Moving can be a very stressful time. From trying to pack everything in a moving truck to figuring out where it will be placed in your new home can be nerve-wracking. On top of all this, you want all your furniture to arrive without any damage.
Cleaning
Before you start the process of packing, clean your furniture and dust everything. Small pieces of debris or dust can cause potential damage to cabinets and other wooden furniture parts. This step will also save you from cleaning after you unpack.
Disassemble
If it’s possible, disassemble the furniture into smaller sections. Smaller pieces are easier to handle which lessens the chance of damage. Chests and dressers should have all the drawers removed and packed separately. The legs from couches and coffee tables should be removed to make handling easier.
Pads
Furniture and cabinets should be covered with pads that can be rented from moving companies. If these are unavailable, use heavy blankets or quilts. Use strings or rubber bands to secure the pads so they can’t come off.
Lamps
Lamps can be hard to pack because of their shape. The shade, bulb, and lamp harp should be removed to be packed separately. Wrap the cord to keep it from scratching the lamp. The lamp can be wrapped in paper and put in a tight-fitting carton. The bulb and lamp harp should be packed in a different box. The lampshade should never be wrapped in newspaper since the ink could transfer to the shade. It can be wrapped with a towel or pillowcase and placed in a box slightly larger than the shade.
Fill the box with crumpled paper to help keep the shade from moving.
Mirrors
Due to the fact that these are easily scratched and breakable, special care needs to be taken when packing mirrors. You will need to wrap it in packing paper and tape it to a piece of cardboard that is the same size as the mirror. It should be placed in a mirror box and then wrapped in furniture pads.
Chandelier
This is another fragile item that can be safely moved without damaging it if proper care is taken in packing. You will need to find a box big enough for the whole thing to fit into with room for packing material. It will need to be carefully removed from the ceiling with the wires detached. This should be done with the power off. Take out all the bulbs and wrap them individually. Dismantle as much of the chandelier as possible, including cups, prisms, and chains. Wrap all the pieces carefully in bubble wrap and place in the box with foam padding in the bottom. A piece of foam should be placed on top of the chandelier and the box taped shut.
Planning out the move ahead of time will ensure the safety of your furnishings. As long as you take your time with packing and secure everything in the moving truck, everything should be intact and free of damage when you reach your new home.