Moving can be stressful, and the last thing you want is to add floor damage to your worries. Heavy furniture, boxes, and heavy foot traffic can leave scratches, dents, or stains on your floors if not properly managed. In this guide, we’ll show you how to protect your floors during a move, using tips we’ve gathered over 10 years in the industry.
What Can Damage Your Floor During a Move?
Understanding potential threats to your flooring is the first step toward protecting it. Here are the most common culprits:
- Heavy furniture: Dragging or dropping heavy items can cause dents or scratches.
- Dirty shoes: Dirt, gravel, or water brought in from outside can stain carpets and scratch hard surfaces.
- Moving tools: Dollies and sliders, while helpful, can leave marks if used improperly.
- Frequent foot traffic: High-traffic areas are prone to wear, especially if floors are unprotected.
- Accidental spills: Liquids can seep into carpets or damage wood and laminate floors.
Tips for Protecting Any Floor Type
1. Start With a Plan
Before moving, take inventory of your belongings and map out a strategy. Decide which items to move first and determine the best pathways to minimize traffic and protect high-risk areas.
2. Take Measurements
Measure large furniture and appliances to ensure they’ll fit through doors and hallways. This step helps avoid tight squeezes that could scratch floors or walls.
3. Always Clean Your Floors First
Dust and debris can act like sandpaper under moving equipment or shoes. Vacuum and mop all floors thoroughly before you start the move.
4. Don’t Forget to Cover the Stairs
Stairs often endure the most wear and tear during a move. Protect them by using rosin paper, cardboard, or specially designed stair covers.
5. Use a Doormat
Place doormats or rugs at all entry points to reduce dirt and debris tracked inside. Encourage everyone involved to wipe their shoes before entering.
6. Use Tape for Cardboard or Paper
Secure protective materials like cardboard or paper with tape to prevent them from shifting during the move. Painter’s tape is ideal because it won’t leave residue on your floors.
7. Split Your Moving Team Into Inside and Outside Groups
Assign specific tasks to team members. Those working outside should handle loading and unloading, while others focus on moving items inside. This reduces foot traffic and keeps dirt outside.
8. Use a Dolly
A dolly can help transport heavy items more easily, but it’s essential to use one with rubber wheels to avoid damaging your floors. For added protection, place a layer of cardboard under the wheels.
9. Wrap Furniture Legs and Sharp Edges
Wrap the legs of furniture and any sharp edges with blankets, foam padding, or bubble wrap. This prevents them from scratching floors if they shift or bump into something.
10. Provide Disposable Shoe Covers
Disposable shoe covers are an affordable way to protect your floors from dirt and moisture. Hand them out to everyone involved in the move.
11. Utilize Your Rugs
If you have rugs or mats you’re not packing, use them to protect your floors. Lay them in high-traffic areas or under heavy furniture for added cushioning.
Protecting Hard Surfaces When Moving
Hardwood, laminate, and tile floors are particularly vulnerable to scratches and dents. Here are the best ways to safeguard these surfaces.
1. Buy Ram Board
Ram Board is a heavy-duty floor protector often used by contractors. It’s easy to install, durable, and eco-friendly, making it a great choice for covering large areas.
2. Use Furniture Sliders
Furniture sliders are small, cushioned pads that attach to the bottom of furniture legs. They make it easy to move heavy items without scratching your floors.
3. Rosin Paper
Rosin paper is a cost-effective solution for protecting hard floors. Simply roll it out over your flooring and secure it with tape.
4. Floor Shield
Floor Shield is a peel-and-stick product designed to shield your floors from scratches and spills. It’s ideal for hardwood or laminate surfaces.
5. Builder’s Paper or X-Board
Both builder’s paper and X-Board are sturdy, affordable options for covering floors. These materials are especially useful for high-traffic areas during a move.
Protecting Carpets When Moving
Carpets require a different approach to prevent stains, tears, and matting. Here’s how to keep your carpets safe:
2. Sheets
If you’re on a budget, old sheets or blankets can serve as makeshift carpet protectors. Lay them over your carpet to shield it from dirt and wear.
1. Carpet Masking Film
Carpet masking film is a plastic adhesive that sticks directly to your carpet to protect it from dirt and spills. It’s easy to apply and remove without leaving residue.
Conclusion
Protecting your floors during a move doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips and using the right materials, you can minimize the risk of damage and make your move smoother. Whether you’re dealing with hardwood, tile, or carpet, preparation and care will go a long way in preserving your home’s flooring.
FAQs About Protecting Floors When Moving
How do I prepare furniture to move across the floor?
Wrap the legs and corners of your furniture with blankets, bubble wrap, or foam padding to prevent scratches. Use furniture sliders to make moving heavy items easier and safer for your floors.
Can I slide furniture across the floors in my home?
Sliding furniture without protection can damage your floors. Always use sliders, towels, or cardboard to minimize friction and protect the surface.
Can I reuse materials like blankets and towels for floor protection?
Yes! Old blankets, towels, and rugs are excellent for covering floors or wrapping furniture legs. Reusing these items is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to protect your floors.
Planning to Move Soon? Call the Pros
As one of Montreal’s top movers, we know a thing or three about moving and can handle any type of move quickly. No staircase is too steep, no box is too heavy, and no weather is too harsh!
Our team, techniques, and well-equipped moving trucks are all in the best possible shape to handle both residential and commercial moves of any size. We can also take care of packing and unpacking after the move.
Submit the form or call us at +1 (514) 418-4466 directly for a free quote. Good luck with your upcoming move, and stay tuned for more moving tips.
About Author
Pavel
Owner/Founder – STC Movers
I’m Pavel, and I run this company, with the unwavering support of my wife and kids. My team shares my values: we work hard, care about the outcome and want every single customer to feel good about doing business with us.