Moving to a new home is exciting and stressful all at once. There’s so much to plan (let alone think about), but one of the things that should be on the top of your mind is moving floor protection. Scratches, dents, and damage can easily occur if the proper steps are not taken. And let’s be honest, the last thing you want is for the new homeowners (or your landlord) to vocalize complaints about the condition you left the home in.
Worry not! We’ll give you a rundown of the most important tips to remember on the big moving day. A word of advice: read through these before the move so you have all the supplies and materials you need throughout the process.
Floor Protection Options During a Move
Protecting your floors during a move is not an option; it’s a necessity. Floors, regardless of their type, are susceptible to damage during a move (especially when you’re dragging or scooting hefty couches over them). The end result could be anything from dents and scrapes to dirt and scuffs caused by heavy furniture, appliances, and foot traffic.
There are an array of products to shield your floors from potential harm, including red rosin paper, carpet film, builder’s paper, X-Board, protective mats, and ram board.
For Hardwood Floors: Use Red Rosin Paper
When it comes to hardwood floors, even the smallest scratch can be a heartbreaker.
With red rosin paper and builder’s paper, you can keep your hardwood floors safe and unscathed.
One of the most popular red rosin paper options is the Uline Red Rosin Paper. This lightweight paper is non-adhesive, easy to clean up, and can even be used on future painting and home repair projects. It costs about $7.95 a roll, and you’ll want to buy a little extra than you think you need.
Trimaco Builders Paper is about $14 a roll for 140 ft. Pro tip: If you have leftover builders’ paper, you can use it as a weed barrier in the garden.
For Carpeted Floors: Use Carpet Film
Carpeted floors typically require a covering like carpet film. Carpet film is an excellent material for covering carpets during a move.
This is an adhesive product that easily sticks to the surface. Another effective option is carpet masks. Their self-adhesive, non-slip surfaces and ease of installation provide reliable protection for your carpets.
Pro tip: Place strips of old carpets over the current carpeting for an added layer of protection during a move.
For Tile/Vinyl Floors: Use Self Adhesive Floor Runners
Tile and vinyl floors also need their share of attention during a move. Using self-adhesive floor runners is essential for protecting these surfaces, especially in high-traffic areas. These runners provide a shield against the wear and tear of moving, ensuring your tile and vinyl floors stay in top-notch condition.
A roll of Uline Hard Surface Protection Tape is about $126, but it is 500 feet long. This product won’t leave residue behind, and you don’t always need to cover the entire surface; sometimes, a pathway is enough.
Lifting vs. Dragging Furniture (And Other Floor Protection Tips)
Here’s a golden rule for moving: always lift furniture, never drag.
Lifting helps prevent damage to furniture and flooring. Just be sure to move at a pace that allows for careful handling and lifting of furniture.
Tip #1: Utilize Furniture Sliders
If lifting your 900-lb sectional is out of the question, furniture sliders are strongly recommended to safeguard against floor damage. The Magic Sliders brand is well known for being durable enough to hold up to a big move. These come in all different sizes. Plus, you can reuse them when you move into your new home or complete renovation projects down the road that require furniture moving.
Furniture sliders allow heavy items like couches to glide effortlessly across the floor without causing damage. Just remember to position the sliders under all primary points of contact on the furniture.
Tip #2: Disassemble Bulky Furniture
By breaking down your bulky furniture into smaller, manageable components, you can simplify the moving process and reduce the risk of damage to both the furniture and flooring.
Start by removing smaller components like legs, shelves, or drawers. Once disassembled, wrap larger furniture sections in blankets or bubble wrap for safe transit. When you get to your new home, you can minimize risks by swiftly carrying in these smaller, more manageable pieces (without the furniture ever touching your hardwood floors).
Tip #3: Pay Extra Attention to High Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas need special attention during a move. Use protective coverings like padded floor runners or stair runners with a non-slip surface and adhesive backing. Also, don’t forget to place a large, heavy-duty mat at the front door, especially when it’s raining or snowing. It’s a simple way to protect your floors from wet, dirty shoes. In addition, you’ll eliminate some of the debris that gets tracked through the house.
Tip #4: Create Clear Pathways
When it comes to moving, every inch of space counts. Planning your movement path in advance is crucial to avoid floor damage.
Your pathways need to be wide enough for furniture and people to move freely without hitting walls or other obstacles.
Consider your furniture arrangement carefully and the order in which you bring furniture into the house to avoid obstructing movement paths.
Tip #5: Protect Stairs
Stairs can be tricky during a move. They’re prone to damage, and a slip on the stairs can lead to injuries and broken items. To protect your stairs, use carpet film and red rosin paper.
Polyurethane-coated red rosin paper is a popular choice because it is resilient to dirt and moisture and highly resistant to tearing.
Additional Tips to Protect Floors During A Move
Hard surfaces like wood and tile can easily be damaged during a move. These damages lead to additional costs and a lot of frustration. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind so that everything is protected.
- Use moving blankets to wrap furniture and help protect floors from scratches and dents
- Bubble wrap can cushion fragile items and also prevent them from scratching floors.
- Packing tape can be used to secure moving blankets and bubble wrap in place.
- Have movers wear shoe protection on their shoes.
- Consider extra protection at the entryway, as it will experience quite a bit of action.
- Measure and plan ahead and make a sketch of the home so you are prepared for the move
- Hire professional movers, especially if managing a move and transporting heavy furniture is too risky for you.
Summary
While in the process of your move, if you find yourself needing more space, rent a storage unit near your new home. If you’re worried about the additional monthly costs, take a look at Neighbor – the cheaper, closer, safer storage marketplace. You’ll find self-storage spaces in all 50 states at the best prices. Store your things with a trusted neighbor in your own neighborhood to make your next move that much easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Hardwood From Movers?
You can protect hardwood floors from movers by covering them with cardboard, red rosin paper, or Ram board, using doormats, rugs, and runners, and using furniture sliders.
How Do You Protect the Carpet When Moving?
To protect your carpeted floors during a move, consider using carpet film, masks, or strips of old carpet.
What Is the Best Floor Protection for Movers?
The best floor protection for movers is heavy-duty adhesive floor protection film, which provides a durable barrier against scratches, scuffs, and dirt while being easy to apply and remove without leaving residue.
