Move Day Mess? What You Need to Know About Safe, Clean Flooring
How can you protect your new home's floors on moving day? Whether the existing floors were a deciding factor in your new home purchase or you recently upgraded the flooring, take a look at what you need to know about a safe, clean, and stress-free move.
Can You Have a Mess-Less Move?
Simply stated, yes. A move doesn't have to ruin the floors in your new home. Even though you, your household members, and the movers could potentially track dirt, debris, or anything else onto the floors, you can take steps to protect your carpets, tile, or hardwoods.
Who Is Responsible for Protecting Your Floors?
You've hired movers to do the heavy lifting, carrying, and transportation. But you're not sure if the pros are responsible for any damage that could result from the move or whether it's up to the contractor to pay for protection. Before you sign an estimate, review the moving contract and ask the company to explain their (and your) financial responsibilities.
Floor damage that results from negligence is an expense you may not have to pay for. It's likely you will have to document the condition of the flooring before the move, file a timely claim, and follow any necessary legal steps. Even though damp rain water or melted snow tracks, dirt, mud, and other debris can soil your floors, these issues may not fall under the damage category. This means you may need to take extra steps to protect your flooring.
Some moving companies will offer a full-service option that includes all the flooring protection your new home needs. If you're not sure what the company offers or what you should do to protect the floors, talk to the professional. The contractor can help you to understand what the movers will bring to the job and what you may need to do yourself.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Home's Floors?
Start with the first step into your new home. Place two heavy-duty doormats at the entry—one outside and one inside. This gives the movers (or anyone else who comes into your home) the chance to wipe off excess muck, mud, and moisture. Avoid thin cloth mats or anything that you want to use as part of your home's new decor.
It's possible the mats won't come through the move in pristine condition. If they're part of an area rug set or pricey individual pieces, you may need to spend extra money on a professional post-move cleaning.
After you place industrial-type heavy-duty mats inside and outside of the entry point, you're ready to cover the floors. Carpet masking is an easy way to protect some types of flooring. As the name implies, this option is made to protect carpeting.
Unlike a mask you may wear on your face, a carpet mask is a clear, stretch wrap-type of material. This option is economical and easy to use. Choose a non-slip surface to make the move safer for everyone. You won't need to cover an entire room of carpet with a mask. Instead, create pathways for the movers to walk on.
While masking will prevent debris-related damage to carpeting, it isn't a material you can use on hard surfaces. Never apply an adhesive mask to wood or tile. The sticky side of the mask could permanently damage your flooring. Instead, try carpeted floor runners. This strategy adds a barrier between everyone's feet and the flooring.
Even though mud and muck are potential problems during a move, these aren't the only culprits behind flooring damage. Sharp edges and heavy furniture can dig into wood or chip tile. Moving pads, sliders, and gliders placed under furniture can help to stop scratches on wood or tile floors. If you don't already have these protective items, ask the movers if they supply or sell them.
Do you need help with your move? Contact Baker Moving & Supplies for more information.
