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George Hampson

How to Protect Your Floors and Walls During a Move

Moving house can be a daunting task, filled with the potential for damages to your beloved home. Floors and walls often bear the brunt of the chaos, resulting in unnecessary expenses and stress. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, planning a DIY move or hiring professionals, protecting your property should be a top priority. This guide will provide you with practical tips and strategies to keep your floors and walls safe throughout the moving process.





Preparation Before the Move


Clear your pathways


Before you start moving items, ensure that all pathways are free of obstacles. Clear out any furniture, rugs, or clutter that might obstruct the route. This will make it easier to manoeuvre large items without bumping into walls or tripping over.


Measure doorways and hallways


Take the time to measure your doorways, hallways, and staircases. Knowing the dimensions of these spaces will help you navigate large furniture and appliances more easily, reducing the risk of scraping walls and door frames.


Remove or secure fragile items


Remove any pictures, mirrors, or decorations from the walls to prevent them from being knocked down. Secure any loose items that might fall during the move, causing damage to the floors or walls.


Protecting your floors


Floor mats and runners


Place heavy-duty mats at all entry points to trap dirt and debris before it gets tracked inside. Lay down non-slip runners in high-traffic areas to protect your floors from scratches and scuffs.


Furniture sliders and moving blankets


Use furniture sliders under heavy items to prevent scratches and dents on your floors. Moving blankets are also invaluable; they can be wrapped around large items, providing a layer of protection for both the item and your flooring.


Cardboard and plywood


Laying down sheets of cardboard or plywood can help distribute weight evenly and prevent gouging on delicate floors. This is especially useful when moving heavy appliances or furniture.


Plastic film


Adhesive plastic film can be applied to carpets to guard against dirt and stains. It’s an easy and effective way to keep your carpets clean during the move.


Doormats and shoe covers


Encourage movers to use doormats or wear shoe covers. This simple step can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and damage to your floors.


Protecting your walls


Corner guards and bumpers


Install corner guards on high-risk edges to prevent dents and chips. Bumpers can also be used on door frames and corners to cushion impacts and protect your walls.


Furniture pads and wraps


Wrap bulky furniture and appliances in padded covers to prevent scratching and denting your walls. These pads provide a protective barrier that can absorb minor impacts.


Painter’s tape and plastic sheets


Apply painter’s tape along walls and use plastic sheets to protect from scuffs and marks. This is particularly useful in narrow hallways and staircases where space is limited.


During the Move


Use proper lifting techniques


Learn the correct lifting techniques to prevent dropping items. Utilise moving equipment like dollies and hand trucks for heavy items, which can help avoid unnecessary strain and accidents.


Post-move inspection


After the move, inspect your floors and walls for any damage. Address any minor damages immediately to prevent them from worsening. Keep any protective materials you’ve used, as they might come in handy for future moves or renovations.


Additional Tips


Hiring Professional Movers vs. DIY


Consider the pros and cons of hiring professional movers versus doing it yourself. Professionals are experienced and often have the necessary tools and techniques to protect your home. However, a DIY move can be more economical if you’re prepared and take the right precautions.


Checklist of Materials


  • Heavy-duty mats

  • Non-slip runners

  • Furniture sliders

  • Moving blankets

  • Cardboard sheets

  • Plywood sheets

  • Adhesive plastic film

  • Doormats

  • Shoe covers

  • Corner guards

  • Furniture pads

  • Painter’s tape

  • Plastic sheets

Eco-Friendly Options


Look for eco-friendly options for protective materials. Reusable moving blankets, biodegradable plastic films, and renting equipment can reduce waste and environmental impact.


Moving Large and Awkward Items


Large and awkward items, like pianos, refrigerators, and large sofas, can cause significant damage if not handled properly. Disassemble what you can and cover the parts in moving blankets. For items that can't be disassembled, use plenty of padding and ensure you have enough people to help carry the load. Plan the route in advance, measuring doorways and hallways to make sure the item can pass through without issue.


Securing Drawers and Doors


Secure drawers and doors on furniture pieces to prevent them from swinging open and hitting walls or floors. Use tape or plastic wrap to keep them closed. Additionally, remove any knobs or handles if they might catch on something during the move.


Weather Considerations


If you're moving during inclement weather, take extra precautions to protect your floors from mud, water, and snow. Use extra mats and plastic sheeting in entryways and high-traffic areas to keep the moisture and dirt at bay. Ensure that all pathways are clear of ice and snow to prevent slips and falls that could damage your walls or floors.


Expert home removal advice


Here at Saint Removals, we’re all about making sure your move goes as well as it can. Whether that’s by physically completing the move for you, or offering up our expert advice. If you’re looking for more moving tips, here are some articles to get you going: 



Plus, there’s plenty more where they came from in our advice hub. 


Leave it to the experts!


If all this sounds pretty complex, and you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, we certainly don’t blame. With over 25 years of combined experience between us, we have plenty of experience removing people’s items without causing any damage to their homes. We’ve mastered every single technique on this list to bring to you a moving process that’s seamless and efficient. 


So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can assist with all your removal needs. And if you still need a little persuading, here are 11 reasons why Saint Removals are the perfect fit for the job. 





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