Looking after your Flooring when Moving House

A PODS Guide to Moving Without Destroying Your Flooring

Moving home can be one of the most exciting moments in your life. Many people relish the thought of starting a new chapter in a new home, whether it’s moving somewhere bigger for their growing family, moving into a brand new area, or downsizing to somewhere less stressful to maintain as they get older. 

The moving process does, however, always come with its fair share of challenges. Not only is it stressful and mentally taxing, but there are considerations of storage, packing, unpacking and lifting heavy furniture, not to mention looking after the flooring of your old and new houses. The flooring is a major investment that you’ll want to keep in as good a condition as you possibly can.

If your existing flooring were to be scratched or chipped, it could dissuade a prospective buyer, so it’s always wise to preserve it. Similarly, you don’t want to damage the flooring in your new house before you’ve even unpacked all of your belongings.

Whether you’re dealing with high-quality laminate flooring, Victorian tiles, or carpets, taking the right precautions can save you from disruptive and costly repairs down the line, helping you maintain your home’s aesthetic and value. So how can you ensure that your flooring stays safe when moving everything out? There are several ways to ensure they remain in good condition before, during and after the move, and this guide has you covered.

Plan Ahead for Floor Protection

Preventing floor damage requires some pre-moving day measures. Identify the areas which attract the most foot traffic or where the heaviest pieces of furniture are located. These areas are more prone to succumbing to damage but that’s not to suggest that everywhere shouldn’t be carefully prepared when moving. Pay special attention to entranceways, corridors and narrow walls where furniture will have to be manoeuvred through.

Essential Floor Protection Materials

Before you start moving, gather these vital supplies to help look after your flooring when moving house:

• Heavy-duty floor protection sheets
• Non-slip dust sheets
• Furniture sliders
• Protective floor mats
• Moving blankets
• Strong packing tape
• Cardboard sheets
• Corner protectors

Professional Tips for Different Flooring Types

Depending on the chosen flooring you have in your home, you should consider applying different strategies when it comes to moving large, fragile and delicate items. 

Wooden Floors

Wooden floor panels or luxury vinyl tiles (LVTs) require particular care during moves, as they’re very susceptible to dents and scratches.

Consider laying down thick blankets in corners and in high-traffic corridors where people are likely to be entering and exiting regularly. Use furniture sliders specifically designed for wooden or vinyl floors, and always avoid dragging heavy items if you can. If they are too heavy to lift easily, consider laying down plywood sheets to protect the flooring from deep cuts.

Carpet Protection

Carpets are invariably more forgiving during a house move, but they still need proper protection. Suggest using plastic carpet protection film to prevent them from succumbing to any stains or spillages, rips and tears. Carpeted stairs are a further heavy foot traffic area during the move and will need consideration to prevent damage and slips. 

Vacuum thoroughly before laying any protective sheets or rugs to prevent any dirt from becoming embedded within the carpet fibres. For heavy items, always use carpet sliders rather than a makeshift version, as these will ensure proper protection. 

Tile and Stone Floors

Ceramic tiles and natural stone floors can be particularly susceptible to cracking under heavy pressure. Without proper protection in place, these strong flooring products can break and be expensive and cumbersome to replace.

Use thick rubber mats in areas where heavy items will be placed, before strategically removing them once any furniture is firmly in place. Pay extra attention to corners and tile edges when moving items close to the floor, as these can chip. For heavy appliances, consider using temporary tarpaulin or sheeting to avoid any damage stemming from buckling under pressure and dropping an appliance unexpectedly.

Smart Moving Techniques

Proper Lifting and Moving Methods to Protect and Look after Flooring when Moving House.

• Always lift furniture rather than drag it
• Use your legs when lifting items from the ground, more than your back and arms
• Use proper moving equipment like trolleys with pneumatic tyres
• Work in teams for heavy items
• Create clear pathways before moving anything
• Ensure any doors can be held open to prevent obstruction

Weather Considerations

Inclement British weather can pose additional challenges when moving house. It’s unpredictable and difficult to navigate, depending on the complexity and distance of the move.

To prevent weather from damaging fragile or special belongings, set up covered areas outside entrance points. Keep additional floor protection materials as backups in case of excessive wet weather and mud. Additionally, consider using boot covers and having plenty of cleaning materials readily available. 

Professional Moving Solutions

While DIY moving is possible, professional moving services can provide peace of mind and additional protection for your floors. PODS offers comprehensive moving solutions that include:

• Professional-grade floor protection materials to assist is looking after your flooring when moving house
• Experienced teams trained in protecting floors
• Specialised equipment for safe moving
• MoveProtect coverage for added security

Final Checks and Maintenance

Before completing your move, make sure that you:

• Inspect all flooring for any damage
• Remove protection materials carefully 
• Clean floors thoroughly after moving
• Document and photograph any pre-existing damage before moving day
• Keep spare protection materials handy

Tips for Self-Loading and Unloading

If you’re using PODS containers for self-loading, be sure to request our recommended floor protection materials and products to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible with no damage to your flooring. By following our loading guidelines carefully and using the most appropriate moving equipment and assets, you can move, unpack and arrange with complete confidence that your floors will be kept in a pristine condition. 

Contact PODS for Support

For expert assistance with your move and professional floor protection, look no further than PODS. Our team can provide you with a comprehensive moving plan, best-in-class moving supplies, portable storage containers, and expert advice on protecting and looking after specific flooring types when moving house. Whether you have carpets, wooden floors, LVTs, or a mixture of all of them, we can help you keep them in excellent condition and prevent damage during what is likely to be a stressful but exciting time. 

Remember not to rush your move – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Following these guidelines and working with professional movers like PODS, you can ensure your flooring remains in sublime condition throughout your move and for months and years afterwards. Contact PODS today to learn more about our comprehensive moving solutions.