How to Protect a Wood Table From Scratches When Packing for a Move

September 12, 2024Moving Tips
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking.

Wood tables, often cherished for their aesthetic and sentimental value, require special care to prevent damage. When planning your relocation, knowing how to protect a wood table from scratches is crucial to preserving its beauty and integrity. In this post, we’ll cover essential tips and techniques to ensure yours arrives at your new home in perfect condition.

How to Protect a Wood Table From Scratches?

To protect a wood surface from scratches during relocation to a new home, start by cleaning the table to remove any dirt or debris. Disassemble any removable parts, such as legs or leaves, and wrap each piece individually in moving blankets or padded covers. Secure the wrapping with tape, but avoid taping directly to the wood.

Wrap the top in blankets or bubble wrap. Use corner protectors for additional safety of the wooden surface. Place the dismantled parts in a sturdy box and fill any gaps with packaging paper or bubble wrap to prevent shifting. Clearly label the box as “Heavy” and “This side up” to ensure careful handling.

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Why Wood Tables Are Prone to Scratches During Moves

Why is protecting wood table tops important for efficient relocation? Wood tables are prone to scratches during moves due to their delicate surface and exposure to various hazards. Unlike other materials, wood can easily suffer damage from friction, impact, and even minor abrasions. During shipping in a relocation truck, tables are often shifted, bumped, and stacked with other items, increasing the risk of scratches. Additionally, the lack of proper padding and wrapping can leave wood surfaces vulnerable to contact with rough or sharp objects.

Environmental factors like moisture and temperature fluctuations can also weaken the wood’s finish, making it more susceptible to scratches. Even small particles of dirt or debris trapped between packing materials and the wooden surface can cause significant damage during transit. The legs and edges of tables, which often protrude and come into contact with other items, are particularly at risk.

Kitchen pantry before terminal-to-terminal car shipping and moving company comes to load all the stuff into a truck
Stick around to learn how to protect a dining room table from scratches

Essential Materials You Need to Protect Your Wooden Tables

Selecting the right packaging materials is the first step in figuring out how to protect a wooden dining table during a relocation to a new state.

Protecting a wooden surface during a move requires specific materials designed to cushion and shield its surface. High-quality packaging supplies are crucial to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage.

 

Wooden tables have been used for thousands of years - since Ancient Egypt

Choosing the Right Packaging Materials

Selecting the right packaging materials is essential for ensuring your wooden pieces of furniture remain protected during the move. Quality materials can make a significant difference in preventing scratches and damage. So, one of our main relocation tips would be to get these:

  • Thick moving blankets,
  • Large bubble wrap,
  • Strong packaging tape,
  • Stretch wrap,
  • Dense foam or plastic corner protectors,
  • Sturdy corrugated moving boxes (for dismantled parts).

Additional Supplies for Extra Protection

Beyond the basics, several additional supplies can enhance your wooden table’s protection. Furniture sliders can be placed under the legs to prevent scratches on the floor and make moving easier. Packaging paper or foam sheets can fill gaps in boxes, preventing the different parts from shifting during transit.

Desiccant packs help control moisture levels inside the wrapping, protecting the wood from humidity-related damage. Labels and markers are also important for clearly marking the packages, wrapped parts, and top as “Heavy,” ensuring careful handling by movers.

Stacked relocation blankets at an auto transport company
Quality materials make all the difference when it comes to packing

Step-By-Step Guide to Packing Your Wooden Table Safely

Packing wooden tables safely requires careful preparation and attention to detail. We’ll go through each step to help you figure out how to protect the table top from scratches, as well as other parts of the wooden piece of furniture in question. Following these steps will ensure your piece arrives at your new home without any damage.

Step 1 - Clean and Prepare the Tabletop

Before packing, clean the wooden table thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that could cause scratches during shipping. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the surface, followed by a dry cloth to remove any moisture. Ensure the wooden piece is completely dry before proceeding to the next step. This preparation helps maintain its finish and prevents contaminants from damaging the wood.

Step 2 - Disassemble Parts and Secure Loose Components

Disassembling can make it easier to pack efficiently while also reducing the risk of damage. Remove any detachable parts, such as legs, leaves, or extensions. Keep screws, bolts, and other small components in labeled plastic bags to avoid losing them. If there is a glass top, remove it and pack it separately. Disassembling not only simplifies the packing process but also helps distribute the weight more evenly, reducing strain on the structure of a piece of furniture.

