What To Do With Furniture When Getting New Flooring
New flooring can transform your home. It is one of the most effective ways to increase the value of your property and make it look more stylish. However, this exciting project also comes with some challenges. You need to move your furniture out of the way when getting new flooring. This can be tricky, but you can make the process smooth and easy with a little advanced planning. In this article, we will share some tips on what to do with your furniture when getting new flooring.
Make a Plan
When planning to install flooring, it is crucial to consider the time frame required. The duration of the installation process can vary depending on factors such as the type of flooring material being used and the size of the project. For instance, hardwood flooring may require additional time for acclimation and precision installation. Therefore, allocating sufficient time and resources is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful flooring installation. A few factors to consider are:
- How quickly can you move your belongings and furniture out of your home?
- What is the availability of the flooring installers?
- Is the flooring you chose in stock, or does it need to be ordered?
- Are you installing new flooring throughout the house or in a single room?
- Do you have large appliances that will require an electrician to uninstall and reinstall?
- If you have pets, consider how the renovation will affect them. Do they need to stay with a friend or family member?
- How long will you need to stay off the floors after they are completed? This varies depending on the type and brand of flooring you are getting installed. Ask your flooring installer when you can put your furniture back into the room.
If you are doing the furniture moving yourself, make sure you stock up on the equipment below:
- tarps
- moving blankets
- trolleys or dollies
- masking tape
- boxes
- marker pen
- furniture pads
- protective gear (gloves, dust mask, strong shoes, etc.)
Empty the Room
The first step is to empty the room/s being refloored. Some flooring contractors will include or add moving your furniture into the cost of the renovation. Hiring a professional can make moving your furniture and getting new flooring much easier. A professional flooring company will have the experience and expertise to move your furniture without damaging it or your new floors.
If you want to save some dollars and are willing and able to move the furniture yourself, ensure you have all the necessary tools, such as moving blankets, furniture sliders and dollies.
Protect Your Home
Remove all the furniture, area rugs, and any other items on the floor. This will make the process easy for the flooring contractors and prevent any damage to your furniture. If you have a large piece of furniture that cannot be moved, like a built-in bookshelf, cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep dust and debris from getting inside.
Store the Furniture
Now that you have emptied the room, it’s time to store your furniture. Smaller items can be placed in boxes or plastic storage bins. Label each box with its contents, so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Where to put your furniture:
Another Room in the Home
If you have extra space in your office, guest bedroom, basement, etc., you can store your furniture and home goods there until the job is complete. Ensure your installers have a clear path to access the floors without obstacles in hallways or other rooms.
Resist the urge to play musical chairs and move all your furniture from room to room as each floor gets laid. This is a lot of heavy lifting and increases the odds of damaging your furniture or flooring. This option is only viable if laying something like vinyl planks that can be walked on immediately.
The Garage or a Shed
If you’re struggling to find enough square footage inside your home or if you’re installing new flooring in the entire house, we suggest moving your furniture out of the house. Your garage or shed might be a viable storage option if they are relatively clear. However, keep in mind that this may not be the ideal choice for temperature-sensitive or antique pieces, especially during certain seasons.
A Self Storage Facility
If you have no space at home, you might want to consider relocating your items to a secure and convenient temporary storage facility. This involves moving the furniture yourself or hiring a removalist to do it for you. Storage can be costly, so shop around for the best deal based on the length of your stay. Storage prices are generally in line with house rental prices, so if you live in an affluent area, you might have to travel for a better deal.
A Portable Storage Container
A portable storage container is a convenient way to store your furniture short term. With delivery right to your driveway, you won’t have to lug your furniture too far. Check with the company to see whether they will leave it on-site or move it to a secure facility and back to your place when the floors are completed. The higher cost of this option can be offset by the fact that you don’t need removalists (if you are willing to do some heavy lifting!)
Protect Your Floors
Protect your brand new floors during the moving process. Use furniture pads, moving blankets, old carpet pieces, or pieces of cardboard to create a path for moving furniture. This will help prevent dents and scratches on the furniture and your new floors. Remember to always lift your furniture instead of dragging it to avoid scratching the floor.
Once your new floors are installed, you’ll be keen to add your furniture and decorate. The length of time you will need to wait depends on the type of flooring and installation method. Check with your flooring provider to find out when it is safe to put your furniture back. When you move furniture onto your new floors, ensure that you stick protective pads on all wooden and metal furniture legs to prevent any damage.
Check out our articles on Looking After Timber Floors and Cleaning Your Floor for more information.
Getting new flooring is an exciting project that can transform the look of your home. The process can seem daunting, but with a bit of planning, it can be easy and stress-free. Remember to empty the room, store your furniture, and keep your valuables safe. By following these tips, you can ensure that the installation process goes smoothly. Whether you decide to move your furniture yourself or hire a professional, always remember to plan ahead and leave enough time to get the job done right.
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