Take apart any furniture you can, such as bookcases and bed frames. This prevents parts from breaking or scratching. Disassembling also makes pieces lighter.
Moving your furniture across Canada moving and storage can be a daunting task. Proper packing is key to ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Here are my tips as a professional mover for securely packing your furniture for a long-distance move.
Wrap Furniture in Moving Blankets or Pads
Moving blankets and pads protect your furniture from dings, dents, and scratches. Wrap padded blankets around table tops, chairs, dressers, and any furniture with a flat surface.
For sofas, chairs, and mattresses, cover the entire piece in a moving pad and secure it with tape. This padding acts as a cushion during transit. Invest in high-quality thick moving blankets for the best protection.
Disassemble When Possible
Take apart any furniture you can, such as bookcases, desks, and bed frames. This prevents parts from breaking or scratching. Disassembling also makes pieces lighter and easier to carry.
Use diagrams or take photos so you can reassemble later. Ensure all hardware pieces are taped to the furniture so they don’t get lost. If you don’t have instructions, take detailed photos of the connections and label parts.
Use Bracing and Reinforcements
For valuable or fragile pieces, add extra protection by bracing corners, legs, and protrusions. You can brace table legs with moving blankets and secure them with zip ties. Use triangular cardboard corner protectors on sharp corners.
Strap mirror fronts and glass shelves to prevent shifting. Securing parts adds stability. Wrap protruding legs and edges with bubble wrap for cushioning.
Wrap Securably with Moving Straps and Tape
Even well-padded furniture can shift during a long move. Take large straps and wrap them fully around dressers, armoires, and bulky objects.
Pull the straps tight and secure them. Use stretch wrap to bind chairs and mattresses. Finish by taping movable parts like drawers closed and taping down appliance doors. Make sure straps are tight and taped with reinforced packing tape.
Invest in Wardrobe Boxes
For delicate clothing items, use professional wardrobe boxes. These boxes have a metal bar for hanging clothes and often feature a soft fabric cover.
Slide your clothes directly from the closet bar into the box to transport them neatly. This prevents wrinkles and damage.
Wardrobe boxes are available for purchase or rent from moving companies. Hang your nicer dresses, suits, and long coats to avoid creases.
Protect Electronics and Irreplaceables
Electronics like TVs and computers need extra caution. Remove stands and secure detached parts. Wrap the item fully in bubble wrap and place it in a snug box filled with packing paper or foam peanuts. Clearly label the box “Fragile Electronics.” Transport valuables like jewelry yourself – don’t pack these!
Protect Furniture You’re Keeping On-Site
If you have pieces that aren’t moving to the new home, take steps to guard them during the packing process.
Cover furniture with blankets and tape down protective sheets over carpets and floors. This shields items from dust, dirt, and accidental bumps from movers carrying boxes. Unplug electronics and wrap cords too. Keep pets away from the loading area to prevent accidents.
With the right materials and some strategic packing, your treasured furniture will be well-equipped to handle a cross-Canada move. Don’t be afraid to ask the professionals at your moving and storage company Cross Canada Moving and Storage for advice – they can guide you to ensure your belongings transition smoothly into your new place. By following these tips, you can pack like an expert.
