If you’ve decided to bring your beloved furniture along on your move, it’s important to remember that moving large pieces—especially heavy ones—is no easy feat. In fact, it can quickly become a disaster for your floors if you’re not careful.

Floor damage is actually one of the most common (and costly) issues during a move, whether it’s scratches, dents, or scuffs. From polished wood floors, which can be extremely delicate, to tile floors that can shatter with the impact of a heavy item, the last thing you want is to ruin your home’s surfaces.

So, how do you move your furniture without causing damage? Read on to learn the tricks that will help keep your floors pristine while getting your furniture to its new home.

1. Gather Your Team for Moving Day

First off, never attempt to move heavy furniture by yourself—especially if you want to avoid damaging your floors. The more hands you have on deck, the less chance there is of the furniture scraping or hitting the floor. With a team lifting the pieces, you reduce the risk of direct contact with your flooring altogether.

2. Disassemble Bulky Furniture

Before attempting to move large furniture like beds, dressers, or cabinets, take the time to disassemble what you can. Breaking down pieces into smaller, lighter sections makes them much easier to move without putting undue strain on your back or causing damage to your floors. And remember—never drag heavy furniture across the floor!

3. Cushion with Moving Blankets

If you’re moving heavy pieces of furniture, like tables or dressers, the edges and legs are especially vulnerable to causing floor damage. A simple solution is to wrap those sharp edges with moving blankets. This ensures that even if the furniture does make contact with the floor, it won’t scratch or scuff it.

No moving blankets? Towels or old sheets will work just fine as a temporary cushion.

4. Utilize Furniture Sliders

Looking for an easy way to glide your furniture without risking scratches? Furniture sliders are your best friend. These small discs are designed to fit under the legs or corners of furniture. They reduce friction, allowing you to gently slide your pieces across the floor without leaving any marks. Make sure you pick the kind designed for hard floors to prevent damage.

5. Try Shoulder Moving Straps

If you have really heavy furniture to lift, shoulder moving straps (or a shoulder dolly) can help you avoid floor contact altogether. These straps distribute the weight of the furniture evenly across your shoulders, making it easier to lift without straining your back. Just be sure to have a second person to help—teamwork makes the dream work!

6. Use a Furniture Dolly

When it comes to moving large, bulky items, nothing beats a furniture dolly. This simple piece of equipment has four wheels that make it easy to roll heavy furniture across the floor without damage. Perfect for couches, cabinets, and tables, a dolly ensures your floor stays safe while you move everything from point A to point B.

Just keep in mind that dollies aren’t great for stairs—plan accordingly!

7. Protect with Cardboard Sheets

Want a budget-friendly way to protect your floors? Lay down thick cardboard sheets across high-traffic areas. This method can easily be done with leftover cardboard from old boxes. If you’re moving large furniture, simply tape the sheets down for extra security. It’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution.

8. Go for Plywood Sheets

For a more robust solution, consider laying down plywood sheets. Plywood offers stronger, more durable protection than cardboard, though it does come at a price. If you can afford it, this option will keep your floors pristine, especially in high-risk areas where furniture will be moved frequently.

9. Perfect Your Lifting Technique

Sometimes, lifting furniture is the best way to avoid scraping the floors. Follow these key techniques for lifting furniture the right way:

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for a solid base.
• Keep your back straight and use your legs to do the heavy lifting.
• Always bend your knees (not your back) to utilize your strongest muscles.
• Wear high-quality gloves to help grip the furniture securely.

10. Hire Professional Movers

If you’re feeling unsure about protecting your floors or you just want the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done right, consider hiring professional movers. Experienced movers know exactly how to handle large pieces of furniture without causing any damage to your floors—and they come with the proper equipment to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Ultimately, with a little preparation and the right tools, you can move your furniture safely while keeping your floors as good as new. Whether you choose to rely on friends, moving equipment, or professionals, just make sure you’re using the right methods to keep everything in tip-top shape during the move!