So, you’ve finally started to plan your home renovation… how exciting! But whether it’s a kitchen makeover, a loft conversion, or a full home extension, there’s one thing many people forget: how to protect furniture during renovation.
Dust, debris, accidental bumps, and even moisture can damage your belongings if you’re not careful. That’s why we’ve put together 8 expert tips to help keep your furniture safe while your home gets a fresh new look.
How to Protect Furniture During Renovation
1. Clear the Space
Before any renovation begins, take a good look at your home and identify which pieces of furniture will be at risk. Large items like sofas, wardrobes, and beds are particularly vulnerable to scratches and dust. Ideally, you want to remove furniture from the renovation zone entirely. Put them in a room that won’t be affected by construction work.
If you don’t have space at home, professional Sydney removalists and storage can help. For example, Holloway Removals in Sydney have convenient, mobile storage facilities to relocate your furniture safely, so it’s protected and out of the way during renovations.
2. Use Protective Covers
Once your furniture is out of harm’s way—or even if it’s staying in the room—it’s important to cover it properly. Use protective furniture covers like:
- Cotton or linen furniture covers: lightweight, breathable, and ideal for sofas or chairs.
- Furniture blankets: thick, padded blankets designed for moving; they absorb bumps while letting air circulate.
- Canvas covers: durable and breathable, perfect for long-term protection during renovations.
- Plastic sheeting: useful for areas prone to paint splashes, but avoid wrapping wooden furniture tightly for long periods.
It’s important to use the right type of covers to avoid issues like warping, mold or sticky residues from trapped dust.
3. Take Furniture Off the Floor
A lot of dust and debris will accumulate on floors during construction, and even a minor spill can damage upholstery or wood. Make sure to lift furniture slightly off the floor to prevent damage. Use blocks or risers under furniture legs to give your pieces a bit of breathing room.
If you have rugs or carpets, roll or cover them up to prevent stains from paint, plaster, or other construction materials.
4. Protect Small and Fragile Items
It’s not just sofas and tables that need your attention. Small items like lamps, mirrors, and decorative pieces are also at risk. Make sure to:
- Pack fragile items in sturdy boxes with plenty of padding
- Label boxes clearly
- Wrap delicate pieces in bubble wrap or styrofoam.
If you’re unsure or short on time, removalists can also pack your items professionally and carefully. They’ll help make sure everything arrives safely at temporary storage or another location while renovations are ongoing.
5. Limit Traffic Around Furniture
The more foot traffic there is, the more likely your furniture will be accidentally damaged. If you can’t move all of your furniture out of the way, try to:
- Set up temporary barriers around vulnerable items.
- Create safe zones for your furniture that tools, materials, and workers won’t come near.
- Keep pathways clear and plan routes for workers and equipment to avoid your furniture.
6. Regularly Clean and Inspect
Even with protective measures in place, dust and debris can still settle. Regularly dust and wipe down your covered furniture to prevent long-term damage. Check for scratches, paint splatters, or other minor issues so you can fix them before it’s too late.
7. Use Temporary Storage
For bigger renovation projects, especially those that involve moving multiple rooms or floors, it might be worth it to store furniture off-site. This will protect your belongings far better, plus free up space for builders to work more efficiently.
There are Sydney storage facilities like Holloway Removals that can carefully pack, transport and store your furniture, so it remains in pristine condition throughout your renovation.
8. Communicate with Your Contractors
Finally, make sure your builders, painters, or other contractors know which areas and pieces of furniture are off-limits. Clear communication goes a long way in preventing accidents. Make sure everyone respects the protective measures you’ve put in place.
Final Takeaway
Knowing how to protect your furniture during renovation will save you from lots of stress and a load of regrets. Just make sure to plan ahead, use the appropriate protective materials, and ask professionals for help if needed.
If your renovation project involves moving large or delicate pieces, storing them in a secure storage facility will give you peace of mind. You’ll know your furniture is in safe hands while you focus on the rest of the project.
FAQs on how to protect furniture for renovation
Q: Can I leave furniture in a room if renovation is happening nearby?
A: Yes, but make sure it’s fully covered and pathways are clear so it doesn’t get bumped or exposed to dust.
Q: Are plastic covers safe for long-term protection?
A: Not for wood or leather furniture as they can trap moisture. Breathable covers like cotton, linen, or canvas are better.
Q: When should I consider hiring professional removalists and storage?
A: If you have large, heavy, or delicate items, or if you need off-site storage during a long renovation, professional removalists and storage can save time and prevent damage.
Q: How often should I check my furniture during a renovation?
A: You should inspect your covered furniture at least once a week, wiping off dust and checking for any accidental damage.