Moving can be a time full of excitement, and it can also be full of challenges, especially when it comes time to pack and transport your furniture. Furniture is expensive, so naturally, you want to protect your investments. This is why a portable storage container is perfect for moving furniture to your new home.
Packing furniture in a storage container for a move requires planning and attention to detail, but ensuring your belongings arrive at your new home intact is essential. Following the proper steps can protect your furniture from damage and make the moving process less stressful. Before closing and sealing the storage container for transport, double-check that all your belongings are adequately secured, labelled, and organized.
Above all, patience and organization are essential to successfully packing and transporting your furniture to your new destination. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on properly packing your furniture in your storage container, whether you’re moving across town or the country.
1. Plan Ahead
Before you start packing, evaluate the size and type of furniture you have. Decide which pieces you’ll take and which you want to sell or donate. Create a detailed inventory list to keep track of each item and its condition.
Measure doorways and hallways in your new home to ensure your items fit through so you can avoid last-minute struggles. Plan the layout of your new space to know where each piece will go. This foresight streamlines the moving process and will reduce stress on moving days.
2. Disassemble When Possible
Take apart larger furniture like beds, tables, and shelves to make them more manageable and prevent damage. Keep all nuts, bolts, and small parts in clearly labelled bags. This disassembly saves space in the storage container and reduces the risk of breakage.
Taking photos as you disassemble can be helpful when it’s time to reassemble your furniture. Taking the time to disassemble furniture methodically ensures a more efficient move while safeguarding your belongings and making the reassembly process at your new destination a breeze.
3. Box Small Parts
Place screws, bolts, and other small components in labelled resealable bags. Tape these bags securely to the corresponding furniture piece or keep them in a designated box. Use bubble wrap or small bags to protect fragile parts like knobs or handles. For added security, consider putting all small bags in a larger container.
4. Secure Drawers and Doors
Securing doors and drawers will help prevent damage and accidents when moving your furniture. Use strong packing tape to secure doors, keeping them from swinging open during transit. Plastic wrap can keep drawers closed and prevent them from sliding out.
You may even want to remove doors and drawers and pack them separately, as this reduces stress on hinges and slides. Taking these precautions ensures that your furniture arrives at its destination intact, minimizing the risk of scratches, dings, or mishaps.
5. Wrap and Secure
Proper wrapping and securing are crucial to prevent damage when preparing your furniture for a move. Wrap each piece in packing paper or bubble wrap. Secure with packing tape, but avoid applying the tape directly to the furniture’s surface so that removing the adhesive won’t damage the finish.
Cover upholstered items like sofas or mattresses in plastic stretch wrap to shield them from dirt and moisture. Use corner protectors or cut pieces of cardboard to protect the corners of tables, cabinets, and dressers from bumps and impacts. Wrap furniture legs with bubble wrap or padding and secure with tape. For chairs, consider inverting them and stacking them to save space. Finally, use sturdy packing materials and straps or ropes to prevent shifting during transit.
6. Secure Fragile Glass
You’ll want to safeguard any fragile glass during your move. Remove detachable glass components, such as shelves or tabletops, from your furniture. Wrap these items in bubble wrap and secure them with tape. For larger glass surfaces like mirrors, apply painter’s tape in an “X” pattern to reinforce the glass and reduce shattering.
Utilize specialized glass pack boxes or create a custom cushioning layer using blankets and cardboard. Clearly label the package as “fragile.” If possible, transport glass items in an upright position to minimize pressure.
7. Load Strategically
You’ll want to be systematic when loading your packed furniture into the storage container. Place larger, heavier items at the container’s bottom and aim to distribute the weight evenly. Utilize any vertical space by standing up items like sofas and mattresses.
Fill gaps with smaller items and cushions to prevent movement but avoid overpacking the container. Try to keep a clear pathway in the centre of the container for easy access when unloading. Don’t forget the furniture straps to secure items in place.
