Whether moving in with a loved one, graduating from college or preparing for a family, there are many times when people move into new spaces. While this is a very exciting process, there is also a lot of stress involved. Many people dread the idea of moving their belongings from an old home or apartment into a new living space. Not only is the process difficult and time-consuming, but many valuable objects are also put at risk of damage. Here are a few tips for keeping your furniture wrapped and protected when moving.

1. Gather all of the required packing supplies

Moving can be an expensive process. A great way to cut these prices is by reducing the amount of time that moving vans are needed. Preparing all of the required packing supplies ahead of time can ensure that no time is wasted when the moving trucks are being used. Items that cover and protect pieces of furniture can be purchased online or from stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. Sealable plastic bags, mattress and sofa covers, bubble wrap and stretchable plastic wrap, are excellent supplies that can help protect delicate items of furniture during the moving process.

2. Prepare the furniture for packing and moving

Once you’ve assembled all of the required packing supplies, you can start prepping the furniture for the move. Take some time before wrapping the items to remove any dust and dirt. This debris can end up scratching sensitive surfaces during the moving process. Cleaning this furniture also ensures that dirt and grime aren’t brought into the new apartment or home. You should also take time to remove any drawers, knobs or casters from the furniture to make sure these items don’t fall off during transit.

3. Dismantle the larger pieces of furniture

Larger pieces of furniture will have to be dismantled for the move. Not only does this make a more efficient use of space, but it also makes it easier to wrap these smaller pieces for added protection. You can always refer to the owner’s manual for items that have a more difficult assembly process. It is also important to use sealable plastic bags to keep track of screws, nuts and other loose items. This dismantling process should happen the day before the moving truck arrives.

4. Wrap the furniture carefully

After all of the furniture has been taken apart, it is time to wrap all of the pieces individually. Bubble wrap is a great material to use on both smaller and larger items. Foam pads can also be placed around an item for added protection. Many pieces of furniture such as mattresses have specialized wraps that can used as well.

5. Have a sorting plan

One of the difficulties of moving is finding a place for all of the oddly-shaped pieces of furniture. Even the largest moving trucks are still limited in space and shape. It is helpful to have a sorting plan beforehand to make efficient use of the space available. Knowing the dimensions of the moving truck ahead of time can make this planning process much easier.

Delicate pieces of furniture don’t have to placed at risk during a move. With a little preparation and the use of protective items, you can help keep your furniture intact. These five tips can help get you started in the right direction.