Packing boxes is only the beginning of the equation when you’re preparing for a household relocation. The real heavy lifting comes in moving the big, bulky necessities, your fridge, your couch, your bed. These are not just pieces of furniture but the very things that make a house a home. If they are not packed and moved correctly, they are also the first to get damaged.
If you’re relocating yourself or hiring a furniture mover Auckland, a little bit of preparation will get you a long way. It’s the way to travel that is safer, easier, and so much less stressful. Here’s how to help your key furniture pieces strut their stuff on the big day.
The Fridge: Handle With Care
Of all of your appliances, your refrigerator will require the most attention prior to moving. That’s what furniture mover Auckland says. It’s not a piece you can unplug and roll onto the truck. It requires the kind of prepping that needs to be done well in advance.
Begin by removing everything. Plan meals a day or two before you move, to avoid being stuck with perishable food. Any leftovers or freezer food needs to be eaten or handed out or thrown away. Moving a fridge full of food sounds not only messy, but potentially damaging if any spills or leaks during the move.
When it’s empty, unplug it and defrost the freezer section. Worth it, though you must keep in mind that you need to do this at least 12 hours in advance to let all the ice melt. Lay a couple of towels below to catch the water. To defrost, rinse or wipe the interior and leave the doors ajar to air dry. This prevents mould or smells from building up while it’s not in use.
It’s also smart to tape any shelves or drawers shut, or take them out to be packed separately. Be sure the power cord is taped up, so that it won’t drag or get caught up.
On the day you move, your fridge must remain upright in the truck at all times. Tilting it or placing it on its side can disrupt the compressor. You know, if you’re using a furniture mover in Auckland, they’ll know how to load that properly, so it’s very safe.
The Couch: It’s Heavier Than It Appears
Sofas are trickier to move than they seem. They are typically wider than doorways, with an impractical shape and a tendency to tear or scuff if you’re not careful. But with a bit of prep, you can make it a lot easier to get moving and to keep it in good shape.
Begin by pulling out all of the loose cushions and placing them in bags or boxes. If your sofa has detachable legs or arms, remove them so that it’s easier to maneuver through doorways. Store all screws and connections in a small plastic bag and then tape them securely to the frame.
Before you wrap the sofa, be sure to clean it well. One last vacuum session gets crumbs, dust and anything else you don’t want to transport to your new home out of the way. Then wrap the couch with furniture pads, or with stretch wrap. Concentrate on the corners and arms, they tend to be the first to take a beating in the loading process.
Measure the space in advance, if you’re negotiating tight hallways or narrow staircases. Occasionally, something as simple as laying the sofa on its end or taking a door off temporarily can have a dramatic impact. And again, professional movers will generally have the appropriate equipment and experience to manage it without breaking.
The Bed: Pack It Like a Pro
You start and end your day in your bed, and the last thing you want to do is damage either the frame or your mattress. It’s also simple to move it safely, if a little cumbersome.
Begin by stripping off all bedding, sheets, pillows, and duvets, and pack them separately in labeled bags. If you have vacuum-seal bags, they’re a great way to maximize space. Next comes the mattress. Always transport this in some sort of protective cover or mattress bag to keep it clean, dry, and free of dust and dirt to prevent wetness, dust, and dirt.
The frame Although the Ipad is not made by any “hand-made” material, but it’s just the frame so don’t worry. Keep your screwdriver or Allen key out, and snap a few photographs as you’re going so that reassembly will be faster. Gather all the screws and bolts in a small bag (We like to tape the bag to one of the larger frame pieces so it doesn’t get lost).
Headboards, slats, and side panels should be wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap. If you’re concerned about scratching the floor or marking up walls while shifting larger sections around, place some felt pads or pieces of cardboard between the furniture and the relevant surface.
All together, the whole couch should be able to prepare for moving as pieces, both easily and way more safely. It also means you can snap it back together immediately at the new place instead of going to your new front closet and digging around in boxes to see if one wrench went missing.
Final Tips for a Smooth Move
Label your items clearly. Use a black marker to identify your things as they’re wrapped (“FRIDGE, Upright” or “SOFA CUSHIONS”) for the movers.
Clear the path. Clear the path by hallways, doorways, and driveways before attempting to move large furniture.
Lift safely with weight on your legs and not your back. And if something feels too heavy, don’t take a chance. Bring help or use a trolley.
Plan for the weather. If rain is in the forecast, you’ll definitely want plastic wrap or waterproof covers for at least your bed and couch.
To Hire or Not to Hire a Pro?
Coordinating with the parents of your incoming class can be the most fulfilling souvenir of your house. That’s where hiring a furniture mover in Auckland can make a difference. They’ll be familiar with the ins and outs of managing unwieldy items without harming them or your home. Many will also supply pads, wraps, moving tools, and other equipment you may not have.
And, perhaps most important, they allow you to focus on the rest of your move, like unpacking and settling into your new space, without dealing with dents in the fridge or a scratched-up sofa leg.
Wrapping Up
Your refrigerator, couch and bed some of the most used and expensive items in your home. So you can’t leave them to chance. With some preparation and the right packing, you can get your books from one place to another without a wreck.
Whether you do it all yourself or hire the very best furniture removal company in Auckland, the objective is straightforward: Look after what counts most and keep the furniture removal of your personal effects to your new home, hassle-made simple.
And when it’s finally all moved and in its place, your fridge will be cooling, your couch will be calling and your bed will be prepped and waiting for that much-needed rest. Job done.