How to Prevent Damage during a Move

One of the major moving-related concerns is damage to your items. Even the slightest damage to some of your items can break your heart! While it is true that your movers are responsible for the safety of your items, you yourself also have certain responsibilities to ensure complete safety of your items when in transit.

Here are the top tips that can prevent damage during a move:

Make sure to declutter first
When you don’t want to keep certain items, you shouldn’t bother moving those. Moving is an ideal time to declutter. You must take advantage and let go of items that you no longer love or use. Keep in mind that the less stuff you have to move, the quicker it will be to pack and unpack and the less your move will cost. Also, when the total amount of stuff to move is not so much, you can be sure that your move will not be relatively messy.

Try to measure large furniture, door openings, and stairwells
Keep in mind that your furniture may have fit into your current home without a hitch. However, this doesn’t mean it will be as easy to move into the new place. Make sure that the heavy items such as furniture fit well through the door.

Try to use corner protectors on mirrors and art
Keep in mind that fragile mirrors and picture frames need to be treated with care. You can use a mirror- or picture-packing kit that comes with foam corner protectors, and follow the instructions that come with your kit. When you have the corners secured, you should place the mirror or frame in a mirror or picture box and fill any empty space with paper. In case you have a lot of artwork, framed photographs, and other delicate items, it’s a smart idea to start packing up your collection early. This way you can take your time and do it right.

Make sure to cover furniture with pads or moving blankets
Remember that covering your furniture well can make the difference between your treasured pieces arriving in perfect condition and arriving scuffed, torn or otherwise damaged. Try to purchase rolls of plastic wrapping material. However, pads and blankets offer more protection for extra-delicate and upholstered items.

Try to detach small parts and store them together
Keep in mind that certain items knock into each other. The first things to sustain damage are usually the little bits. When you are able to safely remove the legs, handles or small protruding parts of a piece of furniture, you should go ahead. Try to wrap up the parts and keep them together in a labeled bag inside or taped to the furniture it came from.

Make sure to use the right box for the job
Keep in mind that the heavier the item, the smaller the box. A large box filled with heavy items might either fall apart or injure the person carrying it. Also, boxes left too empty can leave their contents vulnerable to breakage. You must choose the right box for the item you’re packing. You can fill in the empty space with paper or packing peanuts.

Make sure to protect floors and stairs with nonslip runners
Keep in mind that there will be a lot of foot traffic in your home on moving day. Try to protect your floors and prevent slips and falls. You can roll out non-slip runners in high-traffic areas. Your moving company might have reusable nonslip runners, or you may purchase nonslip self-adhesive plastic floor coverings to protect your floors in key areas. When you have a large area of flooring that you would like to protect, go for a self-adhesive plastic floor covering.

Make sure to protect door frames with padding
Keep in mind that no matter how much caution is maintained during your move, certain bumps cannot be avoided! You can cover the door frame at the main entrance is a smart preventive measure. Most of the genuine movers come equipped with doorjamb protectors. You can rent or purchase your own in advance. These covers usually contain flexible spring clamps that attach to the door easily without causing damage.

Make sure to leave specialty items to a specialist
You should make sure you discuss the specifics with your movers in advance. This is because they will probably need to bring special equipment. They might even allow extra time to handle it. Do not attempt to move a piano on your own.

Make sure there is a clear spot to park the moving van
Taking this step will help avoid long-carry fees. When you have a clear space to park the moving van, it means less of a chance for accidental damage to occur on the way in and out. Keep in mind that a sturdy ramp placed on a level surface is important for safe moving. It is important for the movers and your belongings.

Keep in mind that even the best-laid plans can have bumps in the road. With some preventive steps, you can add an extra layer of protection on moving day.

Make sure to protect your home
You might wish to sell your house or simply get your deposit back.No matter what, you should avoid causing damage while you’re moving out. Keep in mind that small dings can add up. However, the good news is they’re easily preventable.

Take care of the floors
Make sure to cover the walkway. Keep in mind that areas that will get heavy foot traffic should be covered. Remember that non-slip plastic sheeting and carpet film are usually the best options. However, you can also use flattened cardboard boxes. You should keep cleaning products handy. Try to set aside cleaning items to be loaded last so you’ll have then on-hand in the event of a scuff or spill. Keep the mop and vacuum out so you can clean once more after loading is complete.

Make sure to cover small spaces
Make sure to protect corridors and other narrow spaces with spare cardboard, using painter’s tape to hold them in place.