How to Pack Chairs for Moving

Moving is stressful, but packing your chairs doesn’t have to be. If you’re like most, you’ve got different shape chairs from your favorite home office chair to your grandparents’ antique dining room furniture. Each chair deserves special attention, so it arrives safely at your new home.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

·      Everything you need to know about packing chairs for a move

·      Essential protective material to have ready

·      Practical tips and tricks that make the process straightforward (to be less stressful).

·      The best way to wrap any chair.

By the way, we’re Bellhop Movers, experts at local and long-distance moves. We’d love to help with your affordable move when you’re ready.

Moving Supplies for Packing Chairs

Summary: Before you start, gather all the right materials. This includes sturdy moving boxes, heavy duty packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper and furniture pads. Choose the right packing tape so your moving boxes stay closed during transit. Wrapping materials like bubble wrap and furniture pads provide extra cushioning to protect your chairs from scratches and dents. Don’t forget to get specialized supplies for different types of chairs, such as moving blankets, foam wrap for delicate antique chairs and fragile items, or waterproof covers for outdoor furniture. Packing paper can be useful

Sturdy Moving Boxes: Sturdy moving boxes of various sizes are important so that each chair fits snugly, minimizing movement during transport. For disassembled parts, use smaller boxes to keep everything organized. U-Haul makes various-sized ‘wardrobe boxes’ that are taller than average. These are the right box size for those high-backed dining room chairs.

Moving Blankets: Chairs’ challenging shapes (especially dining chairs) can sometimes best be solved with a blanket wrapping, secured by packing tape. These quilted blankets can be rented or purchased. (I keep a few in my car for picnics and seat cover for dirty paws, so consider purchasing these low-cost items for everyday use after your move.)

High-Quality Packing Tape: Avoid mailing tape and grab the heavier packing tape meant for larger moving boxes. During the move, boxes will experience extreme levels of heat and humidity. Either can weaken the seal, causing moving boxes to open and spill their contents. WARNING – never apply tape directly to a chair’s surface. It may pull-up fabric or paint veneers you’ll have to look at later.

Stretch wrap comes in industrial length from stores like Home Depot and can be helpful in wrapping chairs wrapped in moving blankets.

Sealable plastic bags like clear Ziplock bags are great for chair parts.

Essential Wrapping Materials: Bubble wrap and furniture pads are indispensable and add extra protection. Bubble wrap protects delicate surfaces, while furniture pads provide additional padding. Using plastic wrap for added protection against moisture and dirt is the best way.

Measure Your New Home and Your Chairs

Understanding the layout of your new home is important particularly as newer homes tend to be smaller. Measuring your space helps you determine if your current chairs will fit through doorways and into rooms. Key areas to measure include doorways, stairwells, and any narrow hallways. Use tools like a tape measure or a laser distance measurer for accuracy. Knowing these dimensions ahead of time can save you from a frustrating moving day surprise and potentially save on moving costs.

Inventory and Measure Your Furniture

Create a detailed inventory of your chairs before you start packing. List each chair, noting its dimensions and current condition, particularly important for high-backed dining room chairs and office chairs. Measuring the chair dimensions helps you select the right size boxes and padding. Documenting the condition with photos or notes provides a reference if any damage occurs during the move. This inventory can also be helpful if you decide to insure your belongings.

Downsize, Donate, Declutter Your Chairs

Downsizing can reduce your moving costs and make unpacking easier. Moving is the perfect opportunity to downsize.

Evaluate how often you use each chair and whether its style fits in with your new home’s décor. Options include selling unused dining chairs and that office chair or donating them to local charities. If your chairs are beyond repair, recycle or dispose of them responsibly.

Prepare the Chairs for Packing

Clean your chairs thoroughly before packing. Dust and dirt can cause scratches and damage during the move. Identify any detachable parts like legs or cushions and label these parts so you can easily reassemble them later. This preparation step can streamline the packing process and ensure that no parts get lost. If you have antique chairs and are unsure of their value and how to handle them, consulting with an antiques dealer may be advisable. Mid-century modern chairs don’t look like antiques but they are now pricey.

Clean Thoroughly: Cleaning your chairs before packing is helpful later. Use appropriate cleaning products for different materials to remove dust and dirt.

Identify and Label Detachable Parts: Identify detachable parts and label them make for an easy reassembly. Use sealable plastic bags for small parts and label them clearly.

Disassemble the Chairs if Possible: If your chairs can be disassembled, do so carefully. Gather the necessary tools such as screwdrivers or Allen wrenches. Follow a step-by-step disassembly guide, which might be available in your chair’s manual or online. Store screws and small parts in labeled bags to keep them organized.

