Solid wood is susceptible to damage during a residential relocation. Wood can chip or warp when handled incorrectly during a move. If you're moving house during a rainy day, improperly wrapping your furniture can expose it to moisture and shorten its lifespan. Therefore, whether you are relocating alone or enlisting professional help, take the following measures to protect your solid wood furniture from damage.
Disassemble furniture where possible
Some items of furniture such as tables, chairs, console tables and TV cabinets come with removable parts. Disassembling these units may seem like a lot of work. The easier option is usually to transport them as a whole to reduce the time spent reassembling them. However, carrying bulky furniture increases the risk of damage, especially if they don't fit in your stairways or hallways. Therefore, disassemble the furniture to protect the pieces during the move.
Wrap corners thoroughly
The corners of large furniture pieces suffer the most damage during relocations. As you try to squeeze through narrow hallways, the corners hit and scratch against the walls. These incidences can leave your valuable pieces with unsightly scratch marks. Sometimes, the furniture may even warp. Avoid this by wrapping the corners of your furniture thoroughly. Invest in foam padding, furniture pads and moving blankets to protect the corners from dings, dents and scratches.
Use shrink wrap correctly
Bubble wrap is a valued moving essential due to its waterproof features. It not only protects furniture from damage but also keeps moisture out. However, when wrapping solid wood furniture, you need to use shrink wrap correctly. When used directly on wood, bubble wrap traps moisture between the wrapping and the furniture.
Since wood has a porous surface, it absorbs moisture. If wrapped for long periods, the wood can warp or attract mould and mildew. Therefore, before using plastic wrap, lay moving blankets over the furniture. The blankets absorb moisture from the bubble wrap and protect your pieces from damage.
Use the right moving techniques
Properly wrapped wooden furniture can suffer damage due to improper handling. For example, if you accidentally drop the furniture, it may warp or break into pieces. Similarly, if you knock the items against hard surfaces, they may get dents. Therefore, use safe moving techniques.
Rent moving dollies to safely remove furniture from the house to the moving track. If your hallways are too narrow, don't force the furniture through. You can lift them over the balcony to prevent damage. Most moving companies offer hoisting services and balcony lifts at a small extra fee.
Most furniture pieces are costly; therefore, it's essential to protect them from damage during a move. For more information, contact residential furniture removal services.