How to Handle Your Furniture When You’re Getting New Floors (and Why You Might Want Movers)

Getting your floors redone—be it refinishing hardwood, installing new laminate, or replacing carpet—can dramatically improve the look and feel of your home. However, one logistical challenge remains: What do you do with all that furniture in the renovation area? Most flooring projects require an empty space to work, which means finding a temporary home for your items.

Below, we’ll discuss key storage options—basement or garage storage, portable storage PODs, and offsite storage—noting how hiring movers can simplify the entire process. Whether you choose to do it yourself or call in the pros, these tips will keep your furniture protected and your renovation on track.

1. Moving Furniture to a Basement or Garage

Best for homeowners with available on-site space who want to stay close to their belongings.

• Convenience: Keeping furniture in your basement or garage is often the simplest method if you have enough room. It’s easy to access, and you won’t incur monthly storage fees.
• Hiring In-Home Movers:
  • What they do: Professional movers can come in, safely lift, wrap, and transport your furniture to your garage or basement. This is especially useful for large or awkwardly shaped pieces (pianos, bulky sectionals, etc.) or if you simply don’t have the time or ability to handle the heavy lifting.
  • Why it’s beneficial: Safe Responsible Movers will have the right equipment (dollies, blankets, straps) and expertise to minimize damage to both your furniture and your home (no dinged walls or scratched door frames).
• Considerations:
  • Protection & climate control: Basements and garages can be damp or subject to extreme temperatures. Keep delicate items wrapped and, if possible, use a dehumidifier or space heater for climate control.
  • Security: Ensure garage or basement doors lock properly and consider additional measures like motion sensor lights or alarms.
  • Pest prevention: Lay down plastic sheeting or pallets to keep items off the ground, preventing any moisture buildup or pest issues.

2. Renting a Storage POD or On-Site Container

Ideal if you lack basement or garage space but can accommodate a container on your driveway.

• How it works: A portable storage container (often called a POD) is delivered to your home, placed in a convenient location (like the driveway), and picked up once it’s loaded. You can either keep it onsite during the entire renovation or have it taken to a storage facility until you’re ready for its return.
• Hiring POD Movers:
  • What they do: Instead of lugging your furniture and boxes yourself, you can hire movers experienced in loading and packing storage containers. They’ll maximize space usage inside the POD, secure your items, and reduce the risk of damage.
  • Why it’s beneficial: Properly packing a POD requires strategy—using blankets, straps, and padding to prevent shifting in transit. Professional movers can do this quickly and efficiently, saving you time and potential headaches.
• Considerations:
  • Size of container: Choose a POD size that can comfortably fit all your furniture and boxes. It’s often easier to overestimate than underestimate.
  • Neighborhood rules: Some HOAs or local ordinances restrict placing containers in driveways or on the street. Check regulations before scheduling delivery.
  • Weatherproofing: PODs are designed to be weather-resistant, but it’s still smart to wrap sensitive items with blankets or plastic sheeting in case of condensation.

3. Moving Everything Offsite into a Storage Facility

Best if you can’t keep a storage container on your property or need the most space possible.

• Full-Service Moving Company:
  • What they do: A full-service mover handles every step—packing, loading, transporting, and storing your furniture in a secure facility. This option takes the most work off your shoulders.
  • Why it’s beneficial: Professional movers are trained to handle delicate, heavy, or valuable items. Once they arrive at a storage facility, your items can be placed in a climate-controlled space (if needed) for as long as necessary.
• Advantages:
  • Minimal disruption at home: Your furniture is out of sight (and out of the way of the construction crew), which can make the renovation process smoother.
  • Climate control: Storage facilities often have controlled environments—perfect for wooden antiques, electronics, or anything easily damaged by humidity or temperature swings.
• Considerations:
  • Budget: Full-service moving is typically more expensive. However, the convenience and peace of mind often outweigh the higher cost.
  • Access: If you need to retrieve items (like important documents or a spare bed), you’ll have to visit the storage facility. Make sure the location and hours fit your schedule.

Tips for Protecting Your Furniture in Any Storage Option

1. Wrap, cover, and label: Use moving blankets, shrink wrap, or plastic covers to protect against dust, scratches, or moisture. Clearly mark boxes and furniture parts for easy reassembly later.
2. Disassemble larger pieces: Removing legs from tables, headboards from bed frames, or shelves from cabinets not only prevents damage but also maximizes storage space.
3. Stack carefully: Heavier items at the bottom, fragile or lighter ones on top. This helps avoid accidental crushing or bending.
4. Store hardware together: Place screws, bolts, and other hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture piece or stored in a single labeled box.

Planning for the Return Trip

Once your new floors are installed, it’s time to bring the furniture back:

• Allow the floors to cure: Depending on the type of flooring and finish, you may need to wait several days before placing furniture to avoid dents, scratches, or smudged finishes.
• Protect your floors: Use felt pads or sliders when moving furniture back in to prevent scratching your brand-new surface.
• Consider a deep clean: With the room empty, take a moment to clean walls, baseboards, and other areas before moving everything back.
• Reassess your layout: With a blank canvas, this could be the perfect time to try a new furniture arrangement or décor style.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to renovating your floors, planning where your furniture goes—and how it gets there—is crucial. While you can certainly take a DIY approach by hauling pieces yourself, hiring professional movers can save time, prevent injury, and reduce the risk of damage to your home or belongings. Whether you choose in-home movers to relocate items to your basement or garage, POD movers for on-site containers, or a full-service moving company for offsite storage, you can focus on the excitement of your floor makeover while resting assured your furniture is in good hands. After all, a smoother renovation process makes the final reveal of your gorgeous new floors even more enjoyable.