What to Do With Your Furniture When Getting New Flooring
Getting new flooring is exciting! It's a significant home improvement that can completely transform a space. But before you can enjoy your beautiful new floors, you need to address the elephant in the room (or, more accurately, the furniture in the room): what do you do with all your stuff? Moving furniture can be a hassle, but proper planning ensures a smooth process and protects both your furniture and your new flooring. This guide will walk you through the best strategies for managing your furniture during a flooring installation.
Planning is Key: Preparation Before Installation
The most crucial step is meticulous planning. Failing to plan adequately can lead to delays, damage, and unnecessary stress. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Empty the Room (or as much as possible):
This seems obvious, but the extent of emptying depends on the flooring type and installer's requirements. For some installations, completely clearing the room is necessary. For others, carefully moving larger pieces might suffice. Always communicate with your flooring installer to understand their specific needs.
2. Protect Your Furniture:
Regardless of how much furniture remains, take steps to protect it. Cover furniture with drop cloths or old sheets to shield it from dust, debris, and accidental scratches. Use furniture pads under heavy pieces to prevent indentations in your new floor.
3. Declutter and Organize:
This is your chance to declutter! Take the opportunity to sort through items and remove anything you no longer need. Packing up these items beforehand will free up space and streamline the moving process.
4. Inventory and Label:
Create an inventory of your furniture, noting any fragile or delicate pieces. Label boxes and furniture with the room they belong to for easy reassembly after installation. This is especially helpful if you're moving furniture to different locations during the process.
5. Choose Your Moving Method:
Decide how you will move your furniture. Will you do it yourself, or hire movers? Hiring professional movers can save you time, effort, and potential injury, especially for heavier items. Consider the size and weight of your furniture when making this decision.
Moving Day: Strategies for Furniture Relocation
Now comes the actual moving. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and safe process:
1. Heavy Lifting Techniques:
For heavier pieces, use proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs. Consider using furniture dollies or sliders to make moving heavy items easier.
2. Protect Walls and Doorways:
Use protective padding on walls and doorways to prevent scratches and dents as you move furniture. This will keep your existing home looking great while the new flooring goes in.
3. Strategic Placement:
If you can't completely empty the room, strategically place remaining furniture to allow the installers easy access. Clear pathways for them to work efficiently.
4. Temporary Storage:
If space is limited, consider temporary storage for some furniture items. This could be a spare room, garage, or even a rented storage unit.
Post-Installation: Getting Back to Normal
Once the flooring is installed, you can bring your furniture back. Here's what you need to know:
1. Acclimation:
Before moving furniture onto the new floor, ensure it's fully acclimated to the room's temperature and humidity. This is especially crucial for wood flooring to prevent damage.
2. Clean Thoroughly:
Clean the new flooring before moving furniture back in to remove any debris from the installation process.
3. Use Protective Pads:
Place protective pads under furniture legs to prevent scratching or marring the new surface.
By following these steps, you can navigate the furniture-moving aspect of a flooring installation with ease and minimize the risk of damage. Remember, patience and careful planning are your best allies in this process! Enjoy your beautiful new floors!