Step 3 - Wrap the Item to Shield It From Damage

Wrap each part of the table’s parts individually using your chosen packing materials. Start with moving blankets to provide a thick layer of protection. Secure them with tape, making sure not to tape directly to the wood. Next, use bubble wrap for additional cushioning, particularly around the table’s edges and corners.

Cover the wrapped parts with stretch wrap to keep everything in place and protected from moisture and dust. Don’t forget that you can place smaller parts in cardboard boxes after wrapping them – this will add an extra layer of security.

Step 4 - Secure the Table in the Moving Truck

When loading the moving truck, place the table in an upright position to minimize pressure on the legs and surface. Use furniture straps or bungee cords to secure the item to the side of the truck, preventing it from shifting during transit.

Surround the table with other padded furniture or boxes to provide additional support and cushioning. Make sure there is no heavy or sharp object nearby that could damage it if the truck jolts. Keep in mind that if you hire movers, this step is something you won’t have to worry about.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Packing a Wood Table

Avoiding common relocation mistakes is crucial to ensuring the safety of all your belongings. One frequent error is failing to clean the table before packing, which can lead to scratches from dirt and debris. Another mistake is not disassembling, making it more prone to damage during transit.

Ensure Your Boxes Are Properly Labeled and Have Handling Instructions

Properly labeling boxes is essential for safe transport. Clearly mark boxes as “Heavy” to alert movers to handle them with care. Use labels to indicate “This Side Up” to ensure the table is placed correctly during loading and unloading. Additionally, write specific handling instructions, such as “Do Not Stack” or “Lift With Care,” to prevent damage from improper handling.

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Unpacking Safely at Your New Home

Unpacking after relocation is just as important as packing. Start by preparing the unpacking area, ensuring it’s clean and free of debris. Carefully remove the parts from their protective wrappings, being mindful not to scratch or damage the wood. Take your time to avoid any accidents or mishandling. Lay out all the parts in an organized manner, making sure you have all components and hardware ready for reassembly.

Inspect for Any Damage Post-Move

Before reassembling, inspect each piece for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Look for scratches, dents, or cracks in the wood, as well as any missing or broken hardware. If you find any issues, document them with photos and contact your moving company, as you may need to file a claim.

Address any minor repairs, such as touching up scratches with wood polish or gluing small cracks, to ensure your table is in the best possible condition before reassembly.

Reassemble and Set up Your Table

Once you’ve inspected all the parts and addressed any issues, you can begin reassembling your table. Start with the legs and support structure, making sure all screws and bolts are tightened securely. Next, attach the tabletop, ensuring it is level and stable. Finally, check that all parts are properly aligned and secure. Once reassembled, place the item in the desired location and give it a final wipe-down to remove any dust or fingerprints.

Nicely arranged living room
Enjoy your beautiful wood table in its new home once you reassemble it

Hire Professional Movers for Expert Assistance

Booking moving services from professional movers can significantly ease the stress of moving, especially when it comes to valuable items like your wood table. Professional movers have the expertise and equipment to pack and move safely, reducing the risk of damage during transit.

They are trained in handling bulky pieces of furniture (as well as fragile items!) and know the best techniques to ensure everything arrives intact at your new home. Additionally, movers offer insurance coverage options that can protect your belongings in case of accidents or mishaps during shipping. This peace of mind is invaluable when moving valuable and sentimental items like wood furniture.

Finding Reliable Movers to Ship Your Car as Well as Furniture

When looking for reliable movers who handle shipping cars in the USA, it’s essential to research and compare different companies to find the best moving and car shipping company to fit your needs. Look for movers with experience in vehicle transportation, especially if your car is valuable or requires special handling. Read customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the reputation of an auto transport company and its reliability.

Ensure the movers are licensed and insured to protect your vehicle during transport. Ask about their shipping methods – do they have enclosed auto transport or only offer open trailers? Also, be sure to check if the company offers door-to-door auto transport, terminal-to-terminal car shipping, or both – USA Auto Transport offers both options. By choosing a moving company with a proven track record in car shipping, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time at its destination.

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