How to Protect Your Furniture During a Home Renovation or Redecoration
Renovation or Redecoration
If you’re planning a renovation or redecoration in your Montreal home, protecting your furniture might not be the first thing on your mind. But once the dust starts to fly and contractors are coming in and out, it quickly becomes clear how easily your favourite pieces can get scratched, stained, or damaged in the process.
We’ve seen firsthand how a bit of planning can save you the frustration of dealing with preventable damage. As part of our design process, we help you through every step, from the initial consultation to the finishing touches of your project.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this straightforward, practical guide to ensure your furniture stays safe, so you can focus on the excitement of your updated space without any added stress.
Start with a clear plan
Before any hammer swings, having a clear plan is key to a smooth renovation. Our process starts with understanding how you live, what pieces matter most to you, and how to protect them while transforming your space.
“We work closely with your contractors to ensure your furniture and belongings are protected, and that your space is prepared for the renovation ahead,” says Laurie Yapp, Lead Designer at Yapp Design.
Here’s how we help you prepare:
• Take inventory together: We identify valuable or fragile pieces that need extra care and document them before work begins.
• Coordinate with contractors: We communicate with your renovation team about which areas and items need special attention, so you don’t have to manage these details yourself.
• Plan your layout: We decide where furniture will go to keep it safe while ensuring contractors have the space they need to work efficiently.
Make space before work begins
• Move what you can: Shift furniture away from walls and work areas. If possible, temporarily move pieces into another room or the basement.
• Group and cover: If moving everything out isn’t realistic, group items in the centre of the room and cover them with breathable cloths or moving blankets to protect from dust and dings.
• Create clear paths: Set up pathways for workers to reduce the chance of accidental bumps or scratches on your furniture.
Pack properly if you need to move furniture out
When your project requires furniture to leave your home temporarily, packing it properly is worth the effort. Ed Burton from Wise Move Canada shares:
“Using the right packing materials and taking time to wrap your furniture carefully will prevent damage, especially in older Montreal homes with narrow hallways and staircases.”
• Disassemble when you can: Take apart tables, remove cushions, and store hardware in labelled bags.
• Wrap carefully: Use acid-free paper before bubble wrap to protect surfaces, and cover with moving blankets for an extra layer of protection.
• Label clearly: Mark boxes and wrapped items so you and your movers know what’s inside and how it should be handled.
Book reliable movers early
Trying to move furniture on your own during a renovation can add unnecessary stress and risk damage. Booking professional Montreal moving companies ensures you have the right team on board with the skills needed to lift and move heavy and delicate items.
When booking movers:
• Plan ahead: Book at least three weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons, to secure the dates you need.
• Review customer reviews: Check past client experiences to ensure you’re hiring the right team for the job.
• Check insurance: Make sure your movers have coverage in case something goes wrong.
• Share details: Let your movers know about tight staircases, parking limitations, or anything else that could affect the move.
Decide what can stay and what should go
• Non-movable antiques: Cover them securely with moving blankets and edge protectors.
• Rugs and textiles: Roll and store them elsewhere if possible, or cover them with breathable fabric.
• Patio furniture: Clean and store in a garage or sheltered spot if needed.
• Large sofas and sectionals: If they’re too heavy to move, cover them well and seal off the area around them to keep dust at bay.
Once the work is done, refresh and reset
Once your renovation is complete, we help clients reintroduce furniture and style the space to align with their updated design. Here’s what you can do to finish the process smoothly:
• Dust and clean: Give your space a thorough clean before moving furniture back to avoid spreading construction dust.
• Check your pieces: Look over your furniture for any issues and clean or polish as needed.
• Savour the space: Take this as a chance to enjoy your updated home and the fresh possibilities it brings.
Why this approach works
Protecting your furniture during a renovation doesn’t have to be complicated. By planning ahead, working with your design and renovation team, and partnering with professional movers, you can avoid unnecessary damage and stress.
Don’t worry though, we’re by your side throughout your renovation project, ensuring your belongings are cared for while your space transforms.
If you’re planning a renovation in your Montreal home and want help preparing your space, reach out to us at Yapp Design.
Your renovation checklist
• Plan ahead: Take inventory and decide what to move or protect.
• Clear your space: Move and cover furniture before work begins.
• Pack properly: Use the right materials and label clearly.
• Book movers early: Work with professionals to avoid damage.
• Refresh and reset: Clean, inspect, and enjoy your redesigned space.