When it comes to moving furniture within the home, many people assume it to be a straightforward process. You just need to move a couch here, a bed there, and everything falls into place.
However, in reality, there are a lot more things involved in this task than you actually think. Whether you’re rearranging rooms, redecorating, or preparing for renovations, in-house furniture moving involves safety, strategy, and most importantly, a clear understanding of the process.
In this article, you will learn about the things involved in furniture moving within your domestic surroundings. You will also learn how to safely move furniture within your home without causing any damage.
Things You Need to Know While Moving Furniture Inside Your Home
Here’s what you need to know while conducting furniture moving inside your house:
- Planning is Important
Before you lift a single chair, it is important to plan your move. You need to consider why the furniture is being moved and what the final layout should look like. Take measurements of every room and the pieces of furniture to ensure everything fits in its new place.
You need to measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to avoid getting stuck in the midst of the moving when something doesn’t fit. With a drawn layout or even a rough sketch, you will be able to visualize the space and avoid unnecessary lifting and shifting.
Furthermore, if the moving plan involves multiple rooms, you need to label the items with tags, which will help you a lot.
- Know the Things That Need to be Moved(and Those That Don’t)
It is not necessary to move every piece of furniture. Some items are best left untouched, either because they are too fragile, too large, or else, moving these belongings won’t bring any value to the overall setup.
You just need to make a list of what needs to be moved and analyze the condition of each item. Worn-out or damaged furniture may not be worth the effort and risk involved in moving it.
Moves inside a home can also involve seasonal or occasional pieces like bookshelves, cabinets, or antique tables. They often require special attention due to their age or build.
- Clear the Pathways
One of the most overlooked steps while moving furniture is preparing the space for the same. You need to clear all the pathways between the current and intended position of the furniture. This implies removing rugs, mats, decor, wires, and even temporarily moving small items or obstacles that may cause you to trip.
Even indoor plants, side tables, or toys can become hazards when you don’t move them to their accurate position. A smooth, unobstructed path ensures both safety for you and your furniture.
- Use the Suitable Equipment
Furniture sliders, lifting straps, dollies, and protective pads are not just limited to professional movers. In fact, they make a lot of difference for in-home moves too. Sliders are helpful in shifting heavy pieces across the floor without damaging wood, tiles, or your carpet.
Lifting straps distribute weight more evenly and lower the strain on your back and arms. A dolly can further help you lift heavier items like desks and dressers.
Such tools are often affordable. You can even rent them for one or two days. When you avoid them, your furniture will be at an increased risk of damage, and so will be your flooring. This can even end up getting you injured.
- Disassemble the Furniture When Required
Large furniture, such as a bed, a wardrobe, or a sectional sofa, may require partial disassembly to move it efficiently and safely. When you remove legs, drawers, cushions, or table leaves, you will be able to lower the weight and bulk of the item.
It also lowers the chances of scratching walls, doors, or floors during the movement.
You should keep screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled bags and tape them to the back or the underside of the furniture to ensure nothing is lost. If a specific piece of furniture gets reassembled in a different room, such attention to detail will save time and confusion.
- Protect Floors and Walls
Even when you are lifting and moving with caution, accidents can happen. Sliding furniture across unprotected surfaces can cause scratches, scuff marks, or even dents. That’s why floor protectors or blankets under furniture can act as a great precaution.
Walls, especially narrow corridors or staircases, are prone to scrapes and nicks. If you wrap your furniture corners in foam or padding, you will be able to ensure a simple and effective buffer.
You should also remove wall art, mirrors, or hanging items that may get in the way or fall during the move.
- Keep Weight Distribution in Mind
Apart from just lifting, moving also requires the right balance. If your weight distribution isn’t correct, it will end up with a tip or a slip. Tipping or slipping can damage a piece of furniture or injure you while carrying it.
You should test the weight by slightly tilting one side to analyze the heaviness and balance of the furniture. Lifting from the base, not the top or fragile areas like arms or shelves, will always be a safer alternative.
- Always Seek Help
Even when you are moving furniture inside your home, it can become a job for two or more people. If you’re trying to do it alone, you will end up making the process harder for yourself. It further increases the risk of damage to the belongings.
Whether you’re enlisting help from family members or hiring professional help, having the required support will ensure efficiency and balance. It will further help you safeguard your valuable items.
Conclusion
In-home furniture moving isn’t just about shifting an object from one place to another. It is a process that blends careful planning, physical effort, and proper attention during the process.
Mistakes can be costly. However, a little oversight can help you ensure everything arrives in its place without any drama or damage.
