The Best Way to Pack Large Furniture For a Move

When it comes to packing your home, the bigger the piece, the more complicated it can seem to get it safely from point A to point B. Large furniture takes up more room in moving trucks, it’s heavier to carry, and it can be cumbersome to protect since it can’t be easily wrapped in bubble tape and tucked into a box. Following a few common rules, however, can make it easier to pack large furniture for a move.

• Break it down. Though it might seem like a daunting task, taking furniture apart is one of the best ways to transport it. For one, the pieces will be lighter and more manageable to move. Plus, they’ll be easier to wrap up and fit into tight spaces in your moving truck. Furniture like dining room tables, beds, and shelving is often fairly straightforward to take apart and can usually be done with a few twists of a screwdriver. For upholstery like couches and chairs, remove the cushions and wrap them up separately.
• Remove hardware. As a general rule, it’s best to keep all surfaces as flat as possible. Remove any large knobs, finials, and feet that can easily snag or break off during a move. (Pro tip: To prevent important hardware from getting lost, place it into a plastic bag labeled with the name of the piece, then pack all hardware bags together in a single box.)
• Don’t skimp on the bubble wrap. Bubble wrap serves a twofold purpose when it comes to packing large furniture: it protects the piece itself, and it also protects the items around it when it’s packed into the moving truck. Use bubble wrap liberally on case goods, wood and metal tables, and anything that is prone to scratching or breaking.
• Improvise. While you can purchase specialized covers designed to protect upholstery items during a move, old sheets, tablecloths and other linens work just as well. Hold the sheets in place with packing tape. If the cushions come off of your sofa or chairs, store them individually in large plastic trash bags — they’re waterproof and can turn sofa cushions into padding between fragile items on the moving truck.
• Let the moving company handle the rest. Your moving company will have lots of experience when it comes to the best way to arrange your items on the truck to ensure safe transport. However, if you have any concerns about a specific item or something especially fragile, let them know up front.