Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone—a fresh start in a space that’s entirely yours. But amidst the excitement of unpacking and settling in, the moving process can be full of potential mishaps. From scratched floors to dented walls or even scuffed furniture, a careless move can leave your new space looking less than perfect before you’ve even had a chance to call it home.
Fortunately, with the right preparation and techniques, you can avoid unnecessary damage and keep your belongings and your new home in pristine condition. Here are some expert tips to avoid damaging your beautiful new home while moving.
Plan Ahead to Minimize Disruptions
They say preparation is everything—and this couldn’t be truer when moving. The more thought and effort you put into planning, the less likely you may encounter accidents or damage during the move.
Create a Detailed Moving Plan
A smooth move starts long before the truck pulls into your driveway. Start by making an inventory of all the items you’ll be moving and take note of anything that’s fragile or difficult to carry. From there:
- Measure your new home’s entryways, hallways, and key spaces: Ensure items like sofas, dressers, or large appliances can fit through doors and around corners before moving day. If something’s too large or awkwardly shaped, plan an alternative way to move it. Consider disassembling bulky pieces or renting equipment like furniture sliders.
- Plan the order of moving: Load larger, heavier items like furniture and appliances onto the truck first, followed by boxes of smaller belongings. This systematic approach prevents the need for excessive reshuffling during unloading.
- Have tools ready: Keep screwdrivers, protective pads, tape, and other essentials within reach to handle minor adjustments or issues as they arise.
Advance preparation gives you time to address problems beforehand, reducing stress and mishaps when moving day arrives.
Use Professional Moving Services Wisely
Moving by yourself can be a tempting way to save some cash, but it’s often the riskiest option for your home and your belongings. Hiring professional movers can offer peace of mind—if you choose the right company.
Find Movers You Can Trust
Not all moving companies are created equal. A reputable team will know how to handle your items with care and take precautions to prevent property damage.
- Read reviews and ask for recommendations: Look for customer testimonials that mention careful handling and professionalism.
- Verify their insurance: Ensure your movers are insured to cover any accidental damage to your belongings or your home.
- Communicate your concerns: Discuss any particularly delicate items or parts of your home (like hardwood floors or freshly painted walls) you’re worried about, so they can plan accordingly.
Still want to save a little money? Consider hiring professionals for the heavy lifting of large furniture and appliances, while you handle smaller or more delicate items yourself.
Protect Your Floors and Walls
Your new home is one of your biggest investments, which makes protecting its interior during the move a top priority.
Safeguard Floors
Unprotected floors are especially at risk of scratches, scuffs, and dirt during a move. Use the following strategies to keep your flooring damage-free:
- Use furniture sliders: These small pads go under the legs of heavy furniture, allowing you to slide items without scraping floors.
- Lay protective coverings: Place heavy-duty mats, floor protection board, cardboard, or drop cloths along high-traffic areas to prevent scratches and dirt from shoes or heavy equipment.
- Remove shoes: Encourage movers and helpers to wear shoe covers to minimize mess.
Protect Walls and Corners
Carrying large or awkwardly shaped items can sometimes result in dents, scuffs, or scratches along walls and corners. To avoid this, try:
- Using corner guards: Install foam or plastic guards to shield corners from potential knocks.
- Padding door frames and entryways: Wrap door frames with cloth or bubble wrap to cushion them against any bumps.
- Having an extra set of hands: A second (or third!) person can help guide items through tight spaces safely.
Plan Ahead for Furniture Placement
Decide ahead of time where furniture will go. This minimizes the chances of movers bumping around oversized pieces.
Small protective measures like these can save you the hassle of costly repairs later on.
Pack Like a Pro
Packing isn’t just about organizing your belongings—it’s also about preventing damage to your items AND your new home.
- Label Everything Clearly: Clearly marking each box with its contents and destination room helps movers place items exactly where they belong. This prevents unnecessary handling and minimizes the risk of scuffs or spills in the wrong places.
- Wrap Fragile Items Properly: Use plenty of padding for breakables like glassware or electronics to prevent them from shattering mid-move. Bubble wrap, packing paper, or even towels can get the job done.
- Use High-Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes and use packing tape generously to prevent boxes from falling apart. Flimsy materials are more likely to fail during the move, leading to damage to the contents or even injuries.
- Avoid Overpacking Boxes: It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into each box to save space, but overpacking can lead to boxes breaking open or becoming too heavy to carry safely. Stick to weight limits and always secure boxes with strong packing tape. Pro tip: Pack heavier items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
Move Heavy Items with Care
Large, bulky items like couches, refrigerators, and bed frames often pose the biggest risks when it comes to property damage. By handling them carefully, you can minimize those risks.
- Invest in Moving Equipment: Hand trucks, dollies, and moving straps are lifesavers for transporting heavy items safely. If you’re renting a moving truck, these tools are often available for rent as well.
- Disassemble When Possible: Breaking furniture like tables or bed frames into smaller parts makes them easier to handle and reduces the chance of collisions with walls, ceilings, or doorframes.
- Recruit Help: Never attempt to move heavy items without assistance. Whether it’s friends, family, or professional movers, an extra set of hands ensures safer, smoother moving.
Stay Organized During the Unpacking Process
Once everything has arrived at your new home, the temptation to unpack everything at once can be overwhelming. But rushing this final step might lead to accidents or misplaced items.
- Unpack Room by Room: Start with essential rooms (like the kitchen and bedroom) and work your way to less urgent areas. This methodical process keeps clutter to a minimum and ensures you’re not overwhelmed.
- Maintain a Trash and Recycling Zone: Have a designated spot for boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials to avoid hazardous clutter piling up as you unpack.
- Inspect for Damage: Examine your belongings and your home one last time to ensure nothing was overlooked. If damage has occurred, document it immediately and contact the movers or your insurance provider, if applicable.
Protecting Your New Home Is Worth the Effort
Moving day marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and taking the time to plan and execute carefully will go a long way in protecting your new home. You’ll save yourself from unnecessary damage and stress by following these expert moving tips.
If you’re looking to buy or build a new home, we can help. Simplicity builds beautiful, affordable homes on your land throughout the Pacific Northwest. Visit us at Simplicity-Homes.com to view our home plans and see how we can help build your dream home. When you’re ready, contact us and we’ll get you started on the exciting journey towards your dream home!
