How to Prepare Furniture for Long-Distance Moving

Moving to a new home across the state — or across the country — can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to relocating your furniture. Whether you’re moving an entire household or just one piece of furniture, knowing how to protect and prepare your pieces can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get your furniture ready for the journey, what furniture moving equipment you’ll need, and whether professional movers disassemble furniture for you. Let’s make your move smoother, safer, and stress-free.

1. How to Clean Furniture Before Moving

Before wrapping or loading any furniture, give it a good clean. Dust, dirt, and debris can cause scratches during the move and may attract pests if you're storing anything long-term.

Quick Cleaning Tips:

• Wood Furniture: Wipe with a damp cloth and dry completely.
• Upholstered Furniture: Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust, hair, and crumbs.
• Leather: Use leather-safe cleaner and conditioner to prevent cracking.
• Glass Surfaces: Clean with glass cleaner and cover with cardboard for added protection.

Bonus Tip: Label each piece or cushion with masking tape if you’re disassembling anything — it’ll save you a lot of guesswork later.

2. Must-Have Furniture Moving Equipment

Investing in or renting the right furniture moving equipment will make the process easier and much safer for both you and your furniture.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Furniture Dollies & Rollers: Great for heavy couches, dressers, and appliances. Furniture rollers for moving help glide pieces without strain.
• Lifting Straps: These reduce strain on your back and help distribute weight evenly.
• Furniture Pads & Blankets: These protect your items from bumps, scratches, and dings during transport.
• Plastic Wrap or Shrink Wrap: Useful for securing drawers and protecting from dust.
• Moving Pads for Furniture Legs: Prevent floor scratches and damage during the loading process.

If you’re hiring movers, they’ll often provide professional-grade gear — but having a few essentials on hand never hurts.

3. Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture?

Short answer? Yes — most moving companies disassemble furniture as part of their full-service offerings.

They typically take apart:

• Bed frames
• Dining tables
• Large desks
• Sectional sofas
• Shelving units

Why It Matters:

Disassembling furniture makes it easier to move through doorways, reduces the risk of breakage, and optimizes truck space. At On-Shore Movers, for example, our team disassembles, wraps, and reassembles your furniture at your new home — so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Just make sure to ask your movers in advance, especially if you’re on a budget or working with a basic package.

4. How to Prepare Furniture for Long-Distance Moving

Here’s a step-by-step checklist for prepping furniture like a pro:

Step 1: Inventory and Measure

• Know what you’re moving.
• Measure bulky items to plan the best route out of your current space.

Step 2: Disassemble Where Possible

• Remove legs, arms, or cushions.
• Place all bolts and hardware in labeled ziplock bags.

Step 3: Wrap and Protect

• Use pads for moving furniture to cushion corners and fragile parts.
• Cover upholstered items with plastic wrap or mattress bags.

Step 4: Use the Right Tools

• Apply furniture rollers or a dolly to avoid dragging across floors.
• Use tie-downs or ratchet straps to keep items secure in the truck.

Step 5: Label Everything

• Use stickers or masking tape to label pieces, hardware, and destination rooms.

Preparation is the key to preventing damage during long-distance transport. A little effort now can save a lot of money and stress later.

5. Moving One Piece of Furniture? Here's What to Know

Even if you're just moving one piece of furniture, such as a piano or a heavy armoire, it’s still worth planning properly.

Tips for small-scale moves:

• Use professional movers for valuable or delicate pieces.
• Wrap and pad the item as if it’s going cross-country.
• Measure doorways, stairwells, and vehicle space in advance.
• Don’t underestimate weight — that "one piece" may require two or three people and proper equipment.

Some moving companies offer single-item moves at lower rates or as part of larger deliveries. At On-Shore Movers, we’re happy to help with big or small jobs.

Final Thought: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Furniture Move

Whether you’re relocating a full house or just moving one cherished item, the way you prepare makes a big difference. With the right furniture moving equipment, careful cleaning, and secure wrapping, you’ll ensure your belongings arrive safely — and without a scratch.

Need Help with Furniture Moving?

At On-Shore Movers, we specialize in long-distance moves and single-item deliveries. We bring the pads, rollers, tools, and expertise so you don’t have to worry.

👉 Request a free quote today and let us do the heavy lifting!