How to Protect Walls and Ceilings When Moving

By Josh Brunelle, a relocation expert.
Posted on September 19, 2019

Walls and ceilings can be easily damaged when moving huge pieces of furniture anywhere near them. This is especially true when traversing stairs because big pieces sometimes just fit them. Padded furniture will only brush walls and usually won’t leave marks unless they’re jammed into them and gouge them. The skill of the movers and having enough of them handling each furniture piece is the best protection for these surfaces.

Ceilings and ceiling fans get damaged when the movers aren’t paying attention to them and / or the height of the piece they are carrying. This is why you should use at least one extra person on each piece or station some nonworking person at the doors or other points in the move where there are low overheads to remind the movers to watch the clearance.

One other thing you can do if you have access to thin large foam wrap rolls ( 1/4″ X 4′) is to tape lengths of it with painter’s tape (not packer’s tape) to painted or wallpapered wall areas where scuffing is likely to occur. Nothing will protect a wall from gouging except the mover’s skill but foam wrap hanging on them can prevent light scuffing and marks.

If you are doing a move within a building with an elevator, ask the building management if you can use the freight elevator and reserve it for the moving day. Most of the times, the management will have the elevator padded to prevent damages.

To prevent any costly damage to your walls and ceilings during a move, your best bet is to hire experienced movers who will take all necessary safety measures to keep your home 100% protected.

Also Read

How to Dispose of Furniture When Moving

How to Load Household Goods into a Moving Truck