what to do with furniture when getting new flooring

What to Do with Furniture When Getting New Flooring: Expert Tips & Solutions

Upgrading your home’s flooring can completely transform a room, but one aspect of the process that often gets overlooked is figuring out what to do with your furniture. Whether you’re installing hardwood, vinyl, carpet, or laminate flooring, moving and storing furniture can become a major task that adds stress to an already busy process.

Proper planning and preparation can make the installation go smoothly, protecting both your furniture and your new floors. This article will dive into the best ways to handle your furniture during flooring installation, including specific tips for tricky pieces like a Twin Bed w/ Trundle.

Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead for Flooring Installations

The process of installing new flooring isn’t just about picking out the material you like and letting the professionals do the work. Moving furniture should be considered an integral part of the process, and it requires time, effort, and attention. Here's why planning ahead is critical:

  • Risk of Damage: Furniture that isn’t properly moved can easily be damaged. Large items like a Twin Bed w/ Trundle or heavy sofas could scratch or dent your new floors if dragged. Even more delicate items, such as wood or glass furniture, can break if not handled carefully.

  • Time Constraints: Flooring installation usually takes a couple of days. If you haven’t planned what to do with your furniture, you might find yourself scrambling at the last minute, which can delay the process.

  • Cost Factors: While you may be focused on your flooring budget, it’s essential to factor in the potential costs of moving or storing your furniture. If you decide to hire professionals, this can add to your costs.

By planning ahead, you’re ensuring that the flooring installation goes off without a hitch, and your furniture is safely stored or moved out of the way, saving time, money, and stress.

How to Prepare Your Furniture for New Flooring Installation

Once you've decided on a flooring style and installation date, it's time to think about how to prepare your furniture. Proper preparation ensures that your furniture is moved safely without causing unnecessary strain on your back or damaging the floors.

1. Clear the Space

Start by removing all small furniture and items from the room. Things like bookshelves, side tables, lamps, and decorative items should be moved out first. This gives the installers easy access to the floor and avoids the risk of damaging smaller pieces while moving them out of the way.

2. Take Inventory of Furniture

Not all furniture pieces are the same, and some will need more care than others. Inventory the furniture that’s left and categorize it into three main groups:

  • Easy-to-move items: These are usually smaller or lighter pieces like chairs or small tables.
  • Heavy or bulky items: Sofas, armchairs, and beds fall into this category, requiring extra care.
  • Fragile items: This includes glass-top tables, fragile antiques, and delicate pieces that need to be disassembled or wrapped in protective materials.

3. Remove Delicate Items

Items like mirrors, artwork, and delicate lamps should be removed ahead of time to avoid damage during the move. You should also remove any small or detachable parts from furniture, such as cushions or legs.

Best Ways to Move and Store Furniture During Flooring Installation

Now that you’ve categorized your furniture and removed the delicate items, it’s time to consider the best way to move and store the rest of your furniture. You have a few options here, depending on the scale of the project and your budget.

1. Hiring Professional Movers

If your budget allows, hiring professional movers is the most hassle-free solution. They will have the equipment, experience, and expertise to move even heavy items like a Twin Bed w/ Trundle without damaging your floors or furniture. Movers will also have the right packing materials to keep your furniture safe during the transition.

2. DIY Moving Tips

If you choose to move the furniture yourself, there are plenty of tools and tricks you can use:

  • Furniture sliders: These are simple pads that fit under furniture legs, allowing you to slide heavy pieces like a Twin Bed w/ Trundle across the floor without scratching it.
  • Moving blankets: Protect fragile furniture by wrapping it in thick moving blankets to keep it safe from dings, scratches, or dust.
  • Plastic wrap: For upholstered furniture, consider wrapping it in plastic to protect it from dust and dirt.

3. Temporary Storage Solutions

If you don’t have enough room in other parts of your home to store the furniture, you might need to consider renting a temporary storage space. This could be a traditional storage unit, a storage pod, or even a portable moving truck that stays outside your home. This option is particularly useful if you're replacing flooring in multiple rooms and need extra space.

4. Using Other Rooms

If you have extra space in nearby rooms, you can temporarily store furniture there. Just make sure that the furniture is moved away from any work areas to prevent the risk of being in the way of installers. In this case, even larger items like a Twin Bed w/ Trundle can be moved into adjacent spaces without much hassle.

Specialized Tips for Different Types of Furniture

While the steps for moving furniture are generally the same, some pieces will need special attention. Here are some tips for dealing with different types of furniture:

  • Upholstered Furniture: These items can absorb dust and dirt. Use slipcovers or plastic wraps to protect them during the move and installation.

  • Wooden Furniture and Antiques: These pieces are more likely to get scratched or dented. Wrap them in padded blankets or bubble wrap. Be cautious when moving any fragile antiques to avoid breaking them.

  • **A Twin Bed w/ Trundle: These beds are tricky because of their size and unique structure. If you have a Twin Bed w/ Trundle, it’s often best to disassemble the bed to make moving it easier. If disassembling isn’t an option, use furniture sliders and move it carefully. When it comes to storing a Twin Bed w/ Trundle, consider placing it in a hallway or a room with enough space until the flooring is completed.

What to Do with Your Twin Bed w/ Trundle During Flooring Installation

A Twin Bed w/ Trundle requires extra consideration due to its unique design. Here are some tips for moving or storing it during the flooring installation:

  1. Disassemble the Bed: If you’re able to, disassemble the Twin Bed w/ Trundle by removing the trundle and bedframe. This will make the bed easier to move and will reduce the risk of damaging any parts.

  2. Use Furniture Sliders: If you choose not to disassemble the bed, you can carefully slide it using furniture sliders. Just make sure you have someone to help you lift and move the heavier parts.

  3. Store the Bed in Another Room: If possible, move the Twin Bed w/ Trundle to another room or hallway. Keep the trundle bed separate from the main bedframe to prevent damage to either piece.

  4. Wrap the Bed for Protection: If the bed is remaining in a room that's being worked on, consider wrapping it in a large plastic sheet or furniture cover to keep it clean from dust and debris.

After the Installation: What to Do Once Your Flooring Is Complete

Once the new flooring is installed, the next task is putting your furniture back into place, carefully and thoughtfully. Here’s how to do it:

  • Reassemble Furniture: If you disassembled your Twin Bed w/ Trundle or any other furniture, now is the time to put it back together. Make sure all screws and bolts are securely fastened.

  • Check for Scratches: Before placing your furniture back, inspect both the floors and the furniture for any damage. If any pieces were scratched during the move, address this before returning the furniture to its original spot.

  • Use Furniture Pads: To protect your new floors from future damage, place furniture pads under the legs of your heavy furniture. This will reduce the risk of scratches and scuffs from movement.

  • Cleaning: After your furniture is back in place, give both the new floor and your furniture a thorough cleaning to remove any dust that may have accumulated during installation.

Conclusion

Moving furniture when getting new flooring doesn't have to be a stressful or overwhelming task. With proper planning, preparation, and care, you can protect your furniture, including tricky pieces like a Twin Bed w/ Trundle, and ensure that the flooring installation goes smoothly. Whether you're hiring professionals or moving everything yourself, the key is to take your time, protect your items, and keep everything organized. By following these steps, you’ll not only enjoy your new floors but also preserve the integrity of your furniture for years to come.

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