One of the things often neglected during the relocation process is knowing how to protect the carpet when moving from damage. If you ignore this step, you may have to throw away the rug or pay for the repair afterward. The same applies to valuable carpets. Protecting your floor and carpets will certainly keep money in your pockets and clear your schedule to deal with other issues. And you definitely need both money and time when relocating. So, dedicate a few minutes to learn how to protect them both.
A crumpled carpet
Learn How to Protect the Carpet When Moving
Carpet is best protected from dirt by using a mask for carpets in your home. They’re not expensive – they certainly cost less than what you would pay for cleaning or replacing your rug. They come with self-adhesive surfaces and are easy to install. Also, they are non-slippery. But probably the best way of protecting your rug is rolling it up and removing it before the moving starts. You can put it in storage until the relocation fuss is over.
Use Some Type of Floor Protection
Protecting the floor of your home can be done with some protective material such as old rugs or blankets you do not need anymore. They should be placed in the areas the movers will be stepping on. If you can afford floor runners, which have an anti-slip surface against shifting, they will certainly be the most efficient. You can also employ them for covering carpeted stairs, as they will prevent the movers and yourselves from slipping and falling down the stairs. But, they are costly.
Self-adhesive plastic films also provide good protection from dirt and moisture. But probably the best and usually cost-free protective material is cardboard. You can use flattened cardboard boxes as layers of protection on any surface.
However, if you are moving some heavy appliances or pieces of furniture from your home, you need to create a new floor over the existing one and that is best done with plywood sheets. The downside is they are costly, but if you have to arrange for good protection, this is the best way.
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Methods for Protecting Your Floors and Carpets
Undoubtedly, the best way to protect your floors and carpets is to hire professional movers. They know how to do it and you will have every right to expect that the job will be done properly. If money is the obstacle, you can also do it yourself by following the tips below.
One of the best tips we can give you is to cover the floors with paperboard that is available for free at a number of stores. It is good defense from potential damage caused by dropping heavy items or dragging them on the ground. However, dragging as a method should be avoided anyway, as it is unlikely it will not cause scratches on any surface, whether it is wood or tiles. Lighter objects should be carried and heavier ones transported by sliders and rubber-wheel dollies.
The edges and legs of household items need to be covered with blankets or any other thick protective material just in case.
Hardwood floors need to be protected with paperboard. Tiles should be shielded either with old blankets or plywood sheets if you have to use the caster wheels. Laminate floors are easily preserved with any available material such as paperboard, old blankets or plywood. Carpets need to be protected with special self-adhesive protective films if the budget allows it. Otherwise, old towels will have to do the trick.
Use Sliders or Blankets for Carpet When Moving Furniture
Even with proper protection, carpets can be damaged by sharp furniture edges or legs. So it is advisable to use furniture sliders in your home when moving heavy pieces over your rug. They are made either from hard rubber or plastic and are designed to reduce the friction between the household item and the floor. You can find them in a variety of shapes and sizes at a nearby retail store. Place them on the furniture legs and push gently to a place you designated for that item.
You can use thick blankets to cover the edges of furniture in your home as well. It will serve as a good shock absorber in case the object is dropped on the carpet or dragged over it.
Get Sturdy Boxes or Box Reinforcements That Won’t Damage the Floor
One of the most important tips we can give you is to pick strong cardboard boxes for packing. Why? Because they need to endure heavy weight without tearing apart, and free boxes may not have that capacity. Do not overload them and put enough padding inside to prevent the items from shifting, as that can also cause the boxes to break. Also, reinforce the bottoms with quality tape as that will serve as another line of defense of your floors and carpets.
Rubber-Wheel Dolly That Won’t Damage the Flooring
If you are not hiring professional movers with proper equipment, rubber wheels are the safest option for your flooring, especially if you are shipping heavy items such as a grandfather clock or a bed and mattress. Rubber-wheel dollies can be bought in a store or rented from local companies. Just clean the wheels before using them.
