Furniture is typically the most expensive, most delicate, and most physically demanding component of any move. A dented dining room table, a scratched heirloom dresser, or a torn leather couch can turn what was meant to be a stress-free and exciting experience into a stressful and expensive nightmare.
In a city like New Orleans, humid weather, narrow staircases, and historic architecture only add to the difficulty of the task. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent damage to your prized possessions during your relocation, ranging from basic preparations to hiring professional help.
Whether you are hiring professionals or helping out, understanding how to protect furniture can make the difference between furniture that looks brand new and furniture that looks used.
Start With an Inventory
Before anything else, compile a detailed list of all furniture that needs to be moved. In addition to noting what items need to be relocated, be sure to mark any existing scratches, dents, or other imperfections so that they can be documented.
This can be useful not only as a reference in case of a dispute but also as a guide in terms of what furniture will require additional precautions and what is more resistant and therefore less likely to be damaged.
Disassemble Anything Possible
Wherever possible, furniture should be disassembled before the moving process begins in order to reduce the likelihood of damage during transportation. In addition to making the task at hand easier, furniture that has been taken apart is much easier and less risky to navigate through staircases and other challenging obstacles that are common in older buildings throughout New Orleans.
Make sure to place all hardware in clearly marked bags that are attached to the piece of furniture they belong to in order to make the furniture reconstruction process as simple as possible.
Use the Right Materials
It is crucial to use the right materials when it comes to furniture protection, as using unsuitable materials can potentially damage the items being moved instead of protecting them.
Wrapping furniture in plastic can potentially cause irreparable damage by trapping moisture, especially in the consistently warm and occasionally humid climate of New Orleans. Wrap wood furniture in blankets instead, and use breathable covers for upholstered furniture to provide the most protection without causing damage. Similarly, corner protectors should be used for any furniture that has a vulnerable edge, such as most types of dressers or bookshelves.
Consider the Weather
High humidity in New Orleans can be more damaging to certain types of furniture than rough handling. While wood furniture tends to be fairly resilient, other furniture, such as upholstered pieces, can be permanently damaged by moisture.
If furniture has to remain outside for any length of time, it is best to avoid doing so on hot and humid days if possible.
Take Precautions to Prevent Floor Damage or Other Collateral Damage
Many people forget that other objects can also incur damage during the moving process, including things such as scratched floors and doorjambs. Using appropriate sliders for furniture, along with floor runners and other protective equipment, can prevent such collateral damage during your relocation, especially in older buildings with unique and delicate floorboards or other details that are vulnerable to damage.
Load Furniture Into the Van Correctly
Loading furniture into the van correctly is another essential step in the process of protecting furniture during a move. As a rule of thumb, heavier, more durable items should be loaded first in order to serve as placeholders for more delicate furniture. Additionally, it is essential to secure large pieces of furniture during transport, especially in New Orleans, where uneven road surfaces can potentially cause damage to unsecured furniture during transit.
Hire Professional Movers for Particularly Delicate or Heavy Items
The most important rule when it comes to protecting furniture is to know when to seek help. Heavy or particularly delicate items should be entrusted to professional movers, who have the right equipment and knowledge to ensure they are not damaged during the move. For especially valuable or delicate items such as family heirlooms or glass furniture, professional movers can often be well worth the investment.
Let Them Know What Needs Extra Care
If furniture movers in New Orleans are hired, be sure to inform them of any particularly delicate items that require extra protection. This will allow them to take extra precautions when handling such items to ensure that they are not damaged during the relocation. In many cases, it is possible to protect furniture without the aid of professional movers. However, doing so often involves additional time and expense. Understanding the proper ways to protect furniture can be an invaluable asset, both in the case of hiring professional help and doing the job oneself.
Protection of the furniture during the process of moving is quite an involved process, one that needs to be done carefully and with proper knowledge. Making the effort to disassemble the furniture and use the proper materials will definitely ensure that your precious and valuable belongings are protected properly. For people who may need some more help in this area, Movers and Helpers in New Orleans can prove to be a great help.
