Expert Tips on How to Pack Furniture When Moving.
Moving to a new home is an exciting step, but it comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to packing and moving your cherished furniture. From precious antiques to bulky couches, transporting your furniture safely requires careful planning and the right techniques. At Aus City Movers, we’ve helped thousands of Australians navigate their furniture removals, and we’re here to share some expert tips to make your move a breeze.
- Preparation Is Key: Get Organised for Your Move
Before you start wrapping furniture in protective materials, it’s important to get organised. A well-planned move can save you time, reduce stress, and minimise the risk of damage to your belongings.
Tip #1: Create a Furniture Inventory
A detailed inventory helps you keep track of all your furniture pieces and ensures nothing gets misplaced. Make a list of each item, its dimensions, material type and any special handling instructions. This will also help you figure out if anything needs to be disassembled for easier transport.
Tip #2: Declutter and Downsize
Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Go through your furniture and get rid of items you no longer need. You can donate or sell furniture that doesn’t fit into your new space, which will lighten the load and save on moving costs.
Tip #3: Measure Doorways and Hallways
Check the dimensions of your doorways, hallways and stairwells in both your current and new homes. This will help you identify potential obstacles and figure out whether any furniture pieces need to be taken apart for easier moving.
2. Disassemble What You Can
Disassembling large furniture helps reduce the risk of damage and makes the move easier. Here’s how to do it:
- Start Early: Disassembling can take time, so begin well ahead of moving day.
- Keep Track of Hardware: Store screws and bolts in small labelled bags. Tape them to the corresponding furniture pieces or store them in a clearly marked box.
- Take Photos: Before taking things apart, snap a few photos to make reassembly easier.
- Be Gentle: If something doesn’t come apart easily, consult the instructions or leave it to the professionals.
3. Packing Your Furniture: Materials and Techniques
Now that you're organised and your furniture is disassembled (if possible), it’s time to focus on packing. The right materials are essential to protect your furniture during the move.
Essential Packing Materials:
- Bubble Wrap:Perfect for protecting delicate surfaces, corners, and edges. Wrap your furniture snugly, using plenty of bubble wrap to avoid gaps.
- Moving Blankets:These heavy-duty blankets are ideal for large furniture like sofas and cabinets, protecting them from scratches and dings.
- Furniture Pads:Ideal for large, valuable items, these provide extra cushioning and protection.
- Stretch Wrap:Great for securing loose items, cushions and components like drawers.
- Packing Tape:Essential for sealing bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent them from shifting during transport.
- Markers:Label each piece of furniture with its name, room and any special handling instructions.
4. Packing Techniques for Different Furniture Types
Sofas & Upholstered Furniture:
- Remove cushionsand wrap them separately.
- Wrap the framein moving blankets or furniture pads, paying attention to arms and legs.
- Disassembleremovable legs or arms, if possible, for easier transport.
Dressers & Cabinets:
- Remove drawersand wrap them separately.
- Secure doorswith stretch wrap or tape.
- Wrap the entire framein moving blankets or furniture pads for extra protection.
Tables & Chairs:
- Disassembleremovable legs or components.
- Wrap tabletops and chair seatsin moving blankets or furniture pads.
- Bundle chairstogether to prevent scratches.
Beds & Headboards:
- Disassemble the bed frame, wrapping each component separately.
- Use moving blankets or furniture padsfor extra protection on the headboard and footboard.
- Use mattress bagsor plastic wrap to keep your mattress clean during transport.
Mirrors & Artwork:
- Wrap mirrors and artworksecurely in bubble wrap.
- Consider using mirror boxesor custom crates for added protection.
- Labeleach piece clearly and mark “FRAGILE” where needed.
5. The Final Stretch: Loading and Unloading Tips
Proper loading and unloading techniques are just as important as packing to prevent any last-minute mishaps.
Tip #1: Plan the Loading Order
Load heavier and bulkier items first to ensure they’re positioned at the front of the truck. Smaller, lighter items can be placed on top or around the larger pieces for better stability.
Tip #2: Use Proper Lifting Techniques
To avoid strain or injury, always bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting. For large or heavy pieces, ask for help from professional movers or use lifting equipment.
Tip #3: Secure the Load
Make sure to secure the furniture with ropes, straps or blankets to prevent shifting during transit.
Tip #4: Unload in Reverse Order
Start with the smaller items and clear a path for the larger furniture. This helps with efficiency and reduces the risk of injury.
6. Post-Move Furniture Care
Once your furniture has arrived at its new home, follow these steps to keep it in excellent condition:
- Acclimate your furnitureif you’ve moved to a new climate, especially wooden furniture.
- Touch up any scratcheswith furniture touch-up markers.
- Check hardwareafter a few weeks and tighten if needed.
- Clean and conditionyour furniture to keep it looking great.
Need Help Moving Your Furniture? Aus City Movers Has Got You Covered.
Moving can be a lot of work, but with the right preparation and the help of Aus City Movers, it doesn’t have to be stressful. We specialise in furniture removals across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth, ensuring that your furniture arrives at your new home safe and sound. Whether you need help packing, loading, or transporting, our experienced team is here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Contact us today for a free quote and let us take care of your furniture move with the care and professionalism it deserves.