7 tips to protect floors when moving

Moving can be a challenging experience, especially when you’re worried about damaging half of your house in the process. Whether you have hardwood, tile, or carpet, protecting your floors is important to avoid costly repairs. Fortunately, there are some straightforward tips you can follow to protect floors when moving. Therefore, explore these practical pieces of advice and focus on settling into your new place in a more relaxed manner.

Use furniture sliders

Furniture sliders are essential for protecting your floors when moving heavy items. These small, durable discs make it easier to glide furniture across the floor without causing scratches or dents. Here’s how to use them effectively:

  • Choose the right type. Felt sliders work best on hard floors, while plastic sliders are ideal for carpets.
  • Lift furniture slightly. Place the slider under each leg or corner without damaging the floor.
  • Move furniture slowly. This reduces the risk of the sliders slipping or losing their grip.
  • Use sliders on all furniture. Even smaller pieces can cause damage if dragged across the floor.

Using furniture sliders can help you move your belongings safely without leaving marks on your floors.

Lay down protective mats

Protective mats are a great way to shield your floors from damage during a move. They provide a barrier between heavy furniture, appliances, and flooring, helping to prevent scratches, dents, and other damage. According to the moving and storage companies in Orange County, using mats made of rubber, foam, or carpet can offer the best protection for various types of flooring. It’s a good idea to place these mats in high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways, where the most wear and tear is likely to occur. Make sure the mats are secured properly to avoid any shifting, which could cause accidents or floor damage. This simple step can help you keep your floors looking their best throughout the moving process.

a white carpet that can be used to protect floors when moving
Floors that are covered are less likely to get damaged.

Cover floors with temporary floor coverings to protect floors when moving

Temporary floor coverings are a smart way to prevent floor damage when moving. Options like adhesive plastic, floor runners, or even large sheets of cardboard can shield your floors from scratches, dirt, and other damage. These coverings are especially useful in areas with heavy foot traffic or where large items will be moved. According to furniture movers Orange County offers, using adhesive plastic is particularly effective on carpeted floors, as it stays in place and provides a strong barrier. For hardwood or tile floors, floor runners and cardboard are good choices, as they can be easily laid down and removed without leaving any residue. Using these coverings can reduce the risk of flood damage and keep your home in great shape during your move.

Clean floors before moving

Cleaning your floors before moving is a simple step that can prevent scratches and damage. Dust, dirt, and debris can easily cause damage when furniture or boxes are dragged across the floor. Here’s how to keep your floors clean and protected:

  • Sweep or vacuum thoroughly. Remove all dirt and debris from the floor.
  • Mop the floors. Use a damp mop to clean hardwood, tile, or laminate floors.
  • Use the right cleaning products. Ensure that you’re using a cleaner that’s safe for your specific floor type.
  • Spot-clean as you go. Address any spills or dirt tracked during the moving process.

Keeping your floors clean will help prevent unnecessary damage during your move.

a man walking over the floor being cleaned by a robot vacuum cleaner
To protect floors when moving, clean them first.

Use furniture blankets

Furniture blankets are an effective way to protect floors when moving your furniture. These thick, padded blankets help cushion heavy items, preventing scratches and dents on floors as they are moved. Wrapping your furniture in these blankets minimizes the risk of bumps and dings as you navigate tight spaces. For the installation services Orange County companies provide, it’s essential to secure the blankets tightly with straps or tape to prevent them from slipping off during the move. This added layer of protection can be particularly helpful when moving bulky items like couches, tables, and appliances. In essence, with furniture blankets, you can ensure that both your floors and your furniture remain in excellent condition throughout the moving process.

Invest in doorway protection

Doorway protection is another very important measure to take if you want to prevent floor damage when moving items in and out of your home. Door jamb protectors and temporary threshold covers are great options for shielding your floors and doorways from scratches, dents, and scuffs. These protective tools are easy to install and can save you from costly repairs down the line. Those providing Orange County packing services have noticed that those who use these protections in high-traffic areas where heavy items are being moved, end up with a lot less or no damage to their floors.

Additionally, make sure the protectors are securely placed so they don’t shift during the move, which could lead to accidents or damage. By investing in doorway protection, you can reduce the risk of damage not only to your floors but also to your door frames, making your move smoother and less stressful.

Plan the moving route carefully

Planning your moving route is key to avoiding floor damage. A well-thought-out route minimizes the risk of dropping items or bumping into walls and corners. Here’s how to plan your route effectively:

  1. Identify high-risk areas. Mark areas where floors are most vulnerable, such as narrow hallways and staircases.
  2. Clear the path. Remove obstacles like rugs, small furniture, or any clutter that could cause tripping or stumbling.
  3. Use protective coverings. Place mats or runners along the route, especially in high-traffic areas.
  4. Communicate with movers. Make sure everyone knows the planned route to avoid any confusion or mishaps.
movers carrying a green velvet sofa
Plan the route that those carrying the furniture will take with the smallest chance of damaging everything along the way.

Keeping your floors safe during the move

Moving doesn’t have to mean damaged floors. These simple steps, like using furniture sliders, laying down protective mats, and planning your route carefully, can help you ensure your home stays in great condition. With these tips, you can protect floors when moving and make the entire process a little less stressful.

