Figuring out what to do with furniture when getting new flooring can feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you think. Start by moving small items and clearing the space as much as possible.
Consider renting a storage unit for larger pieces or seeking help from a professional moving service. Alternatively, you can shift furniture from one room to another temporarily while the flooring installation progresses.
By organizing and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth process without any hassle. Keep reading for more tips and tricks to make your flooring project a breeze.
What to Do with Furniture When Getting New Flooring
When you’re getting new flooring, one of the most crucial tasks is deciding what to do with your existing furniture. Handling furniture properly can make the flooring installation process smoother and prevent damage to your precious items. Let’s explore the several ways you can manage your furniture effectively.
Preparing Your Home for New Flooring
Before the flooring team arrives, you need to prepare your home. This not only involves moving furniture but also a few preparatory tasks to ensure the installation goes off without a hitch.
Declutter the Space
The first step is to remove any clutter from the rooms getting new flooring. This includes:
- Small items like decorative pieces, books, and electronics
- Rugs and mats
- Plants and any movable decor
- Curtains or drapes that touch the floor
Removing these items will make it easier to see and move larger pieces of furniture. Plus, it prevents accidents and damage.
Plan and Measure
Planning is key. Measure the rooms to understand how much space you’ll have to maneuver furniture. Sketch a quick floor plan if that helps visualize the move.
Options for Furniture During Installation
There are several options for handling your furniture when you’re installing new flooring. Depending on your space, budget, and the volume of furniture, you can choose the one that suits you best.
Move Furniture Out of the Room
If you have enough space in other parts of your home, you can temporarily relocate your furniture to these areas. This could include:
- Using a spare room or garage
- Shifting items to the basement or attic
- Creating space in the living room or another sizable area
**Pros:**
- No need to rent storage or moving equipment
- You have immediate access to your furniture
**Cons:**
- May require lots of effort and physical labor
- Other areas of your home might become cluttered
Use a Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit can be a viable option to keep your furniture safe and out of the way during the installation.
**Pros:**
- Prevents clutter within your home
- Professional storage units offer secure, climate-controlled environments
**Cons:**
- Rental costs can add up
- Requires transportation to and from the storage facility
Hire Professional Movers
Professional movers can provide a stress-free way to handle your furniture. They can safely pack, move, and store items, ensuring your furniture remains in perfect condition.
**Pros:**
- Professionals have the skills and equipment to handle heavy and delicate items
- Saves you time and effort
**Cons:**
- It can be expensive
- Scheduling can be tricky during peak moving seasons
Use Furniture Sliders
If you don’t have lots of heavy furniture or space constraints, you can invest in furniture sliders. These are small pads placed under the legs of your furniture, making it easy to slide pieces across the floor without lifting.
**Pros:**
- Cost-efficient
- Minimizes effort in moving heavy items
**Cons:**
- Not ideal for carpeting or very heavy pieces
- Cannot be used for long-term storage
Protect Your Furniture
Regardless of the option you choose, protecting your furniture is crucial. Here are some tips to ensure your pieces stay safe during the flooring installation.
Use Protective Covers
Cover your furniture with protective covers or blankets. This helps prevent dust, scratches, and other damages. You can use:
- Plastic covers for dust and moisture protection
- Moving blankets for cushioning and scratch prevention
Disassemble Whenever Possible
If your furniture can be disassembled, do so. This makes moving easier and reduces the chances of damage.
- Remove legs from tables and sofas
- Take apart bed frames
- Disassemble shelving units
Keep all screws and small parts in labeled bags to avoid confusion when reassembling.
Label and Organize
Label your furniture and their parts to avoid confusion and ensure everything returns to its original place post-installation.
Coordination with Flooring Installation Teams
Effective coordination with the flooring installation team can make the process smoother.
Communicate Clearly
Discuss the project timeline with the flooring team. Understand their schedule and plan your furniture moving accordingly.
- Ask about the duration of the installation
- Clarify whether they need the room completely empty
- Inquire about any specific preparation they recommend
Staged Moving
For large homes or complex projects, consider staged moving. Move furniture from one room at a time based on the installation progress. This keeps disruption to a minimum.
After the Installation
Once the new flooring is installed, it’s time to move your furniture back. There are a few steps to ensure this goes smoothly.
Clean the New Floor
Before moving furniture back, clean the new floor to remove any dust or debris left from the installation process. This ensures your furniture doesn’t get dirty right away.
Reassemble Furniture
If you disassembled any furniture, reassemble it carefully. Use the labeled bags of screws and parts to make the process easier.
Place Furniture Gently
Move furniture back gently using sliders or lifting to avoid scratching your new floors. Place pads or felt under the legs of heavy furniture to prevent marks.
Taking the time to properly manage your furniture when getting new flooring can save you a lot of effort and ensure a seamless transition. Whether you opt for moving furniture yourself, renting storage, or hiring professionals, planning and preparation are key. Protect your items, coordinate with your flooring team, and enjoy the smooth process as you enhance your home with beautiful new flooring.
Attention Flooring consumer, preparation for installation
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my home for new flooring installation?
First, determine if the flooring company will move your furniture or if you need to do it yourself. If you need to move it, start by clearing smaller items and valuables. Use furniture sliders or dollies for heavy pieces to prevent damage. Make sure to protect your furniture and electronics by covering them with plastic sheets or blankets to avoid dust and debris.
Can I leave my furniture in the same room during flooring installation?
It’s best to move furniture out of the room where new flooring will be installed. If space is limited, move furniture to one half of the room while the other half is being worked on, and then switch. This method is more time-consuming but feasible if you cannot move everything out.
Where can I temporarily store my furniture during flooring installation?
You could store your furniture in a garage, basement, or another room in your house. Renting a portable storage container or self-storage unit is also an option if you lack sufficient space. Ensure that your furniture is covered and protected from dust and potential damage while in storage.
When is it safe to move furniture back after new flooring is installed?
Generally, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours before moving furniture back onto new flooring. This allows the flooring adhesive or grout to fully cure. Follow the recommendations of your flooring installer for specific drying times to avoid damaging the new floor.
Do I need to remove baseboards or trim before flooring installation?
In most cases, removing baseboards or trim is necessary to install the new flooring properly. It provides a cleaner finish and prevents gaps between the floor and walls. Some flooring companies include this service, but you might need to do it yourself if they don’t. Label each piece for easier reinstallation once the flooring is complete.
Final Thoughts
When getting new flooring, clear out each room of all furniture to ensure a smooth installation process.
Temporarily store your furniture in another part of your home or consider renting a storage unit.
If space is an issue, stagger the work room by room, moving furniture as needed.
Proper planning for furniture when getting new flooring ensures a hassle-free upgrade to your living space.