When moving out, you probably feel both nervous and excited about your new surroundings, your new opportunities, your new acquaintances and your new life. The unknown is both intimidating and alluring, so while you are engulfed in thoughts and dreams and fears about your future, you could neglect the surroundings and the property you are leaving behind. All the more – you will be overwhelmed by the tedious and difficult moving procedures and may easily forget to take the necessary precautionary measures to avoid damage to property during the relocation process.
But remember that you will have to leave the place in good condition – either because it is for sale and needs its good looks in order to bring you good profit or because you will want to have your deposit back if your home is a rental unit. It is really difficult to find enough time, money and energy for any required repair works, so you’d better protect your old home.
Rely on professional help
Hiring a moving company will provide a good solution to your problem. Professional movers are very experienced and know what dangers lurk behind the corners and under the staircases. They will take your household items out without causing any damage because they have appropriate moving equipment and can foresee any potential risks and avoid them. So, you are advised to spend the money on hiring a trustworthy moving company and save yourself a lot of troubles. The expenses for purchasing adequate equipment and protective materials, the efforts to use them correctly and the risk of damaging your property together with all the consequent costs and problems are not worth it.
However, if you decide to move by yourself, the following tips will guide you through the moving procedures and will ensure a problem-free relocation.
Pack smartly
Adequate packing will protect both your possessions and your property when moving out, so supply sturdy boxes with sufficient padding inside and do not put too many heavy items in one container. Smaller and lighter boxes are easier to carry and the risks of accidental damages are significantly smaller. Also, do your best to disassemble large furniture and to wrap any protruding pieces and sharp edges.
Use proper moving equipment
- Dolly – it will help prevent heavy items from being dropped on the floor (possible dents or breakages) and furniture from being bumped into door frames and corners (possible scratches and chips);
- Furniture pads – they will allow you to slide your pieces without scratching the floors;
- Lifting straps – lifting and holding heavy items becomes much easier and safer with those.
Protect your floors and carpets
- Cover the floors and carpets with protective anti-slippery materials. You can use carpet film protectors, plywood sheets, large cardboard pieces or even old rugs, curtains and sheets – just make sure these are secured well in place;
- Avoid sliding furniture on the floor without pads – use a dolly or at least moving blankets;
- Place door mats and replace the covering materials when they get too dirty to avoid staining and soiling the floors and carpets.
Protect walls and corners
- Tape up old fabrics or some cardboard pieces on the walls to prevent scratches, holes and scuffs;
- Install corner guards because they are the most effective protection against chipped corners;
Protect stairs and banisters
Provide anti-slippery protective coverage for the steps and wrap the banisters with furniture blankets or just any other fabrics. Tape them securely and be really careful not to trip and fall down the stairs when moving your belongings down the stairs.
Protect door frames
Door frame guards and foam padding will provide effective protection for your door frames.
Bonus advice
Here are some more good tips on how to prevent property damage when moving out:
- Measure the doors through which you will squeeze your items and the space around the corners and down narrow staircases and corridors. Plan ahead the angle and the method of moving your large and awkwardly-shaped belongings;
- Clear any obstacles because you can trip over any small item that is in the way;
- Take your time – no need to rush because you will increase the chances of an accident;
- Empty drawers and cupboards to make them lighter and eliminate the possibility of objects falling out of them. Secure cabinet doors, drawers and others with stretch tape and do not forget to dismantle whatever possible;
- Get help – let your friends help you with lifting and carrying the heavy and bulky items and ask somebody to warn you for approaching stairs, turns and obstacles;
- Always clean thoroughly before leaving.
Your property will be well preserved, as well as your funds and your sanity.
