Whether you’re moving into or out of a home, several things would be top of your to-do list, including moving perishables and delicate items. One of the most important things you need to focus on is protecting your Bay Area home during a home relocation. A home relocation is never complete without protecting spots such as the doorway, frames, windows, lawns, and walls. With a little help from highly experienced Bay Area residential movers, you can protect your home by applying the following tips.

Protecting your lawn from moving damage

In the Bay Area, many homes feature beautiful landscaping, from manicured lawns to intricate garden paths. The moving crew will likely use the same pathway from your home to their truck. This often involves heavy foot traffic, which can harm your lawn and other landscaping elements.To protect your lawn, you need to:

  • Remove any movable items like lawn ornaments and bird feeders from the path.
  • If you have sprinklers or delicate plants along the moving path, inform the crew to take extra care around them. 
  • In case your lawn is wet from recent rain, consider laying down plywood, particleboard, or cardboard. This helps reduce the wear and tear from constant foot traffic, particularly during rainy seasons, common in the Bay Area's mild climate.
  • If you’re looking for a safe place to store your outdoor items temporarily, Bay Area storage is a great option. Using a local storage unit can keep items secure while protecting your lawn. 

Taking these simple steps ensures that your lawn stays in good condition and you avoid unnecessary landscaping repairs after the move.

A park sign for lying down

How to protect your floors during the move

Bay Area homes, particularly those in older neighborhoods like San Francisco or Oakland, often feature hardwood floors or plush carpets. With movers walking in and out multiple times, dirt and scratches are common problems. To protect your floors, consider using protective coverings such as plastic wrap or moving blankets.

Experienced moving companies typically prioritize floor protection when entering your home. If you have carpeted areas, movers may use particle boards or heavy-duty blankets to shield the carpet from dolly or hand truck usage. The high foot traffic during a move can easily bring dirt from outside, so it’s essential to minimize exposure to keep your floors clean. 

If you live in a home with high-traffic areas, additional protection like plastic sheeting over the carpets or a runner down the hallway will keep your space looking its best. For a more comprehensive solution, consider reaching hiring full service moving services in Bay Area. A professional full package moving can offer you additional coverage for your floors and other home areas, ensuring your home stays clean throughout the entire process.

How to safeguard doorways and stairwells from damage

The Bay Area’s mix of older homes with narrow hallways and newer ones with wide staircases means protecting your home’s entryways is essential. Protecting doorways and stairwell banisters is especially important during a home relocation. Heavy furniture and bulky items are often moved through tight spaces, which can result in scratched or dented surfaces.

Furniture covered in plastic for protection

To prevent damage, cover your doorframes and banisters with towels, blankets, or moving pads. Professional movers will often bring padded blankets specifically for this purpose, so you won’t have to worry. If you're worried about scratches on your doors, you can also have the doors removed from their hinges for safekeeping. This is a particularly useful option for homes with older doors that may be more vulnerable to damage. Many local moving companies in Bay Area will offer this kind of protection as part of their full-service package, helping to protect your home during the entire moving process.

Protecting your window and wall décor

In many Bay Area homes, walls are adorned with art, photographs, and other decorative items. During a move, it can be difficult to maintain a clear line of sight, especially when large, bulky furniture is involved. The last thing you want is for a moving accident to damage your valuable art or wall décor. To avoid this, consider removing any hanging items from your walls before the movers arrive. 

  • This includes paintings, mirrors, and other fragile pieces. Removing them early ensures they are not accidentally bumped or knocked off during the hustle and bustle of the move. 
  • For windows, use heavy blankets or padded materials to shield them from bumps and scratches.
  • If you have valuable or fragile art pieces, hiring art movers in Bay Area can provide extra protection for these high-value items during transport. These professionals specialize in handling artwork and can offer additional peace of mind.

How to protect against spills during your move

When it comes to moving day, spills are one of the most common causes of home damage. Liquids such as cleaning supplies, shampoo, or even the accidental water bottle spill can cause stains on floors or furniture.

