Moving Day–Keep Your New Home Damage Free!
Nothing is more exciting than moving into your brand new home. The long homebuying process is finally complete and you are ready to show off your beautiful Ernest home to friends and family. Now comes the last big hurdle—keeping your new home damage free on moving day.
Most people focus on packing their belongings, but it is just as important to protect floors, walls, railings, and doorways. The experts at Ernest Homes have put together these smart tips to help you prevent scratches, dents, and dings while you move in.
1. Set Up a Smart Moving Strategy
Before the first box comes through the front door, take a few minutes to map out a plan of attack. Pack and load your belongings room by room, and unload them the same way. Start at the rear of the house and work your way forward so you are not constantly backtracking through hallways and entryways. Fewer trips through each space means fewer chances for nicks and scrapes.
Measure first. Check doorways, stairways, and tight corners to be sure large furniture pieces will fit. If something looks questionable, measure both the opening and the furniture so you can adjust your route before anyone gets stuck halfway through a doorway.
2. Protect Your Floors
Your floors take the brunt of moving day. To prevent gouges, scuffs, and tears, cover high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways, and main living spaces.
- Use floor runners, carpet protectors, drop cloths, or large flattened cardboard boxes.
- Place felt pads on the legs of furniture before it enters the home.
- Use moving blankets or cardboard sheets to “scoot” heavy furniture instead of dragging it directly on the floor.
- Set a sturdy welcome mat outside and just inside the door to cut down on water, dirt, and mud—especially on a rainy moving day.
If you cover stairs, make sure your runner or cardboard is securely taped down so nobody slips.
3. Wrap and Shield Your Railings
Wooden railings and banisters can chip or scratch easily as furniture brushes past. Wrap them in thick moving blankets, bubble wrap, or flattened cardboard and secure everything with painter’s tape so the finish is not damaged.
For thin railings, pool noodles work surprisingly well. Slice them open lengthwise, place them over the railing, and tape them in place. They create a soft buffer between furniture and wood.
4. Wrap Furniture Before You Move It
Unwrapped furniture is one of the most common causes of damage in a new home. Take a few extra minutes to pad each piece before it enters the house.
- Wrap sofas, tables, and dressers in moving blankets or thick quilts.
- Use old sheets or towels for smaller pieces.
- Secure drawers and doors with stretch wrap so they do not swing open and hit walls.
- Use a dolly or hand truck for heavy or bulky items whenever possible.
If a piece can be taken apart—such as removing table legs or headboards—disassemble it before the move. Smaller pieces are easier to maneuver through doorways and around corners.
5. Guard Corners and Tight Spots
Wall corners and tight hallway openings are especially vulnerable on moving day. Protect them before the first box comes in.
- Cover corners with the creased section of flattened cardboard boxes and tape them in place with painter’s tape.
- For a slimmer option, use cardboard corner protectors such as these.
- Pool noodles can also be sliced and taped along each side of a corner for extra cushion.
6. Add Temporary Wall Protection
In narrow hallways or tight turns, hang lightweight moving blankets or cardboard panels on the walls with painter’s tape. This extra layer helps prevent scuffs and dents if someone misjudges a corner while carrying a large item.
7. Keep Kids and Pets Safe
We love small children and pets, but moving day is not the best time for them to be underfoot. To avoid trip-and-fall accidents or “squish and squash” injuries, arrange for a pet sitter, trusted friend, or family member to watch little ones away from the main traffic zones. A quiet day for them means a safer, calmer move for you.
8. Enjoy Your New Ernest Home
With a little planning and protection, you can finish moving day with your beautiful new home still looking brand new. For more ways to care for your Ernest home, explore our warranty and maintenance information or reach out through our Contact Us page. Welcome home!
