Moving can be hard on the floors. With furniture going from one room to another, it’s easy to leave a scratch without even noticing.

So, before you start moving your couch, dresser, or dining table, let’s go over a few simple ways to protect your floors.

Tips to Move Heavy Furniture Without Scratching Floors

Start With a Clean Floor

Before moving anything, give the floors a good clean. Sliding furniture around with dirt underneath it is an easy way to end up with scratches.

Sweep or vacuum where you’re going to be moving the furniture, and while you’re at it, move anything that’s in the way.

Get Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders are simple, inexpensive, and easy to find. You can get them at most hardware or moving supply stores, or order them online. Just make sure you’re getting the ones made for hard floors, because there are also sliders made for carpet.

They’re also pretty easy to use. Lift one corner of the furniture just enough to place a slider underneath, and do the same with each leg or corner. Once they’re all in place, slowly slide the furniture across the floor instead of dragging it directly on the wood.

Use Moving Blankets

Moving blankets can come in handy here because they protect the furniture and the floors at the same time. Wrap the furniture well, and don’t forget about the corners and legs

This way, if the furniture moves or shifts while you’re carrying it, there’s an extra layer between those hard edges and your floors.

Lift, Don’t Drag

Dragging heavy furniture across the floor is probably one of the easiest ways to leave a scratch. Whenever possible, lift the furniture enough to move it or to place your sliders underneath.

And if it’s too heavy, don’t try to do it alone. Ask someone to help or leave it for the movers. It’s not worth hurting your back trying to move it.

Now, How Do You Lift It?

Moving is already enough to deal with, so let’s not add back pain too. When lifting furniture, bend your knees and use your legs, not your back. Basically, you should feel the weight more in your legs, without putting all that pressure on your back. 

Once you have it up, keep your back as straight as you can and try not to twist your body while you’re carrying it.

If you have someone helping you, make sure you’re both ready before you lift. Even a simple “ready?” can help. And if you need to stop, turn, or put the furniture down, say it before you do it so the other person is prepared.

When in Doubt, Call the Movers

Moving always seems to come with these little side quests, and protecting the floors is definitely one of them. Now you know how to do it without making moving day more complicated.

And keep in mind, you don’t have to move the furniture yourself at all. If it’s too heavy or you’re worried about the floors, this is something your movers can help with.

At Eco Movers, we’re happy to do that for you. Reach out for a free quote and let us take it from there.