A sofa brushing against a freshly painted wall, the corner of a wardrobe scratching the parquet: moving-day damage is almost never intentional, but it is avoidable. Protecting the floor during a move is one of those details left to the last minute that, done well, save you grief and painting bills.
How long does it take to put a few basic protections in place? Less time than arguing with the landlord over a mark on the wall. We go over which materials to use, where to put them and the mistakes that come up most often on loading day.
Why it pays to protect floors and walls before loading
Protecting the floor during a move means covering the walkways —hallways, entrances, landings— where heavy furniture and stacked boxes will pass with the right material. It is not only about appearances: a damaged floor at the end of a tenancy can mean a direct deduction from your deposit.
Which materials to use to protect walls and corners
Moving blankets and corrugated cardboard are the most common materials for protecting walls in narrow hallways and stairwell landings. On corners, foam protectors held in place with tape prevent most accidental knocks while moving large furniture.
The floor calls for a different approach: adhesive protective film for laminate or parquet, and rigid cardboard sheets in the busiest areas, such as the building entrance or the lift. They cost little and head off awkward claims later.
In buildings with recently renovated common areas, some property management companies even request in writing that the entrance and lift be protected before authorising the move. It is worth asking in advance whether such a rule exists, so you are not caught out on loading day.
Moving tips to avoid damage with bulky furniture
With large furniture, the risk is not only in carrying it indoors but also in turns and narrow hallways. Removing legs, doors and drawers before moving a wardrobe cuts down its size and, in turn, the risk of knocks against door frames.
Is it worth losing ten minutes dismantling a chest of drawers? Almost always, yes, especially if the alternative is forcing it through a gap that is too small for it. Keeping your home safe also depends on how objects are handled, not just on what you protect before you start.
At Mudanzas Trallero we bring dedicated floor and wall protection to every job, because preventing damage matters just as much for the client leaving as for the one moving in afterwards.
Look after your home right to the last stretch of the move
Moving day goes by fast, and it is easy to let your guard down on the final trip to the van, just when almost everything is already protected. Keeping the protections in place until the end stops one slip from undoing all the earlier work.
Taking the protections off calmly, without rushing to leave the home spotless in five minutes, is part of the process too. A good protection job counts for little if it is pulled off roughly and leaves adhesive tape marks right at the finish.
At Mudanzas Trallero we take care of protecting floors and walls from the first piece of furniture to the last, so the move leaves no mark on the home you are leaving or the one you are moving into.
