Custom wood furniture is more than décor. It reflects craftsmanship, personal taste, and often years of careful selection or even family history. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or sending a bespoke piece to a client, safe delivery should be a top priority. Wooden furniture is durable by nature, but that doesn’t make it immune to damage during transport. Scratches, dents, warping, or joint separation can all result from poor handling.
If you’re planning to move high-value wooden items, this guide will help you understand how to protect them during the process. From preparation and packing to choosing the right courier, here’s everything you need to know.
Understand the Risks Before You Move
Wooden furniture may look sturdy, but each piece is vulnerable in its own way. Solid oak tables are heavy and can crack if dropped. Delicate joinery in handmade chairs can loosen with excessive vibration. Softwoods like pine are prone to dents, and polished finishes can suffer from even minor abrasions.
The risk increases when moving items over long distances or entrusting them to someone unfamiliar with proper handling. That’s why working with a courier who understands how to transport furniture safely is essential.
Measure, Plan, and Clear the Route
Before moving day, measure your furniture and the spaces it must pass through. Will it fit through doorways, stairwells, or lifts? Identifying tight spots in advance can prevent forced manoeuvres that may damage corners or legs. Where necessary, disassemble components such as table legs, detachable arms, or glass inserts. Store screws and fittings in clearly labelled bags.
Create a clear path from the room to the exit. Remove rugs, cords, or clutter that might cause trips or awkward movements. This planning step helps protect both your furniture and your flooring.
Choose the Right Packaging Materials
Proper wrapping is one of the best ways to prevent scratches and pressure damage. Start by covering surfaces with moving blankets or thick towels, followed by plastic wrap to hold everything in place. Avoid placing bubble wrap directly against polished or oiled wood, as this can leave marks or cause condensation.
For extra protection, especially during long hauls, consider custom wooden crates or corner protectors. These offer more rigid barriers against knocks or stacking pressure.
Lift with Care and Use Support
Wooden furniture should be lifted, not dragged. Dragging stresses joints and legs, especially on uneven surfaces. Use lifting straps or a dolly to help move heavier pieces. If a piece is particularly large, ensure you have a second person to assist. Balance and control are more important than speed.
For fragile items like vintage dressers or heirloom cabinets, stabilise drawers or doors using painter's tape. This prevents them from swinging open and getting damaged or causing injury.
Choose a Specialist Furniture Transporter
Not all moving services are the same. When it comes to high-value, custom wood furniture, experience matters. Working with a courier who understands how to handle and transport large, delicate items ensures better protection and less stress.
Platforms such as www.shiply.com allow you to compare quotes from transport providers who specialise in furniture delivery. You can review customer feedback, request custom handling, and choose a service that matches your timeline and budget.
Insure Your Furniture During the Move
Even with the best planning, accidents can happen. That’s why it is wise to insure your items during transit. Many professional couriers offer coverage options, or you can arrange insurance through a third party. Take photographs of each piece before packing and keep a record of its condition. These records can help if you need to file a claim.
Reassemble and Check on Arrival
Once your furniture arrives, unwrap and inspect it as soon as possible. Check joints, finishes, and hardware to ensure everything is intact. If you disassembled parts earlier, reattach them using your labelled bags of fittings. Be gentle when reassembling and avoid overtightening screws, which can damage the wood.
Give your pieces a light clean and allow them to settle into their new environment. Wood can shift slightly with temperature and humidity changes, so it’s normal for items to adjust after being moved.
Posted on Wednesday 16 July 2025 at 11:46
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