How to Pack Furniture For Moving

Co-authored by Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®

Last Updated: February 19, 2023 References

Moving can be exciting, but it can also feel like an overwhelming amount of work. Packing your furniture is one of the biggest components of any move. If you gather the right materials and wrap your pieces carefully, you can make sure they survive the move in great shape. Just make sure to break down larger items before packing, if possible. You'll also want to take extra care with fragile items by using extra layers of protection.

Part 1

Part 1 of 5:

Making a Plan and Gathering Your Supplies

1
Decide which pieces of furniture to take apart. Moving can be difficult, especially if you have a lot of large pieces of furniture. If possible, you'll want to disassemble items that will not fit through doorways or down a narrow staircase. You should also think about taking apart fragile items or highly valuable items, as they can be easier to move in pieces. A list of items you want to disassemble might include:^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Beds
- Armoires or wall cabinets
- Tables
- Desks
2
Take pictures of each piece of furniture that you want to disassemble. Don't forget, you'll need to put the pieces of furniture back together again. It is a good idea to take pictures of the disassembling process so that you can have a visual reminder of what things are supposed to look like.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Take multiple pictures to record each step of the process. You can reference the pictures when you put the piece back together again.
Advertisement
3
Purchase packing supplies. Furniture should generally not be placed in a truck without wrapping it in some sort of protective material. After you've completed your inventory, consider what you'll need to move each piece of furniture. For example, items like couches will generally be wrapped in blankets and tape. Something like a lamp might be wrapped in bubble wrap. You can purchase supplies at your local hardware store or online. Potential supplies include:^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Sofa/mattress covers or blankets
- Bubble wrap
- Plastic wrap
- Packing/sealing tape

Part 2

Part 2 of 5:

Disassembling Large Items

1
Remove the cushions and take apart the sofa by uncovering the frame. Start by removing all of the cushions and turning the sofa onto its back. Unscrew the legs and place those and the cushions aside to move separately. Use a Flathead screwdriver and pliers to remove the staples that secure the covering to the bottom of the sofa.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Roll the upholstery far enough up that you can see the frame of the sofa and the fasteners that hold the arms to the base.
- Loosen the bolts or screws that secure the arms with an Allen wrench or a screwdriver. Roll up the upholstery far enough so that you can remove the arms.
- Look for the bolts that hold the seat and back of the sofa together. Remove the bolts and separate the pieces of the frame, just as you did with the arms.
- Take careful notes so that you remember how to reassemble the sofa.
- Only undo as much upholstery as is necessary. Follow these same steps to take apart an easy chair.
2
Remove the seat back and wheels to break down a desk chair. Desk chairs can be broken down easily for a move. Turn the knob on the bottom of the seat to the left until it is loose enough to remove. Remove the seat from the bottom of the chair. Push the lever that lowers the seat. Lower it as far as it will go to make the base as small as possible for moving. ^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you pull on the wheels, they should easily pop off. Store them in a separate bag for moving.
- All chairs are different. If yours is more complex, follow the instructions that came with the chair. If you no longer have them, check the manufacturer's website for detailed instructions for your specific model.
3
Unscrew table legs to disassemble a table. For small tables, place them on a surface like a counter or a workbench so that you can see underneath. For larger tables, you will likely need to get underneath the table for a good vantage point. Each leg will be held in place with hardware called a leg assembly. Locate each leg assembly and use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the bolts from each leg assembly. Once the screws are out, remove the braces from the legs.
- You may also need to unscrew the legs from the table. Gently twist them to the left until they come loose easily.
- Pack the braces and screws separately in a clearly labeled bag.
4
Remove the headboard and footboard to begin taking apart your bed. Strip your bed of all bedding and pillows. Remove your mattress and box spring from the frame and place them to the side. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the headboard and foot-board from the mainframe of the bed.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If your bed frame has slats, unscrew each slat and remove them from the frame.
5
Remove knobs and other removable pieces from dressers and desks. If your dresser or desk has knobs, remove them by twisting them to the left until they come off. You will also want to take off any removable parts on any other items. For example, if you have a kitchen cart, remove the wheels and any handles that stick out.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you're moving somewhere locally, you can keep non-fragile items in your drawers. You may have to stuff the drawer with packing paper so things don't shift around.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
  Professional Move Manager
  Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.}

Part 3

Part 3 of 5:

Wrapping Your Furniture

1
Cover furniture with blankets or furniture pads. To best protect your furniture, wrap it carefully with pads or blankets.^{[9]
X
Expert Source

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Professional Move Manager
Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.} You can use old blankets that you already have or you can purchase or rent some moving specific blankets from a moving supply company. Start at one end and wrap around the entire circumference of the piece. Make sure to also cover the top and bottom of the item. Pretend like you are wrapping a present and make sure to cover everything.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- For larger pieces, you will need multiple blankets or pads.
2
Wrap table and chair legs with blankets or pads. It's best if you can remove the legs before packing. If they are not removable, make sure that they are wrapped very carefully. Tightly secure the material by going around each individual leg with the padding and the plastic wrap. You want to be able to see a distinct outline of each table leg.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Secure covers with plastic wrap.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Professional Move Manager
Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.} Take hold of the roll of plastic wrap and begin winding it around the piece of furniture. For a sofa, for example, you would start at one arm and go all the way around the sofa with the wrap until you reach your starting point. Wrap each piece of furniture in plastic wrap to keep the blankets or pads from shifting during the move.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- For long-distance moves, the plastic wrap will also keep dirt from getting to your furniture.
4
Place pieces of cardboard on the corners of desks and dressers and on glass tops of tables. After the furniture is wrapped, add cardboard to the corners of large items. To protect pieces such as dressers, place several inches of cardboard under the bottom of the furniture. Bring the rest of the cardboard up so that it covers the base of the item. Bend the cardboard to cover the corners of the furniture. Secure with packing tape.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You can do this for pieces of wood furniture, such as a dresser or desk, to keep the corners from getting damaged in the move.
- Place a piece of strong cardboard over glass tabletops. Secure with packing tape.
5
Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap. You might want an extra layer of protection for certain items. If you are particularly worried about scratches or other damage to a piece of wooden furniture, add a layer of bubble wrap on top of the plastic wrap. Take a roll of bubble wrap and wrap it around the entire piece of furniture, securing with tape.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Part 4

