Can we place heavy objects on PVC Flooring?

1. Measure First

Prepare for moving day by measuring your furniture and doorways to make sure that every item will fit. Trying to squeeze an object into a room when it’s too large for the opening can cause you to drop things. Planning ahead can prevent last-minute manoeuvring that can lead to damaged floors. If you measure first, moving day will run smoother with fewer accidents.

2. Prepare Your Space

Always sweep your hard surface floors or vacuum your carpets before you start to move anything. If there are any small bits of gravel or debris on the floor, placing heavy objects on them or moving items across them can cause gouges and scratches.

Similarly, make sure you are wearing indoor shoes when you move heavy items. Any dirt you bring into the house during the move can cause damage. Professional movers place disposable booties over their shoes for just this reason.

Remove any obstacles in the way to avoid bumping into or tripping over these items. Keep pets and children well out of the way on moving day.

3. Lift Where Possible

If it’s at all possible, lift an object and carry it to its place. Dragging furniture across the floor increases your chances of causing floor damage.

Remove any excess weight so that items are easier to carry. If you are moving a bookshelf, for example, take out the books and carry them separately. Before carrying a hutch of drawers, remove the drawers and anything inside the furniture item so it’s light enough to lift.

For items that are too large to manage by yourself, you can hire a professional mover or recruit a friend to help you move heavy items.

4. Take Furniture Apart

Disassemble any furniture that can come apart. Moving large objects will be much easier and safer for your floors if you can carry individual pieces instead of the entire item. They will also stack more neatly, so you can fit more into a moving truck.

Keep your toolbox handy to remove legs and other parts that are screwed into place. Store fasteners and other small parts in a labeled container so you can put everything back together in your new space.

5. Put Down Padding

If you must drag heavy items across the floor, put down padding such as towels or special moving blankets to protect your floors. Make sure there is no debris on this padding, as it will cause scratches. Also, never use paper-based padding such as cardboard, as it can scuff hard surface floors.

If you need to move furniture on carpet, you might consider adding furniture sliders directly underneath your heavy objects. The sliders have padding on top and a hard surface on the bottom to grip your furniture and help it glide smoothly across the floor. Placing sliders under the legs or corners can help you move items with ease and without causing damage to your carpet.

6. Use a Dolly

Take advantage of tools that can make moving easier and less damaging to your floors. Rather than carrying an object by hand, you can simply secure it onto a dolly and wheel it to another location. Dollies are especially useful when moving bulky appliances like a refrigerator or washing machine. A dolly can save time and potentially your back from heavy lifting.

If you’re moving heavy furniture on wood floors, make sure your dolly has inflatable rubber wheels. Solid rubber wheels can scratch hard surfaces, so the softer inflatable version is the best option.

7. Switch Sides

Furniture often comes in oblong shapes and sizes. If you can, try turning your furniture on its side or upside down. Switching sides can help your furniture fit through the door, make it easier to handle and distribute the weight better so it’s less likely to harm the floor. Turning an item can also make room for more hands to help carry the load.

8. Slow Down

When moving, work methodically. Rushing the job can lead to unnecessary accidents. Check to make sure your heavy objects have not slipped off the padding and you are not causing any damage to the floors as you work. Try several methods until you figure out how to move your furniture safely.