To pack furniture for moving, empty it, take apart what you can, pad corners and surfaces with blankets, and secure the padding with stretch wrap rather than tape on the finish. Most moving damage is scratches, chipped corners and broken glass, and all three are preventable. This guide covers supplies, steps and how to wrap each type of furniture.
Packing Supplies for Furniture
- Moving blankets or thick quilts.
- Stretch wrap to hold blankets and keep doors and drawers shut.
- Bubble wrap and packing paper for glass and delicate parts.
- Corrugated cardboard sheets and corner protectors.
- Sofa and chair covers.
- Packing tape, zip bags and a marker.
How to Pack Furniture: Step by Step
- Clean and dry each piece. Grit under wrapping scratches finishes.
- Empty drawers, shelves and cabinets.
- Take off loose parts: glass shelves, knobs that stick out, legs, casters and cushions.
- Disassemble large pieces where the design allows; see how to disassemble furniture for moving.
- Bag and label hardware and tape the bag inside a drawer or to the manual.
- Protect corners and edges with cardboard or foam corners.
- Wrap in blankets, then hold them with stretch wrap or tape on the blanket only.
- Label each piece with its room.
How to Wrap Each Type of Furniture
| Furniture | How to pack it |
|---|---|
| Wood tables and desks | Remove legs if possible; blanket the top; cardboard over the surface; carry tops on edge |
| Dressers and chests | Empty drawers; wrap the case so drawers can't slide; never lift by the top overhang |
| Glass doors, shelves and tops | Remove loose glass; wrap in paper then bubble wrap; mark "glass"; stand on edge |
| Cabinets with fixed glass | Cardboard over the glass, then blankets; keep upright |
| Sofas and upholstered chairs | Remove cushions; use a fabric cover or blankets, then stretch wrap |
| Mirrors and framed art | Tape an X on the glass, corner protectors, mirror box; stand on edge |
| Lamps | Box the shade alone; wrap the base separately |
| Marble and stone tops | Remove, pad well and always carry and store on edge |
Check the Materials First
The spec tells you what needs extra care. The 4-Door Display Cabinet with Glass Shelves and Iron Legs lists tempered glass, steel tube and MDF, so the glass needs padding and the cabinet should travel upright. The Relievo Carved Drawer Chest lists no assembly required and a product weight of 100.5 lbs, so it moves in one piece: empty the drawers, wrap the case and plan a two-person lift.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Tape directly on wood, paint, lacquer or leather. It can pull off the finish.
- Stretch wrap directly on wood or leather for long periods. It traps moisture; put a blanket or paper underneath.
- Leaving drawers full of heavy items.
- Laying glass or stone flat under other items.
- Dragging wrapped furniture; lift it or use sliders and a dolly.
Loading Tips
- Heaviest pieces first, against the front of the truck.
- Keep tall cabinets upright and strap them to the wall rails.
- Fill gaps with soft items so nothing shifts.
- Keep finished surfaces facing blankets, not other furniture.
See how to move heavy furniture, our moving checklist and, if something does get damaged, the furniture repair guide.
FAQ
What is the best way to wrap furniture for moving?
Moving blankets against the surface, held in place with stretch wrap, with cardboard on corners and glass.
Can I use plastic wrap on wood furniture?
Yes, over a blanket or paper for the move itself. Don't leave plastic directly on wood or leather in storage.
Should I take drawers out when moving a dresser?
Empty them at least. Removing them makes the case lighter; if they stay in, wrap the case so they can't slide open.
How do you protect furniture corners when moving?
Use foam or cardboard corner protectors under the blanket, and carry pieces so corners clear door frames.