Part 4 of 5:

Dealing with Small or Fragile Items

1
Wrap your mirrors using tape and cardboard. Use masking tape to create several X shapes on the front of each of your mirrors. This will keep the glass from shattering if you accidentally bump or drop the mirror. Cut small pieces of cardboard to place over the edges of each corner. Secure the cardboard with tape.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Next, cut two pieces of cardboard to cover the front and back of your mirror. Wrap an old sheet around the mirror, then cover with the cardboard pieces and secure with packing tape. You can also use bubble wrap to create this protective layer.
- You can also cut two pieces of Styrofoam to fit on the front and back of each mirror for an extra layer of protection. Secure with packing tape.
- If your mirror is small enough to fit in a box, place extra padding in the box. You can use old sheets or towels or more bubble wrap.
2
Pack your television by covering it with a cloth and securing with plastic wrap. Cover your television with an old blanket or cover. Take two Styrofoam blocks and cut a piece the width of your TV screen out of each. Place the blocks over the blanket or TV cover and secure by wrapping plastic wrap around the screen.
- Make sure to tape all cords to the base of the TV so they don't get in the way.
3
Wrap your lamp in the newspaper. Remove the light bulb and lampshade from the base of the lamp and set aside. Wrap the cord around the base of the lamp and secure it with tape. Wrap the base of the lamp in newsprint and secure it with tape. ^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Place the lamp in a box and place crumpled newsprint around the sides.
- To pack the lampshade, line the sides of a box with newsprint and place the shade in the box. Place crumpled newsprint under the shade to help it retain its shape.
4
Wrap bar stools in bubble tape. Bar stools are generally pretty hard to take apart, so your best bet is to make sure they're protected for the move. Wrap the legs in bubble wrap and secure with packing tape. Cover fabric seats with plastic wrap to protect them.
- If your stools have removable cushions, remove them from the stools and pack them separately.
5
Pack a baker's rack by covering it with blankets or pads. Before packing, empty your baker's rack. Move items such as dishes, food, and cookbooks separately. Wrap the empty rack in a blanket or pad and secure it with plastic wrap. Secure any doors with zip ties or rope.
6
Cover filing cabinets with blankets. Empty your filing cabinets and pack the contents in a box. Make sure to keep important papers such as birth certificates and other legal documents with you during the move. After the drawers are empty, lock them to keep them from sliding. Cover the cabinet with a moving blanket or pad and secure with plastic wrap.

Part 5

Part 5 of 5:

Loading the Moving Truck

1
Distribute weight evenly to make driving easier.^{[18]
X
Expert Source

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Professional Move Manager
Expert Interview. 14 January 2020.} If you load all of the heavy items on one side of the truck, it could make it difficult to steer the truck. Aim to spread the weight of your belongings evenly throughout the truck.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Place the heaviest items against the walls. This will keep the middle of the space free for easier access and loading and unloading.
2
Place pictures and mirrors between mattresses or other soft items. You've already carefully packaged your pictures and mirrors, but it won't hurt to give them an extra layer of protection. Slide pictures and mirrors between 2 mattresses to give them the greatest amount of padding.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- If you don't have more than 1 mattress, you could use the same trick with sofa cushions.
3
Load couches vertically. Couches and loveseats can take up a lot of precious floor space. A great way to avoid that is to place the couch on its end (arm side) and make it vertical. This is especially helpful if you were unable to take your couch apart. ^{[21]
X
Research source}
4
Secure furniture with straps. Many rental moving trucks come with straps that you can use to tie down your belongings. When you pick up the truck, ask the agent if straps are included. Then ask for a brief demonstration of how to use them.^{[22]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you wrap furniture?

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®
Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager
Marty Stevens-Heebner is a Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Founder of Clear Home Solutions, a home organizing and senior moving management company based in southern California. Marty is the first Certified Senior Move Manager (SMM-C) in the United States and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders. She is the President-Elect and is on the board of directors of the National Association for Senior Move Managers, a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, and has been acknowledged as a Hoarding Specialist and ADHD Specialist through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization.

Marty Stevens-Heebner, SMM-C, CPO®

Certified Professional Organizer & Senior Move Manager

Expert Answer

Professional movers wrap it up almost like a present. They put moving blankets all around, they wrap up the entire piece of furniture in moving blankets, and then they use shrink wrap, basically plastic wrap, all around it to keep all of that together and keep it safe in one tight package.
Question

How do I take apart antique furniture for moving?

Community Answer

Very carefully. I've found that many of my antique pieces have limited options for taking them apart (things were made better in the old days). Whatever you do, make a good record of it by taking photos and placing any screws in a labeled plastic bag.
Question

How do I pack lamp shades?

Community Answer

Lamp shades are tricky because they're easily bent. Try putting them in the smallest cardboard box that they will fit in to prevent damaging them. If there's extra room in the box, you can use it for clothes or smaller items. But remember to label carefully so you're not at a loss when unloading.