Step-by-Step Disassembly Guide for Packing Chairs to Move

·      Remove cushions and upholstery and set them aside. (It’s worth cleaning them now if you have time.)

·      Use appropriate tools to remove screws and bolts.

·      Carefully detach legs, arms, and backrests, if possible.

·      Store screws and small parts in labeled sealable plastic bags. (I tape them to the chair seat underneath.)

·      Wrap each part separately to avoid damage.

·      Store Small Parts in labeled bags to prevent loss and simplify reassembly at your new home.

How to Wrap Dining Room Chairs for Moving

Dining room chairs have special needs. Depending upon the kind of move and distance, you’ve got packing options for those dining chairs: fully protected or lightly protected.

In simple moves, chairs tend to be added last and placed on top of other furniture and moving boxes in the moving truck. Chairs and lamps are prone to shift in these circumstances so consider the risk and sentimental value.

For simple in-town moves consider simply wrapping in a moving blanket to protect the surface. For long-distance moves with professional movers, the moving company will probably require enclosing the chairs in boxes.

Let’s start, assuming a long-distance move with professional movers.

·      Clear a workplace large enough for a moving blanket.

·      Spread out the moving blanket (pad) on the floor.

·      Detach what parts you can, packing them in labeled boxes or clear Ziplock bags.

·      How to wrap dining chairs. Wrap in bubble wrap to protect the surfaces Use padding to protect the cushions and seats from dents. Wrap the armrests and legs separately with furniture pads to prevent scratches.

·      Lay the chair down on the center of the blanket. Position it so you can lift the blanket corners and fold inward over the chair, completely covering it.

·      Secure the blanket-covered chair with tape. (I like painters tape for short-term moves, heavy duty packing tape or stretch wrap for longer-term situations where the chair may  be stored for a time.).

·      Box in the right-sized wardrobe box. Add packing paper and clothing to prevent shifting.

·      Add-in any spare parts taken off the chair.

·      Seal and label the box so you know what’s inside and what room to place it in your new home. If it’s part of a set of chairs, number also.

How to Pack Bar Stools for Moving

Packing bar stools involves protecting both the seat and the structure. Wrap and pad the bar stools with bubble wrap, focusing on the seat and backrest. Protect the footrests and backrests with additional padding to prevent damage. If your bar stools have any adjustable parts, make sure they are securely fastened with tape or bungee cords..

How to Pack Office Chairs for Moving

Office chairs have multiple moving parts that need securing. That office chair you ‘spend your life in’ is important. Secure adjustable parts like the height and tilt mechanisms with tape or straps. Protect the wheels and base with bubble wrap or furniture pads to prevent scratches, or remove them if you can. Wrap the armrests and back support carefully, as these parts can be prone to damage during the move.

Protect Wheels and Base: Protecting wheels and base involves wrapping them in bubble wrap or furniture pads.

Wrap in a moving blanket and secure with stretch wrap or packing tape

How to Pack Outdoor Furniture for Moving

Outdoor chairs and furniture can be heavier and more durable than your best dining room chairs or office chairs. Pack these as you would other chairs. The patio glass table needs special care. These are more likely to disassemble so be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions and their special needs. Wrap heavy legs in bubble wrap and then wrap them together into one bundle.

How to Pack Antique Chairs

Antique chairs need special care due to their age, value and special needs. Handle with care and use multiple layers of bubble wrap for extra layer of protection. Protect fragile upholstery with fabric covers or blankets. Pack wooden and metal details separately if possible, using foam wrap to avoid damage to delicate carvings or finishes. Avoid using plastic directly on antique fabrics.

Unpacking Your Chairs at Your New Home

Once you’ve arrived, carefully unpack your chairs. Check for any damages that may have occurred during the move. Reassemble your chairs safely, following your labeled parts and any step guide you created.

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals to Move Your Chairs

Should you hire professional movers? Deciding between DIY and professional movers or moving services like Bellhop can impact your move. Professional movers offer expertise and can handle delicate items with care.

Pros and Cons of DIY

DIY packing and moving can save money but demands a lot of time and effort. You’ll need to handle all packing materials and the physical labor of moving.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers offers expertise in handling fragile items and heavy furniture pieces. They provide moving services that include packing, transporting, and unpacking, ensuring your chairs are handled with care.

Consider Bellhop Movers for your Next Move!

We prepared this guide because chairs are special and proper packing can be neglected in the bigger story of a move. If you need more info to help plan your move, we have plenty of moving tips. Please reach out to your friendly Bellhop Movers to coordinate local moves and long-distance moving services to just about everywhere. I personally just used Bellhop to move long-distance to Richmond from Raleigh.  We know you have a lot of choices in moving companies so be sure to look at us!