Preparing to relocate abroad? Well, not without finding out the best way to wrap furniture for moving, you aren’t! Whether it’s your beloved couch or that quirky coffee table you picked up at a flea market, we’ve got the tricks to make sure everything arrives unscathed and ready for its new home. Let’s unpack the secrets of some serious wrapping wizardry.
Prepping Your Furniture for the Journey Is the Foundation of a Smooth Move
If this isn’t your first time moving out, you’re well aware of the fact that relocation stress is as real as it can be. For almost 60% of people, this is due to the physical aspect of transporting everything, and let’s not even mention the possibility of lost or broken items!
Now, if relocating a few states over is a challenge, imagine doing it across the world! Either way, the stakes are high, but now, they skyrocket, and so does the anxiety about moving out. We’re talking customs, international shipping, and the whole nine yards.
Plain and simple – few things in life are as stressful as the experience of moving abroad. However, if you really roll up your sleeves and prepare for this move appropriately, you can significantly help yourself throughout this huge life change.
Clean Pieces Are Happy Pieces – That’s the Secret of a Spotless Move
Before all of that furniture can embark on its grand adventure, each and every piece deserves a nice spa day. But this isn’t just about them sitting pretty at the new home. Dirt can lead to mold, stains, scratches, and even unwanted pests tagging along for the ride. Here’s how to conduct this royal treatment depending on the material:
| Material | How to Clean |
|---|---|
| Wood | Dust thoroughly, then use a wood cleaner or mild soap solution and wipe dry with a soft cloth |
| Upholstery | Vacuum thoroughly, spot clean with fabric cleaner and let it dry completely |
| Leather | Wipe down with a damp cloth, use a leather cleaner, and condition the leather to prevent cracking |
| Metal | Dust and wipe down with a damp cloth, using specialized cleaner for any stubborn spots |
| Glass | Clean with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks |
Take Apart Every Piece That Can Be Disassembled
Moving furniture in its entirety can be like trying to maneuver a giant Jenga tower – one wrong move, and it’s game over. Disassembling furniture beforehand helps to prevent damage, makes it easier to handle, and saves space. Plus, it reduces the risk of scratching walls, floors, and your sanity.
As you work on this task with a manual by your side, make sure to keep all screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled bags. Taking photos throughout the process can be a great visual guide when you need to put everything back together. That way, you’ll give yourself a puzzle to solve at the new place, only it will be much more organized – sounds fun, right?
The Best Way to Wrap Furniture for Moving Starts With the Right Supplies
Obviously, you can’t pack furniture with nothing but hope and a prayer – that’s a recipe for disaster! That’s why gathering the right packing materials should be at the top of your to-do list. Here’s the ultimate checklist of everything you’ll need:
- Bubble wrap,
- Packing paper,
- Furniture blankets,
- Furniture sliders,
- Packing tape,
- Stretch wrap,
- Plastic covers,
- Corrugated cardboard sheets.
Different Items Require Different Materials and Strategies
Not all pieces are created equal, and neither are their wrapping needs. Your grandma’s antique dresser and your sleek, modern coffee table require different levels of TLC. That’s why you should not only use various materials but also customize your strategy to fit each item’s unique needs. A couple of savvy relocation hacks here and there can go a long way!
Here’s a Quick Guide on How to Handle Different Pieces of Furniture
Now that we’ve got the key preparations out of the way, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get down to the real deal. From couches to coffee tables, here’s the ultimate guide to wrapping furniture pieces like a pro:
Protecting the Sturdy Wooden Classics
Wooden pieces, like the dining table or antique dresser, need careful handling to avoid scratches and dings. Once the cleaning is done, wrap each piece in bubble wrap for cushioning. Then, cover it with a furniture blanket for additional protection. You can also use corrugated cardboard sheets around the edges to prevent damage during transport.
Cushioning Upholstered Furniture and Keeping It Cozy
For your beloved sofa and armchairs, it’s best to use plastic covers to protect against dust and moisture. Wrap the entire piece in furniture blankets to shield against scratches and tears, securing everything with stretch wrapping. This keeps the fabric snug and prevents dirt from getting in. For added protection, place bubble wrap around the arms and legs.
