Key requirements include using proper rigging equipment, observing safety precautions when lifting and carrying, securing furniture in transport, and protecting it from moisture. When working in narrow hallways and stairways, coordinate routes, wear gloves and shoes with non-slip soles, and carry heavy items with at least two people. Local movers in Springfield often assist with such tasks, as they understand typical loading hazards and adhere to the proper lashing and stowage procedures for safe transportation.
Preparing Cabinet Furniture for Moving
It’s important to prepare cabinet furniture before moving to prevent damage to fasteners, edges, and the cabinet’s geometry during loading. Proper disassembly reduces the weight of individual components, makes it easier to pass through doorways, and reduces the risk of warping when moving up and down stairs.
Preparation involves three key steps: disassembling into safe locations, marking parts, and properly handling fasteners. These steps speed up subsequent assembly and help ensure careful loading during the move.
Disassembling and Labeling Parts
Disassemble cabinetry according to structural logic: first remove doors, drawers, shelves, and glass elements, then release ties and fasteners, and only then separate the cabinetry into larger modules. Do not attempt to move cabinets and chests of drawers with doors and drawers installed: when tilted, they open, placing a lever on the hinges and rails, and increasing the risk of injury and tripping.
Labeling should be clear and unambiguous: note where each part was removed and record its orientation (top/bottom, left/right). It is convenient to label parts within hidden areas (for example, on the back of a cabinet or on the end of a shelf) and duplicate the information on the packaging of the parts. To speed up assembly, it’s acceptable to use a simple diagram with module numbering and matching hardware kits.
- Doors: Mark “L/R” and section numbers, and separately note the location of the top and bottom hinges.
- Drawers: Label the drawer body and front as a set to avoid confusion due to gaps.
- Shelves: Mark their position within the section (e.g., “Section 2, Shelf 3”).
- Back panels: Mark the orientation to avoid diagonal movement of the body during assembly.
Fasteners: Sorting, packing, and securing during transport
Remove fasteners and fittings carefully, without stripping the splines or overtightening the connections during disassembly. The most reliable rule: fasteners should be tied to their respective components or modules. Place bolts, eccentrics, dowels, screws, dowels, corners, and plugs in separate bags by section and label them the same way as the furniture components.
- Collect the fasteners for each module in a separate bag and label it (e.g., “Cabinet 1, Section A”).
- Pack small hardware (plugs, shelf brackets) separately to prevent loss during unloading.
- Store hinges and mounting plates as a set; If possible, leave the mounting plates on the cabinet, unless this interferes with transport.
- Secure long elements (rails, drawer sides) to the corresponding panels to prevent bending and scratches.
Before transporting with best moving company, ensure there are no loose parts inside the cabinet, and any protruding elements are removed or securely fastened. If the cabinet is being transported as a module, temporarily tighten the connections to prevent play, and protect the doorways and edges with packaging. It’s best to attach the fastening bags to the inside of the module or place them in a separate, labeled container that travels with the furniture to prevent loss during loading and unloading.