Once the last box has been taped up, you may think you’re prepared for the big day of moving ahead – but have you considered how you’ll protect the existing finishes in your home?

Keeping your belongings secure from damage and unpredictable weather is only half of the challenge on moving day. You also want to leave the walls, floors, and finishes in your old space ‘move-in ready’ if you’re renting, or free of damage for the new owners if selling. While difficult furniture is relocated and you navigate tricky corners, it’s common for there to be bumps, dings, and drops.

Follow these tips from our movers in Edmonton, learned from years of experience moving families through narrow staircases and slim doorways, to prevent the “oopsies” from turning into expensive repairs. From flooring to ceilings, protection is important for a stress-free moving day without surprises. Here’s how you can prepare your old living space and new home on moving day.

Walls

A dented wall, marked paint job, or scratched corner can add unnecessary stress when you’re getting ready to lock up your space for the last time. A drop cloth can protect corners and walls in tight areas and narrow hallways. Objects or furniture that is awkward or has sharp corners should be covered using felt pads or blankets. Plastic protectors and corner guards can also be purchased for large furniture that can’t be easily picked up.

Carpet

Stains can happen fast and last forever, especially with multiple people moving in and out of the space quickly. Your Edmonton movers will supply some rug runners for main entrance ways, but they are not waterproof or completely reliable when it comes to avoiding stains. Thin plastic that is specially designed for floor protection can be useful in wet conditions. It features a sticky side to avoid shifting or movement and can be useful on carpeted staircases. Be warned that plastic that is not made for this purpose can pose a safety hazard as it moves, leaving wet shoes vulnerable to slipping.

If you can avoid it, try to keep most of the moving activity off the carpet in the first place. Place boxes and small furniture in tiled or hardwood areas, and only have your Edmonton movers go into carpeted rooms to retrieve large furniture. The best way to prevent a spill is to avoid it before it happens!

Hardwood Floors

You won’t have to worry about stains, but scratches and dents can cause problems for hardwood floors on moving day. Cardboard strips are useful for placing under wheels or furniture legs when you roll or move heavy objects into or out of the space. You can also lay down drop clothes to help prevent smaller scratches that may come from dirty shoes or rough boxes.

Tile and Vinyl Flooring

These floors are durable and generally avoid damage when it comes to moving day hazards. To be on the safe side, you may feel more confident using rosin paper to protect the surface. Depending on the exact material, it is also important to be cautious of stains, or chips in the tile. Let your Edmonton moving company know if you have any concerns, and they will be sure to treat the area with extra care to prevent damage!

Avoid Damage on Moving Day with Professional Edmonton Movers

Matco Moving Solutions can help you with your locallong-distance or international move. We are a full-service moving company that is dedicated to delivering a stress-free and positive moving experience. We have locations in Toronto, Kitchener, Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Inuvik and over 55 years of moving experience and expertise.

Contact us today for a free moving quote and to learn how Matco Edmonton movers can help you with your next move.