When you're facing a house move, one of the most important things to keep in mind is packing your belongings so they arrive in perfect condition at their new destination. No one is born knowing how to pack furniture if they haven't done it before, so we've put together a series of tips on how to pack furniture for shipping, so you can take note and get everything done perfectly.
Materials for packing furniture for your move
The first thing you need to know is the material you'll use to pack furniture for the move. Furniture packing requires the use of cardboard to wrap furniture, but also classic bubble wrap to protect fragile items, or stretch film to protect furniture surfaces and other items from scratches or dirt.
You should also use reinforced cardboard boxes in different sizes to hold various large and small belongings. You should also use packing tape to seal the boxes and prevent them from opening during transport. Equally important are protective blankets, which are placed over delicate items to further increase their safety.
Tips to prevent your furniture from being damaged during a move
To transport furniture from one city to another, it's always necessary to hire a removal service like /, thanks to the many advantages they offer. For your removals to or from Tenerife, you'll find a removal service where we guarantee maximum care and safety for all your packed belongings.
Furthermore, to prevent your furniture from being damaged during a move, it's essential to follow a series of tips that experts always recommend in these cases, such as the following:
According to the type of furniture
The most important thing is packing according to the type of furniture, since each piece of furniture has different qualities and needs different packing to help preserve it during transport. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Stretch film for armchairs and sofas
For armchairs, sofas and chairs, stretch film is always the most recommended option to protect them during the journey. For mattresses, on the other hand, it's best to use plastic covers that help prevent wear and keep the mattress from snagging on other sharp objects and being irreversibly damaged.
Appliances
For appliances, it's advisable to wrap them in plastic without leaving any open gaps. It's also recommended to place pieces of cardboard on the corners to prevent them from being damaged by any impact on those more protruding areas.
Wardrobes and closets
For wardrobes and closets, experts always recommend disassembly and subsequent wrapping in plastic to make them easier to transport and take up less space.
As you can see, it's necessary to use different packing elements and materials to know how to pack furniture and personal belongings. The service of expert removal companies can be a great help, and in any case, it's advisable to pack each piece of furniture carefully to avoid irreversible damage during transport.
Frequently asked questions about furniture packing
Is it necessary to disassemble all furniture for the move?
Not all of it, but a lot: large wardrobes (especially IKEA), tables with bolted legs, bed frames, collapsible desks and tall bookcases. Small solid furniture (nightstands, stools, chairs) is usually moved assembled, with protection.
What materials are best for protecting delicate furniture?
Professional padded blankets (used by removal companies), bubble wrap for edges and corners, breathable plastic covers for sofas and mattresses (not airtight plastic, which causes condensation), rigid cardboard corner protectors, and stretch film to immobilise pieces.
How do you protect a sofa during a move?
A specific sofa cover (sold in packing shops or provided by the removal company) or stretch plastic wrap. Legs wrapped in bubble wrap. If the sofa is leather, do NOT use adhesive tape directly on the upholstery. Load it upright or however it best fits in the truck.
What do I do with the screws and fittings when disassembling?
A clear zip-loc bag per piece of furniture with: numbered or labelled screws + a photo of the original assembly + instructions if you have them. Attach the bag to the furniture itself with painter's tape (it doesn't damage surfaces). This minimises assembly time at the destination.
Is my furniture insured during the move?
Yes, the removal company's basic public liability insurance covers accidental damage. For high-value furniture (over €3,000 per piece, antiques, signed design pieces): take out declared-value insurance (1-2% of value). More on assembly and disassembly: how to choose a professional company.