Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can quickly turn stressful if your current or future home ends up with scratches, dents, or chipped paint. Heavy furniture, sharp edges, and rushed movers are often the culprits behind damaged walls and floors. The repair costs can be high, not to mention the frustration of starting fresh in a home that already feels worn out. Many families work with a Flyttfirma Lund to make the process safer and smoother, but even if you’re moving on your own, there are strategies to protect your property during a move.
The good news is that you don’t need professional training to prevent these damages. With the right tools, planning, and handling techniques, you can safeguard your home and belongings. Whether you’re relocating locally or across the country, protecting your home’s structure should be a top priority to avoid unnecessary expenses later.
Some homeowners even rely on licensed and insured movers because they provide expertise in handling heavy or delicate items without causing damage. But if you’re taking the do-it-yourself route, knowing how to prepare your space and equipment makes all the difference.
Why Protecting Floors and Walls During a Move Is Essential
Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand why this is such a common problem:
- Hardwood floors are prone to scratches from dragged furniture.
- Carpets can get ripped or stained during the moving process.
- Walls can easily get scuffed by boxes, sharp furniture corners, or door frames.
- Doorways and hallways often suffer dents when oversized items don’t fit smoothly.
Fixing these damages after a move can be costly and time-consuming. By investing in preventive measures, you save both money and stress.
Step 1: Prepare Your Home in Advance
Preparation is key when trying to protect your home. A few simple actions before moving day can prevent the majority of damage:
- Measure doors and hallways to ensure furniture fits.
- Disassemble bulky furniture (like bed frames, tables, or shelves).
- Clear pathways by removing rugs, clutter, and fragile decorations.
- Protect sharp corners with padding or foam guards.
This step creates a safe and smooth moving environment, reducing the chance of accidents.
Step 2: Use Protective Materials
Investing in the right materials helps shield your floors and walls:
- Furniture blankets: Wrap large items to cushion walls and doorways.
- Floor runners: Protect hardwood or tile from scratches.
- Cardboard sheets: Place them under furniture or in narrow hallways.
- Corner protectors: Prevent dents and scratches on wall edges.
- Plastic film: Cover carpets to prevent dirt and stains.
These protective layers act as a barrier between your home and the moving hazards.
Step 3: Handle Heavy Furniture Carefully
Furniture is often the main culprit behind damage. To move it safely:
- Lift, don’t drag: Dragging scratches floors, while lifting avoids this entirely.
- Use sliders: Place furniture sliders under heavy items to glide them smoothly.
- Use dollies: Both appliance and furniture dollies prevent weight from pressing on floors.
- Work in teams: Two or more people carrying items lowers the risk of losing balance and hitting walls.
Taking the extra time to move furniture correctly saves you from costly repairs later.
Step 4: Protect Doorways, Stairs, and Hallways
These are the trickiest areas during a move. To protect them:
- Cover doorframes with padding or blankets.
- Use painter’s tape to secure cardboard around narrow corners.
- Wrap banisters in blankets or bubble wrap if moving furniture upstairs.
- Assign one person to guide movers through tight spaces.
By protecting these high-risk areas, you drastically reduce chances of chips and dents.
Step 5: Move Appliances With Extra Care
Appliances are especially heavy and awkward, often leading to floor scratches or wall dents. Here’s how to handle them:
- Use an appliance dolly for large items like fridges or washing machines.
- Secure cords and hoses with tape to prevent tripping.
- Cover the appliance in blankets before moving.
- Always move appliances upright when possible.
Treating these items with care not only protects your home but also ensures your appliances stay in working condition.
Step 6: Protect Floors From Dirt and Moisture
Beyond scratches and dents, dirt and moisture are another moving-day problem. To minimize damage:
- Lay down doormats or rugs at entry points.
- Use waterproof floor coverings if it’s raining.
- Ask movers or helpers to wear shoe covers.
- Assign someone to clean as the move progresses.
This keeps your floors spotless while reducing the need for deep cleaning afterward.
Step 7: Rely on Professional Help When Needed
Sometimes, the safest option is to hire professionals. A residential moving company with experience will have the right tools, protective gear, and strategies to move items without damaging your home. They also take on liability, meaning you won’t have to pay for accidents out of your pocket.
Hiring movers is especially useful when dealing with:
- Oversized furniture
- Antique or fragile items
- Multi-story homes
- Tight staircases or hallways
It may be an extra investment upfront, but it saves money in the long run.
Common Mistakes That Cause Damage
To ensure your move goes smoothly, avoid these frequent errors:
- Rushing through the process instead of planning carefully.
- Forgetting to measure furniture and doorways beforehand.
- Dragging heavy items across hardwood or tile floors.
- Stacking boxes too high, causing them to topple into walls.
- Using improper equipment like thin blankets or weak tape.
By steering clear of these mistakes, you can move more efficiently and safely.
Step 8: After the Move – Quick Inspections
Once the move is complete, do a quick inspection of both homes (old and new):
- Look for scratches, dents, or scuffs.
- Repair minor issues immediately to prevent them from worsening.
- Keep receipts or proof if movers caused the damage.
This ensures you leave your old home in good condition and settle into your new one without surprises.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your floors and walls during a move doesn’t require complicated strategies — just smart planning and the right tools. By preparing pathways, using protective materials, handling furniture carefully, and considering professional movers, you can avoid unnecessary repairs and keep both your old and new homes in excellent condition.
Families who trust Flyttfirma Lund often find their moving experience far smoother, while others rely on licensed and insured movers for peace of mind. Whichever method you choose, taking precautions ensures that you start your new chapter in a home that looks just as good as the day you arrived.
