How to Protect Your Floors and Walls During a Move
Moving can be an exciting time as it often marks the beginning of a new chapter. However, the process itself can be stressful, especially when it comes to safeguarding your home.
With heavy furniture, bulky boxes, and constant movement, it’s easy to damage walls and floors. So it’s essential to plan properly to ensure your home remains in top shape throughout the move.
In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the best ways to protect your floors and walls during a move. Whether you’re working with a moving company or handling the move yourself, these tips will help you avoid unnecessary damage, saving time and money in the long run.
Choose the Right Packing Materials
One of the first things to consider when planning your move is choosing the right packing materials. While many people focus on packing fragile items securely, it’s equally important to protect your floors and walls from scratches, dents, and stains.
Here are a few must-haves to keep your home in great shape:
- Furniture sliders: These small but mighty pads slide under the legs of your furniture, making it easy to move heavy items without dragging them. By gliding furniture across the floor, you’ll avoid those dreaded scratches and scuffs. They’re a lifesaver, especially for hardwood and tile floors.
- Moving blankets: Heavy-duty moving blankets are perfect for wrapping large items and adding a layer of protection between furniture and walls. They help cushion sharp edges and prevent accidental bumps or dings. Plus, they can be reused for future moves or home projects.
- Corner guards: These foam or plastic protectors fit snugly over the edges of walls to keep corners safe from chips and scrapes as you move big items through tight spaces. They’re easy to install and remove, making them a no-brainer when navigating narrow hallways or stairwells. You’ll be glad you used them when your walls come out unscathed.
- Carpet film or floor protectors: A temporary layer of plastic film or protective covering can go a long way in keeping your floors free from dirt, spills, or damage. Perfect for high-traffic areas, these films stick in place and protect against muddy shoes, heavy boxes, or even moisture. They’re easy to apply and peel away without any mess.
How to Protect Your Floors
The most common area to get damaged during a move is the floor. Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet, your flooring is susceptible to scratches, dents, and dirt.
Here are some effective ways to protect your floors during a move:
Use Floor Runners and Mats
Floor runners are a great way to create a temporary pathway through your home. They provide a protective barrier for your flooring, especially in high-traffic areas.
You can purchase adhesive-backed runners or lay-down non-slip mats to prevent slips and falls.
For added protection, you can layer multiple runners or mats in areas where heavy furniture will be moved.
Cardboard for Additional Cushion
An easy and inexpensive way to protect your floors is by laying down flattened cardboard boxes in the areas where you’ll be moving heavy furniture or boxes.
Cardboard provides a soft yet sturdy cushion that can absorb the weight and pressure of items, minimizing the risk of scratches or dents on hard surfaces.
Lift, Don’t Drag
Dragging furniture across the floor is a sure way to cause damage.
Always make it a point to lift heavy items rather than dragging them. If an item is too heavy, consider using dollies or hand trucks to help distribute the weight and make the move easier.
These tools not only prevent damage to your floors but also reduce the strain on your back.
How to Protect Your Walls
Walls are another area prone to damage during a move. Dings, scratches, and even holes can easily occur when moving furniture and boxes through narrow hallways and doorways.
Here are some ways to ensure your walls stay protected:
Measure Doorways and Hallways
One of the most common reasons for wall damage during a move is improperly sized furniture or boxes being forced through narrow spaces.
Before attempting to move large items, take the time to measure your doorways, hallways, and stairwells. Compare these measurements to your furniture and other bulky items to ensure they will fit through without causing damage.
If necessary, disassemble large pieces to make them easier to maneuver.
Cover High-Traffic Areas
In areas where movers will frequently pass, such as entryways and hallways, consider temporarily covering your walls with cardboard or foam sheets.
These materials can absorb the impact of any accidental bumps and prevent scratches and dents.
You can tape the cardboard to the wall for easy installation and removal.
Plan the Moving Route
Before you begin the actual moving process, it’s essential to plan out the route you’ll take when carrying items through your home.
Identify the best paths that offer the most space and require the fewest tight turns. Walk through the route with your movers or helpers to ensure everyone is on the same page and understands the plan.
If possible, clear out any obstacles or unnecessary items in the way, such as rugs, décor, or furniture that could make it harder to move large objects.
Having a well-defined route will help minimize the risk of damaging your floors and walls.
Preventing Dirt and Stains
In addition to physical damage, moving day often results in dirt, dust, and stains being tracked through the home. Keeping your floors clean can be just as important as protecting them from scratches.
Here’s how to keep dirt at bay during your move:
Use Shoe Covers or Set Up a Shoe Station
Movers, friends, and family coming in and out of the house can easily track dirt and debris indoors.
One way to avoid this is by having everyone wear shoe covers, which can be quickly slipped on and off at the door.
Alternatively, set up a shoe station near the entrance where everyone can remove their shoes before entering the home.
Lay Down Protective Floor Coverings
In addition to floor runners, consider using heavy-duty plastic or canvas drop cloths to cover areas prone to dirt and moisture.
These coverings can be placed over carpets, hardwood, and tile to protect against dirt, mud, and spills.
Be sure to secure the coverings with tape or clips to prevent tripping hazards.
Use Door Mats at Every Entrance
Place doormats at every entrance to help reduce the amount of dirt and debris being tracked into the home.
Encourage everyone to wipe their feet before entering, and keep a broom or vacuum handy to quickly clean up any dirt that does make its way inside.
Work with Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers can significantly reduce the risk of damage during your move. Experienced movers know how to handle heavy and bulky items safely, and many companies provide the necessary materials to protect your floors and walls.
“We take extra care to protect our clients’ homes, using tools like furniture sliders and moving blankets to prevent any damage,” says Eric Taylor, owner of Fort Mill Friendly Movers (fortmillmoving.com). “It’s all about ensuring the move goes smoothly and your home stays in perfect condition.”
Moreover, when hiring professional movers, confirm whether they provide insurance coverage for any damage that occurs during the move. Having insurance in place can offer peace of mind in case of accidental damage to your floors or walls.
If your moving company doesn’t offer insurance, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage for the day of your move.
Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the condition of your home.
With proper planning and the right tools, you can protect your floors and walls from the inevitable wear and tear that comes with the process.
By following these tips, you’ll make your move smoother and save yourself from costly repairs later on. These precautions will help ensure your home remains in great shape from start to finish.
