takes a minute and can save you a lot of worry later. That way, they won't have to guess what's important to you.

Tip 30: Ask what home-protection methods they'll use and stay present to catch issues early

Open communication helps prevent mistakes and oversights before they happen. Before you start packing, find out what steps your moving company will take to protect your home and belongings. Stay present during loading and unloading to catch potential issues early.

What to Do If Your Furniture Gets Damaged During a Move

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. The first step is to document the damage. Take photos from multiple angles to ensure your mover can see the damage. If your belongings get lost or damaged, it's also important to know how to file a claim.

Does renters insurance cover damage while moving?

Some renters insurance policies cover damage that occurs while moving. For example, if you get into an accident with a moving truck, your insurance company might pay to replace your damaged items. Some policies also cover theft and vandalism. The exact terms of each policy vary, so contact your insurer to determine what type of coverage you have.

Give Yourself Extra Peace of Mind on Moving Day

By following these simple tips, you can reduce the risk of damage on moving day. HireAHelper is here to make things as easy as possible, so request a quote or visit our blog to learn more about how to plan for a move.