How To Pack Large Furniture

When you pack large furniture, you should make sure you clean it, disassemble it and pack it in high-quality materials. 

Moving house is an exciting time, but packing and transporting large furniture can seem like a big task. 

Whether you're moving to your dream house or storing furniture during renovations, packing your items properly is important if you want them to stay in perfect condition. Damaged or scratched furniture is a common problem during moves, but with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can avoid any expensive breakages.

Here, walk you through everything you need to know about packing large furniture for moving and storage, including expert tips and solutions from The Box Co., your trusted partner for removals and storage.

 

Why Proper Furniture Packing Matters

 

Badly packed furniture can lead to scratches, dents, or even irreparable damage.

Taking the time to pack your furniture properly not only preserves its condition but also saves you money in potential repair or replacement costs. 

 

How To Pack Large Furniture for Moving

 

Step 1: Clean and Prepare Your Furniture

Cleaning your furniture before packing is incredibly important.

Dust and dirt can cause scratches, while leftover food particles can attract pests or cause stains.

Here's how to clean and prepare different furniture types:

Wood Furniture: Use a wood cleaner and polish to keep the finish looking good. Make sure the surface is dry before wrapping.

Upholstery: Vacuum sofas and chairs to remove debris, and spot clean fabric. Dry thoroughly to prevent mould or mildew.

Leather Items: Apply leather-safe cleaner and conditioner for protection.

Glass Surfaces: Clean with a streak-free glass cleaner to prepare for wrapping.

 

Step 2: Disassemble Large Furniture

Disassembling furniture makes it easier to transport and reduces the risk of damage.

Here's now:

• Use the assembly manual to dismantle items like bed frames, tables, and shelves.
• Place screws, bolts, and small parts in labelled zip-lock bags. Tape them securely to the furniture piece so you have them when you want to put it back together.
• Take photos of the furniture to make reassembly easier.

 

Step 3: Buy High-Quality Packing Materials

Invest in the right packing materials to protect your furniture. The cost might seem annoying, but it will help you with any more expenses further down the line.

You'll need:

• Moving Blankets: Provide thick padding for wood and upholstered furniture.
• Foam Padding: Good for delicate corners and edges, which can be susceptible to breakage.
• Bubble Wrap: Use over blankets for extra cushioning.
• Cardboard Sheets: Protect corners and undersides from impact.

 

Step 4: Wrap and Secure Your Furniture

Next, you'll want to wrap the furniture properly:

• Wood Furniture: Wrap with moving blankets to prevent scratches. Avoid placing plastic directly on wood to prevent moisture trapping.
• Upholstery: Use breathable fabric covers to protect sofas and chairs.
• Glass Elements: Wrap mirrors and glass tabletops in bubble wrap and secure with tape. Add cardboard to corners for extra protection.
• Mattresses: Place in breathable mattress bags and transport upright to save space.

For professional furniture packing and removals, starting at just £199 per move, get in touch with The Box Co. at hello@theboxco.co.uk 

 

 

How To Pack Large Furniture For Storage

 

Storing furniture will need extra care to protect it from moisture, pests, and temperature changes. Here’s how to make sure your items stay safe:

 

Step 1: Protect Against Moisture and Pests

• Lay plastic tarps or wooden pallets on the storage floor to prevent dampness.
• Wrap furniture to keep pests like spiders and rodents at bay.

 

Step 2: Use Climate-Controlled Storage

Extreme temperatures and humidity can warp wood and promote mould growth.

Climate-controlled units help keep your furniture in stable conditions, protecting your furniture long-term. 

Read our guide around: Is climate controlled storage worth the extra cost?

 

Step 3: Organise Your Storage Unit

• Store large items like sofas and mattresses upright in your storage unit to maximise space.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on wood furniture to prevent dents or scratches.
• Leave small gaps between items for air circulation, reducing the risk of dampness.

 

Moving Heavy Furniture Safely

 

Transporting large and heavy furniture will need careful planning to avoid injuries (for yourself) and damage (for the items).

 

Tools for Moving Heavy Furniture

• Furniture Sliders: Minimise friction and protect floors.
• Trolleys or Dollies: Make transporting heavy items easier.
• Moving Straps: Distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your body.

 

Tips for Lifting and Loading

If you hire a professional moving company, they will do the heavy lifting for you. But if you're doing it yourself, remember:

• Always lift with help to avoid injury.
• Clear pathways of obstacles and use cardboard cut-outs or blankets to protect floors and walls.
• Secure furniture in the moving van with straps and ropes to prevent shifting.

 

Common Mistakes To Avoid

 

• Using Plastic Wrap Directly on Wood: This can trap moisture and cause warping.
• Skipping Labelling: Unlabelled parts and boxes can mean confusion during reassembly.
• Overloading Storage Units: Cramming furniture together increases the risk of damage.

 

After The Move: Post-Move Furniture Care

 

Once your furniture arrives back to you, inspect it for any damage and deal with issues quickly. 

Reassemble using labelled parts and reference photos. Polish wood and clean upholstery to freshen up your furniture in its new space.

 

Why Choose The Box Co.?

 

At The Box Co., we understand the challenges of moving and storing large furniture. That’s why we’re here to help every step of the way.

• Expert Removals Team: Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling in.
• Affordable Packing Supplies: From moving blankets to bubble wrap, we’ve got you covered.
• Secure Storage Solutions: Our climate-controlled units keep your furniture safe from moisture, pests, and temperature changes during periods of long-term storage.

Ready to make your move stress-free? Contact The Box Co. today at hello@theboxco.co.uk  for a free quote and let our experienced team take care of your furniture.

 

Keeping Your Large Furniture Safe

 

Packing and moving large furniture doesn’t have to be stressful.

With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can make sure your items stay safe and damage-free. Whether you’re moving across town or storing furniture long-term, following these steps will make the process smoother and more efficient.