When you’re tackling a move on your own, your furniture is probably one of your biggest concerns. Whether it’s a sleek dining table, a comfy sofa, or that antique dresser passed down from your grandparents—keeping your pieces safe from dings, scratches, and cracks is top priority. The good news? With a few smart moves and the right materials, you can protect your furniture just like the pros.
Disassemble What You Can
Before anything else, take apart larger furniture items. Remove table legs, headboards, couch feet, and shelving whenever possible. This makes it easier to carry and reduces the risk of bumping into door frames or damaging the structure in transit.
Be sure to put any screws, bolts, and small parts into labeled zip bags and tape them securely to the corresponding piece of furniture.
Wrap and Cover Everything
One of the best ways to protect furniture during a DIY move is to wrap it up right. Here’s how:
- Use moving blankets or padded furniture covers for large surfaces like dressers, desks, and headboards.
- Wrap upholstered furniture in plastic stretch wrap to protect against dirt, moisture, and snags.
- Cover wood furniture with soft blankets or foam padding first, then secure with stretch wrap or tape (but never let tape touch the furniture directly).
Always be generous with padding—especially on corners and edges where impact damage is most likely.
Use Furniture Sliders and Dollies
Dragging furniture across floors? That’s a recipe for damage to both your furniture and your floors. Use furniture sliders for hardwood or tile, and dollies for heavier items like dressers and appliances.
These tools not only make the job easier, they help keep everything in one piece—your back included.
Protect Surfaces in the Moving Truck
Before loading up, line the truck floor with blankets or cardboard sheets to avoid scuffs. Strap furniture to the side walls of the truck to prevent sliding during transport. Heavier items should always go on the bottom, and try to keep weight evenly distributed.
Don’t stack boxes or loose items on top of delicate furniture—if it’s fragile, give it room to breathe.
Ask the Experts (or Learn From Them)
Even if you’re handling the move yourself, it never hurts to get advice—or even gear—from the pros. Pads & Dollies Movers offers great insight into proper furniture handling, packing materials, and moving best practices. Their site is full of useful information for anyone planning a move, especially DIY movers looking to avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re ever in doubt, reaching out for guidance or supplies from a trusted moving service like Pads & Dollies Movers can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
DIY moving is totally doable—but protecting your furniture means thinking ahead and working smart. Disassemble when you can, wrap everything properly, use the right tools, and don’t be afraid to learn from the experts. Your future self (and your furniture) will thank you when everything arrives safe, sound, and scratch-free.