Gearing up for a move? We’ve got some expert tips to share on how to safeguard your surfaces like a pro. Trust us, it’s important to take these steps to keep your floors, walls, countertops, and other surfaces free from damage, both in your old space and your new one.
1. Use Moving Floor Protection
This first step is a no-brainer. To protect your surfaces and floors during a move, use surface protectors. This handy solution ensures that your furniture, appliances, and other items are transported safely without compromising the integrity of your floors, walls, and countertops.
- Hard surfaces: When preparing for a move, protect your hard floors with Ram Board. This durable hardwood floor protector is tough enough to endure heavy foot traffic and unexpected impacts. Ram Board should be installed in any pathway that will be used during the moving process.
- Carpeted Surfaces: To reduce the risk of damaging carpeted floors, install protective carpet film. Carpet film protects against dirt and dust from foot traffic, resists tears and punctures, and can be left on carpets for up to 30 days— plenty of time for a move!
2. Clear pathways
Before you start moving any furniture, make sure to create a clear and safe pathway. Avoid tripping over rogue furniture or boxes and damaging your belongings or, more importantly, yourself.
3. Move furniture properly
Knowing how to move furniture properly is critical when it comes to protecting both you and your surfaces during a move. Mishandling or dragging heavy items can cause significant damage to floors, walls, and furniture itself. Remember: lift, don’t drag your furniture.
If the furniture is too heavy, save your back. Consider using furniture sliders to easily glide furniture in and out of your space. You can use either hard surface or carpet furniture sliders depending on the surface. If this isn’t an option, or your furniture is too large to fit through your clear pathway, go ahead and disassemble it before moving.
4. Protect high traffic areas
During a move, some areas in your home experience higher foot traffic than others. These high traffic zones, like hallways, entryways, and staircases, are more susceptible to wear and tear. Using protective materials for the following areas can prevent damage before it ruins your move.
- Door Jambs: You wouldn’t believe how many door jambs we’ve seen damaged during a move. Protecting this surface is easy. Designed with heavy– duty paperboard, door jamb protectors can easily slip onto your door frame. The thick material protects your frame from dings, dents, and scratches.
- Corners: Corners are notorious for taking a beating during a move. One wrong turn and a chunk of drywall goes missing. Install temporary corner guards in high traffic areas to protect your corners.
- Stairs: If your space has stairs, they are susceptible to wear and tear during the move. For hard surfaces, give Ram Board’s Stair Armor a try. If your stairs are carpeted, we recommend installing a protective film covering to keep them looking their best.
5. When in doubt, hire professional movers
Let’s face it, moving is no easy task. If you feel like you are in over your head, consider calling in the pros. Professional movers are experienced in handling delicate items and bulky furniture while protecting surfaces. They have the know-how and equipment to make sure your floors are well-protected during the move.
Move with Confidence
Protecting your surfaces during a move is an essential step you should take to preserve their condition and minimize the risk of costly repairs. Although it may take a bit more time and planning, it’ll be well worth it in the long run. For a successful move, follow these tips, and explore Ram Board’s full line of surface protection products to help you on your next project.