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7 days ago
I highly recommend AR moving. I had to move furniture from an assisted living location into a public storage facility. From talking with Lillian on the phone to working with Carlos & Luis during the move, everything went smoothly & efficiently. Furniture pieces were carefully wrapped, loaded & transported to the storage unit. Everyone was friendly & professional.
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7 days ago
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3 weeks ago
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3 months ago
Moving is never fun, and rarely goes smoothly. But AR Moving (Affordable Reliable Moving) changed all that. True to their name, they were among the lowest...
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6 months ago
This company recently moved my elderly mother locally. They were fast and efficient. Nothing broken and the cost was fair. Showed up when they said they...
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9 months ago
This company is the real deal! From the initial contact with Tyler who organized the move and was very communicative and available to answer any questions, to the day of, everything exceeded my expectations. Our crew consisted of Armando, Edwin and John who were all fantastic! They worked so hard solution seeking and navigating our new space (which has a very tight stairwell and is 3 stories) not to mention moving everything out of our old apartment which was also on the 3rd floor (no elevator). They wrapped our furniture and took great care handling all of our boxes and fragile pieces. Seriously, these are some of the hardest working guys I have ever seen and they had a great attitude the whole time! I highly recommend them and will be using them again for my next move. Worth every penny. Thanks again for the 5 star service!
Cheryl M.
1 year ago
Everything from getting a quote to moving my personal belongings to another state went off without a hitch! I received a quote for this move which included...
Mario Q.
1 year ago
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage during my recent move in Irvine. From start to finish, the team lived up to their name—affordable, reliable, and truly professional. They showed up on time, handled everything with care, and made what could’ve been a stressful day feel totally under control. The crew was friendly, efficient, and even managed to navigate my oddly shaped furniture through tight corners without a scratch. I was especially impressed by how organized they were—labeling everything, wrapping fragile items, and keeping things moving like a well-oiled machine. If you’re moving in the Irvine area (or anywhere nearby), I can’t recommend them enough. Five stars all the way!
Christopher B.
1 year ago
Matt, Luis, and Armando worked well as a team. On time, careful, and finished under the quoted estimate. Well worth the money spent. Thank you!!!!
Gordon M.
1 year ago
Thanks to the AWESOME team who moved us!! They were on time and worked VERY hard and professionally to pack and move two locations into one! Big thanks to our guys!!!
Macaroa F.
1 year ago
This moving company is the best! I have used a few other moving companies before and this one is excellent. I would use this company again if we need to move again and I would recommend it to friends/family. The movers, Luis, Armando, and Matt were very kind, respectful, careful, coordinated, hard-working and positive. I had never had movers who were this amazing before. They go above and beyond. Thank you to Affordable Reliable Moving Company and thank you to Luis, Armando, and Matt!
Ian E.
2 years ago
Very professional, timely and well organized. Overall couldn’t be more glad to have chosen them
Kira B.
2 years ago
Great Moving Company!
K S.
2 years ago
My move couldn't have gone better. From my first call with Lillian I knew I'd be in good hands. She was kind and conscientious and I felt heard and a priority. The system the company has for updates worked well and made me feel comfortable knowing I was on their radar. My movers, Anthony and Jesse, were communicative, on time, efficient and clean. Very nice guys who were were flexible and understanding. It seemed like they really wanted me to be happy. I will need more moving help in the next couple months and I will be calling this company again to help me. I will also be requesting Jesse and Anthony. I will be recommending to my family and friends. Thank you so much
Daisy G.
2 years ago
Excellent service! I called within 24 hours and they were able to arrange the move, and big kudos to Spencer, Louis and Tony, they are polite, courteous and very profesional, I will for sure use their service again in the future.
L W.
2 years ago
They did a great job and I highly recommend them. The crew showed up on time, organized and used the time efficiently. The guys were super helpful and moved me out of a storage unit and into my new place with ease. They were respectful of my items and my home. I would refer them to friends and family and use them again. Best moving experience I’ve ever had.
GAIUS B.
2 years ago
Showed up early, friendly and professional. Matt, Armondo and Derek were a pleasure to work with. I would definitely use them again, and recommend.
Evan S.
2 years ago
Exceeded expectations. The AR team was punctual, fully prepared (had everything needed to expedite the move), and professional. Absolutely no drama and no breakage. Highly recommend. Shout to Matt and Armando for a fantastic job.
Rob M.
2 years ago
The team was very fast and careful with our belongings, I would definitely recommend them!
Jack T.
2 years ago
I'm a repeat customer. I've made dozens of moves over the decades, and the last two moves by Affordable Reliable Movers were the best I've ever had. They arrived on time, quickly and carefully packed my furnishings and delivered everything to the new address. Outstanding company and excellent service.
Jackson B.
2 years ago
Professional movers ensured a smooth move, though the process took longer than expected. Careful handling of my belongings made it a reliable option, despite the extended moving time.
Shyaan E.
2 years ago
Derek is very knowledgeable and professional. He is an industry veteran and helped me greatly with my questions when I needed to move. While we ended up packing ourself, I would highly recommend Affordable Reliable Moving Company to anyone looking for help moving.
Jeff F.
2 years ago
"I can't say enough great things about Affordable Reliable Moving Company! They helped move my 500 LB safe from my second-floor office to the 1st floor, and they did it quickly and safely in under an hour. The team was professional, efficient, and handled everything with care. I was impressed by their skill and attention to detail. Highly recommend them for your safe and or any heavy lifting or moving needs!"
Chelsea T.
2 years ago
This is our 2nd move with Affordable Reliable Moving, and they are absolutely fantastic. Today, we have Spencer, Luis, and Jesse -- they were ON TIME (a little early, in fact), super fast with the big item packing and moving, genuinely nice, and incredibly efficient. They provide wardrobe boxes, mattress covers, furniture packing, electronics (TV packing), and blankets. Booking online and over the phone was super easy both times. Highly, highly recommend this company for anyone moving in SoCal!
Gary K.
2 years ago
These guys did a great job moving my office and would highly recommend them. I had a couple of nice pieces of furniture and they white-gloved them up the stairs to my 2nd story office. All Pro!

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