How to prepare furniture for long-distance shipping

Furniture is awkward to move: heavy, oddly shaped, and easy to scratch. Most damage happens during loading and unloading, not on the road, so the goal of prep is to make every piece easier and safer to handle.

Measure first

Measure each large piece and the doorways, hallways, and stairs it needs to pass through at both ends. Add the dimensions and approximate weight to your listing so drivers can bring the right equipment and enough help.

Take apart what you can

• Remove legs from tables, sofas, and beds
• Take out drawers and shelves, or tape them shut
• Remove glass panels and mirrors and wrap them on their own
• Put screws and bolts in a labeled bag and tape it to the piece

Wrap everything

Moving blankets are the best protection for wood and upholstery. Hold them in place with stretch wrap or tape on the blanket, never directly on finished surfaces. Add cardboard corner guards to tables and dressers.

For upholstered pieces, a plastic cover underneath the blanket keeps out dust and moisture. Leave a small gap at the bottom so the fabric can breathe on long trips.

Document condition

Take clear photos of each piece from several angles before pickup, including any existing scratches. Haulr drivers also take photos at pickup and delivery, and having both makes any question about damage simple to settle.