To protect against spills, make sure that all liquids and powders are securely sealed before the move begins. This simple precaution ensures that no harmful liquids get on your walls or floors.

a coffee spill, one of the main reasons why protecting your Bay Area home during a home relocation is important

If you plan on providing drinks for the moving crew, stick to bottled water. This way, if a bottle spills, cleaning up is much easier compared to a soda or coffee spill. It's also a good idea to dispose of any unwanted liquids or powders before moving day to reduce the risk of unwanted accidents.

Protecting your garage floor and contents

Many Bay Area homes feature garages that double as storage spaces, with items like oil, fuel, and chemicals stored on the floor. These items can leak and cause significant damage if spilled. It's also possible that some moving companies won't move hazardous items like fuel, so it's essential to take precautions.

Before your long distance movers in Bay Area arrive, move any potentially dangerous or damaging items out of the garage. Store them in a safe location or dispose of them properly. Protect your garage floor by placing heavy-duty plastic or tarps down, especially if there are chemicals or oils that might leak. Bay Area homes, particularly in areas near coastal regions, often experience humidity, so it’s essential to take these precautions to protect against spills or stains.

How to protect your home from weather-related damage

The weather in the Bay Area can vary dramatically, from foggy mornings in San Francisco to sunny afternoons in the East Bay. However, rain or high winds are not uncommon, especially during the winter months. Moving during inclement weather can pose a threat to your home if not properly managed. To protect against weather-related damage, make sure to: 

  • Lay down tarps or plastic sheeting in areas that will experience foot traffic, like hallways and entryways. 
  • Consider using canopies or tents over the loading area to shield items and crew members from rain or wind. 
  • During the rainy season, it’s essential to be extra cautious as water can easily damage floors and furniture. 
A person covers furniture to prevent damage, part of protecting your Bay Area home during a home relocation

Proper weatherproofing before and during the move ensures that your belongings and floors stay dry and protected. For an easy and reliable move, reach out to our professional team. Upline Moving CA is a BBB-accredited residential moving company equipped with the right materials to protect your household and execute your local or long-distance moving project. 

Protecting your home from packing debris

Packing materials are necessary for a move, but they can quickly become a source of mess. These might include:

  • cardboard boxes 
  • packing peanuts
  • bubble wrap 

When these moving supplies Bay Area companies provide are left behind, they create clutter. This debris can damage walls, floors, or even furniture if not properly managed. To prevent packing debris from causing damage

  • Create a designated disposal area for unwanted materials. 
  • Keep packing debris away from walls and furniture to avoid accidental damage. 
  • If possible, use higher-quality packing materials that are less likely to tear or spill.

At the end of the day, a clean home is a safe home. Removing packing materials immediately ensures your home stays protected throughout the move.

Safety tips for pets and children during the move

If you have pets or small children, it’s important to keep them out of the way during the move. Pets can become stressed with all the activity and noise, while children can easily run into dangerous areas like doorways or stairs.

A puppy sitting on a grassy lawn

To keep your pets and children safe, set up a quiet, secure room for them while the movers work. This will keep them out of harm’s way and prevent distractions. Ensure your children are supervised at all times if they’re around the moving crew, and make sure pets are safely secured to avoid accidents.

Final walkthrough to check for damage

Before and after the move, it’s essential to perform a final walkthrough to check for any damage that might have occurred during the relocation process. Look for scratches, dents, or any other damage to walls, floors, or furniture.

Taking pictures of your home before and after the move is a good practice. This documentation can help if you need to make insurance claims or discuss damages with your moving company. Checking for damage early ensures that you can report and address issues promptly.

Concluding tips for protecting your Bay Area home during a home relocation

Protecting your Bay Area home during a home relocation requires attention to detail. By following these simple steps, you can protect your floors, walls, lawn, and more from damage. From securing your garage to safeguarding your lawn, each precaution helps ensure a smooth and successful move. When you take the necessary steps to protect your home, you avoid costly repairs and ensure a stress-free relocation experience. With the right preparation, your move will go off without a hitch.