If you are preparing to move, and you need to protect the furniture from dirt and damage, there is a simple solution. Packaging film, also called stretch film, is a cheap, simple and effective way to protect furniture, such as sofas and beds, as well as heavy household appliances. Before hiring movers check moving company reviews carefully. Be prepared to save your money and download and print a moving checklist.
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Here’s how to properly use the packaging film when moving an apartment to keep things safe.
What is a stretch film?
Stretch film is a universal sustainable packaging material that can be used to fix, package and protect objects when they are moved or stored. The elastic film will protect your furniture from dirt, soot, scratches, dents and cuts. Since it sticks only to itself, it will not leave any traces behind, as it happens when using sticky tape.
You can buy packaging film in most large hardware stores or in stores that sell packaging materials. It can be of various widths-from 100 to 500 mm.
What is stretch film used for?
Packaging film is a multifunctional material. During the move, it can be used to tie objects together, to secure power cables or removable parts of household appliances, as well as to seal the cargo.
In addition, the film will help protect the upholstery of the sofa or bed from dirt and damage. It will also fix furniture protectors used when moving heavy household appliances or dressers.
Stretch film is used to keep the doors and drawers closed. You can wrap it around the refrigerator so that it does not open while moving. It is also convenient to fix the drawers of the desk and the cupboard doors with a film.
How to use the packaging film when moving
There is nothing complicated about using stretch film – it is similar to using sticky tape. But there are some tricks for using it correctly. Here’s how to use an elastic film for furniture to guarantee its protection when moving:
Wipe and dry your furniture
Before using stretch film, make sure that the furniture is clean and completely dry. Dirt or debris trapped under the protective wrap can lead to stains and scratches.
Vacuum and wipe upholstered furniture, such as sofas, with a damp cloth. Let it dry before wrapping it in a film.
Wipe the wooden furniture from dust with a dry cloth. Vacuum leather furniture with a soft nozzle, clean it with a mild soap solution and apply a skin conditioner. Allow to dry before packing.
Disassemble the furniture
Before wrapping the furniture, remove all removable parts: this way your furniture will be easier to carry and load. Remove the flip cover from the table, disconnect the table tops and chair legs.
Wrap the removed parts with a shipping blanket and fix them with packing tape and stretch film. Wrap each leg of the chair in a blanket separately. The parts must not come into contact with each other. Secure the outside with tape and packaging film.
Stretch film is easy to use
When packing heavy non-removable furniture, for example, a sofa or a sideboard for dishes, fix the free end of the film, for example, in a drawer or sofa joint. Then, holding the roll of film so that it spins freely, walk around the piece of furniture with it. Fix the film over the filled end.
Pay attention to the furniture corners
No matter how strong your furniture or household appliances are, their corners are especially susceptible to damage. But not only the furniture can suffer.
Unprotected corners can scratch walls and doorways – it is unlikely that you will be happy with such a surprise at a housewarming party. For additional protection, use a stretch film to secure the foam or cardboard cover. After that, wrap the item in a blanket and another layer of film.
Use the film to fix the drawers and doors
Regardless of whether you remove doors and drawers before transporting furniture, stretch film is an indispensable material. If you remove the doors or drawers, wrap them in a blanket and secure them with plastic wrap.
If you leave the drawers and doors in their places, fix them securely with a film. Twist the film like a rope and tie it to the handle or secure it with a door or drawer. Wrap the piece of furniture several times to fix all the moving parts.
How to use stretch film on wooden or leather furniture
Wood and leather are delicate surfaces that need additional protection when packed in a film. Using the film directly on the surface of leather or wood can create condensation and lead to damage to furniture.
In addition, if you move in hot weather, the stretch film can melt and stick to the furniture. To protect leather or wooden furniture, simply cover it with furniture linings or a blanket, and then use an elastic film to fix the linings.
Packaging of works of art
Having learned how to use stretch film correctly, you will be able to use it not only to protect furniture, but also other objects. And although the packaging of especially valuable art objects should be entrusted to professionals, many photos and paintings can be safely packed independently.
Carefully cover the work of art with a foam pad, and then wrap it in a film. Remember that you can not apply stretch film (or bubble wrap) directly to works of art. Always use a foam pad or wrapping paper as a barrier.
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