Moving day is on the horizon, and you want to make sure your favorite furniture pieces arrive at your new home in one piece. We’ve all heard the horror stories: scratched tables, torn upholstery, or shattered glass after a move. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little preparation and the right packing techniques, you can be sure your furniture arrives at your new home looking just as good as it did before the move.

We're breaking down how to keep your furniture safe, whether you're tackling the move yourself or weighing your options.

Choosing Your Moving Style: DIY vs. Professionals

When moving furniture, you have a few paths you can take. Each has its own set of benefits.

The Professional Mover Route

Hiring a professional moving company means you get a team with experience. They have the training and equipment to handle heavy and awkward items, navigate tight corners, and load a truck efficiently. This option can save you a lot of physical effort and stress, and many companies offer insurance for extra peace of mind. On the flip side, it's the more expensive option, and you'll be at the mercy of your mover's schedule.

The DIY Approach

Handling the move yourself gives you total control. You set the schedule, pack your belongings exactly how you want, and save a good bit of money in the process. DIY moving also gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace without being tied to your mover's timeline.

For added convenience, you can consider portable storage solutions like Go Mini's, which let you load your items at your leisure while someone else handles the transportation. It’s a great middle ground that removes the stress of renting and driving a large moving truck yourself.

Smart Packing Tips for Furniture

Packing your furniture properly is the best way to keep it safe. Since every piece is different, here’s a quick and easy guide to packing different materials.

Wood Furniture

Wooden pieces like tables, chairs, and dressers are prone to scratches and dings.

Clean First: Wipe down all wood surfaces to remove dust and grime.
Wrap it Up: Use moving blankets to cover each item completely. Secure the blankets with packing tape, but make sure the tape only sticks to the blanket, not the wood finish.
Lighten the Load: Always empty drawers and pack your items separately. Additionally, you’ll want to tie down the drawers or remove them to ensure they won’t slide out during transit.

Upholstered Furniture

Your couches and armchairs need protection from dirt, rips, and moisture.

Cover It: Use plastic furniture covers or even old, clean sheets to shield the fabric. For leather, a breathable fabric cover like a sheet is better than plastic, which can trap moisture.
Separate Cushions: Pack cushions in large, labeled bags. This keeps them clean and makes the main furniture frame much easier to carry.

Glass and Mirrors

These are some of the most fragile items you'll move, so they need extra attention.

Tape an "X": Place a large "X" of painter's tape across the surface of mirrors and glass panels. This won't stop them from breaking, but it will help hold the pieces together if an accident happens.
Wrap and Cushion: Cover the entire piece in bubble wrap, then wrap it again in a moving blanket. When loading, place these items vertically between soft things like mattresses or sofa cushions.

Mattresses and Bed Frames

Your bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture, so it deserves extra care.

Protect the Mattress: Use a mattress bag to keep it clean and safe from tears or stains.
Disassemble the Frame: Take apart the bed frame and pack the pieces together. Use plastic bags to store screws and bolts, and tape them securely to one of the frame pieces. You may want to take a photo for reference before you disassemble!

Dining Chairs

Dining chairs are often lightweight but can be awkward to move.

Stack and Wrap: If possible, stack chairs seat-to-seat and wrap them together with moving blankets. This saves space and keeps them from shifting during transport.
Protect Legs: Wrap chair legs individually with bubble wrap or foam to prevent scratches or dents.

Bookshelves and Cabinets

Tall furniture, like bookshelves and cabinets, can be tricky to move.

Empty Them Out: Remove all items from shelves and cabinets to make them lighter and prevent damage to the contents.
Secure Doors and Shelves: Use painter’s tape or bungee cords to keep doors and removable shelves in place.

Outdoor Furniture

Don’t forget about your patio set!

Clean Thoroughly: Remove dirt, leaves, and cobwebs before packing.
Disassemble When Possible: Take apart larger pieces like tables and stack chairs to save space.
Cover for Protection: Use weatherproof covers or tarps to shield outdoor furniture from dirt and moisture during the move.

The Go Mini's Advantage: Furniture Moving and Storage in One

Sometimes your moving timeline isn't straightforward. You might need to be out of your old place before your new one is ready. Maybe you're downsizing and need time to sort through belongings, or you're renovating and need to clear out rooms.

Go Mini’s portable containers offer the perfect two-in-one service for moving and storage.

Move on Your Schedule: We bring the container to you. You can take your time loading it, which means no last-minute rush.
Pay Only for the Help You Need: You can get hourly help with packing and loading. If you're intimidated by the process of lifting and moving your furniture, you can take advantage of our partnership with College HUNKS.
Store Securely: Once packed, we can move the container directly to your new home. Or, if you need more time, we can take it to our secure local storage facility. Your furniture stays safe until you're ready for it.
Protect Your Items: Our containers are weather-resistant and sit off the ground, helping to protect your furniture from moisture and the elements.

Get Your Move Started with Go Mini's

A successful move starts with smart preparation. When you take the time to pack your furniture properly, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth transition to your new home. Using a Go Mini's container gives you the control of a DIY move with the flexibility of built-in storage.

When you're ready to plan a move that fits your schedule and keeps your belongings secure, we're here to help. Get an instant quote from Go Mini's today to find the perfect container for your needs and make your next move your easiest one yet.