How to Properly Prepare Large Items for Transport

Moving large furniture and bulky items can be a daunting task, especially if you're not experienced with proper packing and preparation techniques. Whether you're using a professional delivery service like Dropoff DMV or transporting items yourself, proper preparation is crucial to prevent damage and ensure a smooth delivery process. In this guide, we'll walk you through essential steps to prepare large items for safe transport.

1. Measure Everything Twice

Before moving day arrives, take detailed measurements of both your large items and the spaces they need to navigate through:

• Item dimensions: Measure the height, width, and depth of each piece of furniture or large item.
• Doorways and hallways: Measure the width and height of all doorways, hallways, stairwells, and elevators the item will pass through.
• Vehicle space: If using your own vehicle, measure the cargo area to ensure your items will fit.

Having these measurements on hand will help you plan the best route for moving your items and determine if any pieces need to be disassembled before transport.

2. Disassemble When Possible

Many large furniture pieces can be partially or completely disassembled, making them much easier to transport:

• Remove table legs, headboards, and footboards
• Take drawers out of dressers and cabinets
• Remove cushions and pillows from sofas and chairs
• Detach shelves from bookcases
• Take off cabinet doors

When disassembling furniture, keep these important tips in mind:

• Take photos of the assembled item from multiple angles before disassembly to help with reassembly later
• Keep all hardware (screws, bolts, washers, etc.) in labeled ziplock bags
• Tape these bags securely to the corresponding furniture piece or keep them in a dedicated "hardware box"
• Keep assembly instructions if you have them

3. Protect Surfaces and Corners

Proper wrapping and padding are essential for preventing scratches, dents, and other damage during transport:

• Furniture blankets or moving pads: Wrap large surfaces completely, securing with stretch wrap or tape.
• Bubble wrap: Ideal for wrapping legs, arms, and other protruding parts.
• Corner protectors: Place on sharp corners of tables, dressers, and other rectangular furniture.
• Plastic wrap: Use to secure blankets and pads in place and to protect upholstered items from dirt and moisture.
• Cardboard: Cut pieces to cover flat surfaces like table tops or to create custom corner protectors.

4. Secure Doors, Drawers, and Moving Parts

Any part of your furniture that can move or swing open during transport should be secured:

• Use stretch wrap to keep drawers and doors closed
• Apply painter's tape to secure cabinet doors (it won't damage the finish)
• Remove and wrap glass shelves or doors separately
• Secure adjustable parts (like recliner mechanisms) with zip ties or stretch wrap

5. Use Proper Lifting Techniques

Even with professional help, knowing proper lifting techniques can prevent injury and damage:

• Always bend at the knees, not the waist
• Keep the item close to your body while lifting
• Move slowly and communicate clearly with helpers
• Use furniture sliders under heavy items when moving across floors
• Consider using moving straps or a dolly for extremely heavy pieces

Remember that some items are simply too heavy or awkward for DIY moving. This is where professional services like Dropoff DMV can save you from potential injury and property damage.

6. Prepare Electronics and Appliances

Large electronics and appliances require special preparation:

• Refrigerators: Empty, defrost, and disconnect at least 24 hours before moving. Keep doors slightly open during transport to prevent odors.
• Washing machines: Secure the drum with shipping bolts or towels and disconnect and drain all hoses.
• TVs: If possible, use the original box and packing materials. Otherwise, wrap in blankets and transport upright.
• Computers and gaming consoles: Back up data, remove media, and transport in padded boxes.

7. Create a Loading Strategy

How you load items into a vehicle can significantly impact their safety during transport:

• Place heaviest items on the bottom and against the walls of the vehicle
• Distribute weight evenly from side to side
• Use furniture pads between items to prevent scratching
• Fill gaps with smaller items or packing material to prevent shifting
• Secure everything with ratchet straps or rope

How Dropoff DMV Can Help

While these preparation tips will help ensure your items are ready for transport, the actual moving process can still be challenging. At Dropoff DMV, we specialize in the safe transport of large items throughout the DMV area. Our experienced team has the proper equipment, vehicles, and expertise to handle even the most challenging moves.

We offer:

• Professional handling of all types of furniture and large items
• Proper padding and securing of items in our vehicles
• Careful navigation through tight spaces
• Basic assembly/disassembly services
• Flexible scheduling to meet your needs

By combining your careful preparation with our professional delivery service, you can ensure your valuable items arrive safely at their destination. Contact us today for a quote on your next large item delivery!