How to Pack Furniture Like a Professional Mover

Scratched wood, torn upholstery, and broken legs—most furniture damage during a move happens because of how items were packed, not how they were handled in transit. The difference between furniture that arrives intact and furniture that needs repair often comes down to the wrapping and preparation you do before anything gets loaded.

This guide walks you through the supplies you need, how to disassemble and wrap different furniture types, and the loading techniques that keep everything protected from your old place to your new one.

Supplies you need to pack furniture

Before you wrap a single chair leg, gather your materials. The essentials include moving blankets for cushioning, plastic stretch wrap to hold everything together, packing tape and painter's tape, bubble wrap for fragile parts, cardboard corner protectors, sealable plastic bags for screws and bolts, and mattress bags for beds and sofas.

Moving blankets are thick, quilted pads that absorb impact and prevent scratches. Stretch wrap is that clingy plastic film that sticks to itself without adhesive, perfect for holding blankets in place. Painter's tape peels off without leaving residue on wood finishes. Bubble wrap cushions fragile components like glass tabletops. Cardboard shields surfaces from dents, and labeled bags keep hardware organized.

How to prepare furniture for moving

Walk through each room and note which items need disassembly, extra wrapping, or professional help. Clean wood surfaces before covering them—dirt trapped under plastic wrap can scratch finishes during transport. Vacuum fabric upholstery and wipe leather with appropriate cleaner. Wrapping damp or dirty upholstery creates the perfect environment for mildew.

How to disassemble furniture safely

Taking furniture apart makes pieces lighter, easier to fit through doorways, and less likely to break. Bed frames, dining tables, bookshelves, and dressers typically come apart easily. Remove legs from sofas and tables to reduce bulk and protect attachment points.

Put screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled sealable bags the moment you remove them. Tape each bag directly to the furniture piece it came from. Snap a few pictures before you start taking things apart—reference photos make reassembly faster and help you avoid that unsettling pile of leftover parts at the end.

How to wrap furniture for moving

The basic approach works for most pieces: blankets go on first, stretch wrap holds them in place, and cardboard protects corners and edges.

Drape blankets over tabletops, dresser fronts, and any area that could get scratched. Wrap stretch wrap around the blanketed furniture to hold padding in place—pull snugly but not so tight that you crush the piece underneath. Always tape to the wrap layers, never directly on bare furniture. Place cardboard on sharp edges of desks, dressers, and tables, which take the most abuse during loading.

Wrapping sofas and upholstered items

Wrap the entire sofa in stretch wrap, working from one end to the other in overlapping layers. If cushions are removable, take them off and wrap them separately. For recliners, secure footrests in the closed position before wrapping. Slide mattresses into mattress bags before moving day—the bags protect against moisture if weather turns bad during loading.

Protecting fragile furniture

Remove glass tops whenever possible and transport them separately. Wrap in packing paper first, then bubble wrap, then blankets. Always transport glass vertically rather than flat—vertical positioning reduces the chance of cracking from pressure. Antiques benefit from extra blanket layers and careful handling. Wicker and rattan crack under pressure, so wrap loosely with blankets rather than tight stretch wrap.

How to load furniture into a Flex trailer

Place your heaviest items—dressers, sofas, appliances—at the front of the truck against the cab wall. This weight distribution keeps the vehicle stable during transit. Stand mattresses and sofas upright along the walls to maximize floor space.

Tip: Our custom trailers feature built-in ramps and wide side-access doors that make loading large furniture easier than traditional rental trucks. 

Use cushions, pillows, and boxes of soft goods to fill spaces between furniture pieces. Tie down furniture to anchor points even if pieces seem wedged in place—sudden stops and sharp turns can shift even well-packed loads.

How to wrap furniture for storage

Storage introduces concerns that differ from a simple move. Here's an important distinction: plastic traps moisture over time, which can damage finishes and cause mildew. For storage lasting more than a few weeks, use breathable fabric covers instead of stretch wrap. 

FAQs about packing furniture for a move

What is the 2/3 rule for loading furniture?

The 2/3 rule means loading the heaviest items in the front two-thirds of the truck. This weight distribution keeps the vehicle stable during transport and prevents the back end from swaying on turns or during braking.

Should you load furniture or boxes first when moving?

Load large furniture pieces first, positioning them against the walls and toward the front. Then stack boxes and smaller items around and on top of secured furniture to fill remaining space efficiently.

Can plastic wrap damage wood furniture finishes?

Plastic wrap can trap moisture against wood surfaces, potentially damaging finishes over time. For moves, place a blanket or packing paper between plastic and wood. For storage longer than a few weeks, skip plastic entirely and use breathable fabric covers.

How far in advance should you start packing furniture for a move?

Begin gathering supplies and disassembling furniture at least one to two weeks before your move date. Final wrapping typically happens the day before or morning of loading, once you've finished using each piece.