Moving house
Advice for securing loose shelving, artwork, and racks to avoid damage during moving and transport.
When planning a move, prioritize securing shelves, artwork, and rack-mounted items with proper padding, bracing, and labeling to prevent shifting, cracking, or detaching during transport, while minimizing load times and injury risk.
July 24, 2025 - 3 min Read
When you prepare to move, start with a clear assessment of every fragile asset that could come loose in transit. Photograph each piece for tracking, then measure its dimensions to determine the best packing approach. Shelves and racks require reinforcement to resist jostling, especially on stairwells and in crowded hallways. Consider removing adjustable components and hardware, storing them separately in labeled bags, and wrapping each unit with reinforced moving blankets. For wall-mounted items, decide whether to detach safely or travel mounted, depending on weight and wall construction. If items are heavy or unique, enlist a helper or professional packer to assist with delicate handling and load distribution.
Build a simple, repeatable system for securing items before they leave their rooms. Use moving straps or rope to stabilize larger units, anchoring them to protective barriers in the truck or trailer. Place soft barriers between items to absorb vibrations and prevent rubbing. Label every piece with its destination and orientation so movers know exactly how to place it on arrival. Use corner protectors on artwork frames and shelving corners to avoid gouges. Wrap mirrors, canvases, and glass with multiple layers of protective padding; ensure tapes don’t touch the artwork surface.
Create a stepwise approach to protect plates, glass, and wooden finishes during transit.
Start with a sturdy packing plan that accounts for vertical and horizontal loads. Heavy shelves should be braced so their weight remains balanced as the vehicle accelerates and decelerates. If possible, remove doors or lids that could swing loose, and secure them separately. For wall art, use picture hooks that match the weight rating of the frame and add a secondary strap or cord to guard against slips. When you disassemble, keep fasteners in clearly marked containers and note how each piece aligns with its original orientation. This approach reduces the chance of misassembly at the destination and helps prevent accidental drops.
Choose high-quality moving blankets and non-slip covers to surround each item. Place soft, non-abrasive material between adjacent units to minimize contact damage. If items are tall, secure them to walls or fixed structures using adjustable straps so they won’t topple during shifting. For heavy racks, consider using a transom bar or ratchet strap system that can be tightened without causing distortion. Be mindful of delicate finishes—avoid direct contact with metal edges and ensure that any fasteners are reattached in their proper places upon unpacking.
Use restraint methods to prevent movement and damage throughout transit.
Plate and glass items demand extra attention. Wrap each piece in multiple layers, starting with a soft cloth layer and finishing with rigid cardboard corners to resist edge contact. Stack within cushioned crates or cartons designed for fragile dishware, placing heavier pieces at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Use interior dividers or foam inserts to prevent shifting within the container. For wall-mounted glass panels, consider removing the panel and transporting it vertically in a dedicated crate. If that's not feasible, secure the frame to prevent swing, and cushion it on all sides with pads and foam so it cannot rattle against other objects.
Wooden finishes require stable, vibration-free environments. Apply edge guards to exposed corners and slide protective spacers between components that might rub. Tarpaulins or dust covers help keep surfaces clean during handling, and coiled straps hold panels together without compressing the wood. When stacking, ensure that no weight bears directly on delicate surfaces. Avoid stacking too high; maintain a safe center of gravity to minimize tipping. If a piece has sentimental value or high market cost, consider transporting it as a single, carefully secured unit rather than breaking it down further.
Practical checks that ensure everything is secure before departure.
Restraint is the key to preventing mid-journey accidents. Use non-marking straps attached to anchor points inside the vehicle to hold items firmly in place. Distribute weight evenly, creating a symmetric load so that braking doesn’t cause unequal pressure on one side. Secure tall pieces behind barriers that resist shifting, such as shallow crates or low-profile partitions. Avoid over-tightening, which can damage finishes or crack frames. Periodically check straps during loading to ensure they remain tight as the vehicle travels over uneven surfaces. A quick re-tightening could save a costly repair later.
For shelves with adjustable components, keep the inner hardware organized and separate. Small parts can fall into corner crevices and become hard to recover once the move begins. A labeled ziplock attached to the hardware bag saves time and reduces confusion when unpacking. Use foam blocks or wedges to fill gaps around the shelves, preventing movement within their containers. If a shelf is anchored to a wall, consider disconnecting and transporting the entire assembly in a vertical position, whichever minimizes rattle and weight shift. Regardless, always verify that the shipment remains stable before driving away.
Final tips to minimize risk and maximize protection during moving.
Before leaving, run a quick, thorough check of each item’s security. Tug gently on secured pieces to confirm straps and braces hold firm without creaking or slipping. Listen for any rattling from behind doors or inside drawers, and adjust padding if necessary. Confirm that all loose accessories are stored in clearly labeled bags and that nothing can detach during acceleration or braking. Ensure the routes to the vehicle avoid tight spaces that would cause friction or jostling. If you’re moving in winter, verify that refrigerant lines or electronics are insulated against cold exposure. A calm, methodical review can prevent last-minute injuries and delays.
Plan for on-site handling at both ends of the move. Communicate with the team about each piece’s special requirements, from fragile to heavy. Create a simple cue system that directs where to place items on arrival and which pieces must remain upright. Use wheel dollies for heavy, mobile units and protective stanchions to guard against accidental bumps in hallways. As you unload, reverse the setup, maintaining strict orientation to avoid misplacements. Coordination reduces the chance of damaged finishes or misassembled racks and shelves after a long day of transport.
Consider using professional packers for highly valuable art or bespoke shelving. Their expertise in crating, climate considerations, and padding can significantly lower risk. If DIY, invest in purpose-built crates, high-density foam, and corner protectors designed for rigid frames. Document serial numbers and photograph the packed state for insurance and inventory purposes. Keep a clear path free of obstacles, securing doors and lowering any overhead items that could snag. A thorough plan, careful packing, and steady execution will help you protect your belongings from the moment you start loading through the final unload.
After the move, conduct a post-transport inspection to confirm no hidden damage occurred. Compare the unpacked condition with the original photos and notes, and address any issues promptly with your insurer or moving company. Reassemble carefully, checking alignment marks and fastener integrity. If a piece needs refinishing or has sustained minor cosmetic damage, handle it with professional care to preserve its value. Maintaining a careful, organized approach across the entire process will pay off in safer transport, reduced stress, and smoother unpacking.
