How to Use Sofa Cover for Moving – Step-by-Step Guide
Relocation is a stressful affair in every aspect and can also be a costly one. There are specific activities you can do yourself, such as packing, especially when you have the right materials. When it comes to transporting bulky furniture pieces, using a sofa cover for moving will help avoid any damage from scratching during every step of the shipping process.
Make a Plan for Your Relocation
As in life generally, having a plan will help you control every part of the relocation to a new home and make your move stress-free. Meticulous planning will help you avoid all the chaos and confusion that is usually associated with a last-minute move.
Start by deciding which furniture can be transported in one piece and which can and need to be dismantled. Large pieces, as well as fragile, valuable or antique items, should be given special attention. These include couches, beds, tables, chairs, or anything similar you might have in your household. They will most likely need to be taken apart as they may not fit through the doorways.
You need to plan the wrapping process and the order of loading and unloading. Heaviest boxes should be placed across the back end of the truck for additional stability. The paths to the rooms in your home should be clearly marked. The best way is to dedicate a different color to each room and its matching boxes.
Make a Checklist to Avoid Any Mistake or Problem
One of the best moving tips we can give you is to make a checklist of everything. Checklists are so handy, particularly when you’re relocating and have a lot of things that can easily be overlooked. Your simplified moving checklist should include the following steps:
- measure the items for the covers
- clear paths both at your present and new home
- sort out which things you will need to pack and dismantle
- plan the loading and unloading processes
- get appropriate protective materials
- disassemble large pieces
- pack all of your belongings
- load them into the truck
Gather Proper Supplies
Lots of stuff can be used as an alternative to packing materials, but keep in mind that they could tear or slip, which might cause your belongings to get damaged. If you value your furniture highly, you will opt for specialized packing supplies instead of getting free ones. If you’re looking for some free supplies, make sure you check the quality of what you’re getting, especially if you’re moving out of state on a budget.
To reduce the costs, you should plan in advance and make an inventory of the belongings you want to bring with you. After that, you need to measure the furniture and find proper protection and covers with the optimal quality/cost ratio.
Generally, the packing supplies you’ll use to pack everything should include covers for sofas, mattress protection, bubble wrap, plastic stretch wrap, sealable plastic bags for small parts, and corrugated cardboard sheets. You can use some free boxes from stores that no longer need them, but it’s always best to get professional packing services.
Prepare Your Furniture
Before wrapping it, furniture should be dusted and wiped to avoid potential damage from debris scratching the surfaces. It will also make it easier to settle into your new home by having less cleaning to do after you place your couch or chair. Any parts sticking out should be removed if possible, as they may get broken and because it will allow you to have more storage space.
Dismantle Furniture Before Packing
The easiest way to pack your belongings, especially the items in your home that are too large or fragile, is to dismantle everything first. It may be smart to take pictures while doing it, as this will help you put everything back together again.
Legs from tables and sofas should be removed if possible, bed frames disassembled, and cushions removed. Do it carefully so that you don’t damage the screws. If available, consult an owner’s manual to make sure you are doing it correctly.
The dismantling of your belongings should be done a day in advance, as it takes time to take apart and move heavy items. If you’re preparing a piano for the move, make sure you take everything apart with great care to avoid any irreparable damage that can happen due to improper handling. The same goes if you’re moving a pool table and any other heavy and bulky piece.
Put smaller parts such as screws into sealable plastic bags so you’ll have everything in one place. Just make sure you mark them before placing them in boxes, so you can put the right things in their proper place when you get to your new home.
Remove Cushions Before Shipping
Dismantling a sofa starts with removing the cushions and wrapping them properly. The same goes for the mattress on the sofa. Then, turn it onto its back and unscrew its legs. If possible, keep it in this stage, as it is not an easy job to dismantle it entirely. If you must do it, better leave it to professionals who will adequately prepare everything for shipping.
Take the Couch Apart by Uncovering the Frame
First, remove the bedding and pillows from your couch. Then remove the mattress and the box spring. After you take care of the mattress, unscrew the headboard and the footboard from the mainframe. Then, take care of each part carefully with proper packing materials.
Wrap Your Furniture By Using a Stretch Sofa Slipcover as a Protector
It is similar to wrapping a present. After you use the cover on the furniture with moving blankets, start wrapping it by winding a roll of plastic wrap tightly from one end to another all around the sofa. After that, make sure every part is within the cover, from top to bottom.
Finally, protect the corners of your couch or chair with cardboard. Delicate pieces can be protected by putting an additional layer of bubble wrap in the best-sized boxes in which they will be in during transport.
Why Should You Use a Sofa Cover for Moving?
This cover can provide good protection from moisture, dirt, dust, and damage, both during the transport and in storage. Otherwise, items can easily get stained or scratched in the course of loading and unloading.
Luckily, the polyethylene material the cover is made of is durable and puncture- and water-resistant, which makes it suitable for all weather conditions. The covers are made to withstand extended use and still offer great protection during shipping. And you can use them for other pieces, like a chair or a regular mattress. They’ll help even if you plan on keeping your things in storage units.
Secure the Sofa Cover for Moving With Plastic Wraps
Large pieces of furniture, sofa included, don’t usually fit into a box, so it’s best to protect it with a sofa cover, which is secured with plastic wrap. You can do it easily by wrapping it all around and from top to bottom.
Load Your Couch Vertically Into the Moving Truck
Load the couch vertically against the truck wall and make sure to distribute the weight evenly by arranging other heavier pieces against other truck walls, leaving the middle space for lighter items and easier access when loading and unloading everything.
Get Professional Help Instead of Doing It Yourself
When deciding on the best way to make your move stress-free, one needs to consider various factors, including the value of the things in a home and the forecasted weather conditions. For someone who is not skilled enough, many problems can occur. So reconsider whether it is better to get professional help to pack your belongings or do it by yourself with some supplies. When getting moving services, weigh all the pros and cons before you make the decision.