Preserving the Luxe Look of Leather Pieces
Leather pieces need special care to avoid cracking and scratching. As we’ve already mentioned, wipe down each piece with a damp cloth and apply a leather conditioner. Cover the item with plastic wrap to keep it safe from moisture. Follow up with a layer of blankets, securing them with stretch wrap. Make sure that no part of the leather is exposed to avoid any potential damage during transit.
Guarding Metal Pieces Against Scratches and Rust
Metal pieces, such as bed frames or outdoor furniture, should be wrapped in bubble wrap to prevent scratches. For larger items, use blankets and secure them with stretch wrap. This adds a layer of protection and prevents rust caused by exposure to moisture.
Protecting Glass and Other Fragile Items
For glass-fronted cabinets, tabletops, and mirrors, wrap each piece in bubble wrap, paying extra attention to the corners and edges. Use corrugated cardboard sheets for additional protection and to prevent the glass from shifting. Cover the entire piece with a blanket and secure it with packing tape. For smaller fragile items, use crumpled paper to fill any gaps in the box, ensuring everything stays snug and secure.
You Can Always Book Services From an International Moving Company
Let’s be real – moving internationally is a Herculean task, and not just because of the furniture. There’s a good reason why so many people book professional moving services, especially when it’s such a big move. The sheer amount of work can be overwhelming, but the pros can make the relocation much easier.
Moreover, with full packing services, they can handle almost everything, significantly lightening the load on your shoulders. Sure, there are some items movers won’t move, but with this service, most stuff will be out of your hands, and they’ll even come with their own packing materials. Experienced professionals such as Schmidt International Relocations even offer custom crating to take care of those oddly shaped pieces or particularly valuable items.
From Bulky Furniture to Even Bulkier Four-Wheelers, Professionals Can Handle It All
In the grand scheme of relocating abroad, furniture isn’t the only thing that needs to make the journey. Got a car? No problem! There’s overseas vehicle shipping, helping you get your four-wheeled pride and joy across the globe with the same care and attention they give to your grandmother’s antique dresser.
With or Without Movers, Make Sure to Label Everything
When moving overseas, labeling should be your new best friend. Use a marker to label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, and make sure all of the screws and bolts are accounted for. Don’t forget to label fragile items clearly so they get the gentle handling they deserve.
You’ll be grateful for those labels once you arrive at the new home. Instead of rummaging through a mountain of boxes or trying to see through the wrappings, you’ll know exactly where everything is. It’s a simple task, but it can make a world of difference once you reach your destination.
Here Are Some Common Wrapping Mistakes You Should Steer Clear Of
Sometimes, it’s not just about what you should do, but what you should avoid. There are plenty of honest relocation mistakes one could make and quickly turn the move into a comedy of errors. Here are a couple of pointers that could make the whole ordeal much more efficient:
- Decluttering is not only for clothes, as you can donate various items to charities like Goodwill,
- Don’t use newspaper for wrapping, as the ink can transfer onto the items, leaving unwanted marks,
- Heavy boxes can break or be too difficult to carry, so make sure not to overload any,
- Don’t forget to pad furniture legs, as leaving them unprotected can get scratched or cause damage to other items,
- Don’t wrap items in plastic only, as it can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew.
This Is Not the Time to Save up on Packing Materials
Think cutting corners on supplies will save you a few bucks? Think again! This is not the time to skimp on materials. Using flimsy boxes or minimal padding can lead to costly damage. Investing in quality supplies ensures your items are well-protected and prevents the nightmare of having to replace broken pieces. Go all out – your belongings deserve it!
Wrapping up Your Way to a Successful International Move
All in all, with the right prep, your beloved items can make the journey unscathed. Think of it as sending your couch or coffee table on their very own vacation – they deserve the best treatment! Just make sure you don’t skip on the supplies and labels – your future self will thank you!
Ready to make your move even more of a breeze? Schmidt International Relocations has got your back. With expert services, custom crating, and many more possibilities, they’ll handle your belongings with care and precision, no matter the shape and size. Contact us today to ensure a smooth and stress-free move for you and your furniture!
