But now that moving day has arrived, you realize that your flooring may be in danger. Sturdy work boots could track in dirt and stain your carpet fibers. Heavy furniture legs could scuff and scratch your cedar planking.
So what can you do to ensure your flooring looks pristine after the move?
If You Have Carpet
Shag carpet and area rugs can snag on moving boxes and unravel faster than you can blink. And carpet with shorter pile can still pull away from the edges if exposed to heavy foot traffic.
The following techniques will provide an extra layer of protection for your carpet.
Invest in Self-adhesive Carpet Film
You can purchase carpet plastic online for a fairly affordable price. Much like plastic wrap for your food, this carpeting covering will stick to the carpet and keep out dirt and debris. To prevent injury, you’ll want a plastic that provides a non-slip surface for your moving team.
Place Cardboard in Heavy Traffic Areas
Although carpet film will resist some degree of tearing, it won’t hold up well over frequent use. If you have movers following the same path through the living room to individual bedrooms, you’ll likely want a little extra cushion for these high-traffic areas. Cardboard will shield your carpet from mud and water, but like plastic it can create a slippery surface, so you’ll want to secure it in place with adhesives.
Wear Shoe Booties
If you worry about dust, dirt, and grass stains more than crushing carpet pile, you can encourage everyone who helps you move to put on shoe covers whenever they enter your home. Since you likely will only want shoe covers for the first few days of moving, you should buy a large pack of cheap, disposable booties rather than one or two expensive, longer-lasting covers.
If You Have Hardwood
Although hardwood flooring offers a great deal of durability and scratch-resistance, it won’t stay immune to dents or damage if you drop a heavy refrigerator or table.
To prevent gouges in your flooring, try these three tips.
Line Bedrooms with Paper
In areas with little foot traffic, you’ll want to line the floor with kraft paper to help the space stay clean and minimize scratching. Keep in mind that you’ll want plain, uncolored kraft paper, as colored paper and similar items may leach their dyes into your flooring.
You can also place cardboard on top of the paper for extra protection.
Lay Plywood in the Kitchen and Living Room
If you plan to move heavy furniture, such as a large TV or washing machine, you’ll want more protection than cardboard and paper can provide. If you drop the appliance, the force from the corner could easily dig past the cardboard and into your wooden tiles.
So, lay a thin sheet of plywood over your flooring before your movers arrive. Since plywood can have a few rough edges of its own, you’ll want to use it in conjunction with cardboard and paper.
Apply Furniture Sliders to Chair and Table Legs
Once the movers have gone, you’ll likely still need to move your table and chairs now and again to clean the floor or to simply fit your arrangement better. To prevent future scratches, apply furniture sliders to chair and table legs. These soft pieces of fabric will form a protective barrier between the chair and the floor, and they’ll help your table glide more smoothly when you need to shift its position.
Need Additional Tips?
These are just a few techniques you can implement on moving day to protect your home. For more tips, check our blog regularly. We’ll keep you posted on the best ways to make moving as simple and stress free as possible.
