Floor damage is one of the most common — and most avoidable — costs associated with moving house. Scratched hardwood, cracked tiles, and stained carpet are all preventable with the right preparation. This guide covers how to protect every floor type in your Brisbane home during a move, from the entry path to individual rooms.
Why floors are at risk during a move
Floors take more punishment during a house move than at any other time. The combination of heavy furniture, high foot traffic, and grit carried in on boots creates conditions for scratching, denting, and marking that can cost hundreds to repair — and may affect your bond return on a rental property.
- Hardwood and floating floors scratch easily from grit and furniture legs
- Tiles can crack from dropped items or concentrated point loads
- Carpet absorbs dirt and mud from boot traffic in wet weather
- Vinyl and hybrid flooring can puncture from sharp furniture feet
- All floor types are vulnerable to scuffing from dragged furniture
Floor protection by floor type
Protect floors based on their specific vulnerability:
- Hardwood/timber floors — floor runners + furniture sliders + leg protectors on furniture. No dragging.
- Floating floors (hybrid/laminate) — same as hardwood. Floating floors are particularly vulnerable to dents from dropped items.
- Tiles — cardboard runners or carpet protection film. Keep grit off tiles and never drag furniture.
- Carpet — carpet protection film along main traffic path. Replace if it becomes dirty or lifts.
- Concrete — concrete is durable but still scratches. Light protection for internal concrete floors; minimal protection needed for driveways and paths.
How to protect door frames and skirting boards
Door frames and skirting boards are frequently damaged during moves as large furniture items pass through doorways.
- Wrap both sides of each door frame in moving blankets, secured at the top and bottom with masking tape
- Measure large furniture items against doorway widths in advance — know which items will be tight
- Remove doors from hinges where necessary for items that are very close to the doorway width
- Protect skirting boards with cardboard strips along the base of walls on the main loading path
Entry protection: the most overlooked floor damage area
The highest-traffic area during any move is the front entry. Boot traffic brings in grit, dirt, and moisture that causes floor scratches across the entire property.
- Place a heavy-duty boot mat at the front door
- Ask all crew members to wipe boots before entering — do this every time, not just the first
- In wet weather, disposable overshoes (shoe covers) are the most effective solution
- Replace entry mats mid-move if they become saturated or dirty
Frequently asked questions
What is the best floor protection for hardwood floors during a move?
Hardwood floors are most vulnerable to scratching from grit and dragging. Use floor runners along all traffic paths, furniture sliders under heavy items, and wrap the base of furniture legs in moving blankets before setting down.
Do professional removalists protect floors?
Yes — Relocation Rangers uses furniture blankets, trolleys, and takes care when moving heavy items across floors. However, floor runners and entry mats are most effective when laid before the crew arrives. We recommend preparing these in advance.
How do I protect carpet during a move?
Use heavyweight cardboard or carpet protection film along the main traffic path. Carpet protection film (available at hardware stores) is self-adhesive and provides excellent protection against boot traffic and furniture dragging.
Can moving damage tiles?
Yes — tiles can crack under concentrated point loads (e.g. a furniture leg dropped from height) or scratch from grit tracked in on boots. Use floor runners and furniture sliders, and ask the crew to lift rather than drag furniture over tiles.
How do I protect door frames during a move?
Wrap door frames in moving blankets secured with masking tape (not permanent adhesive). This protects both the frame and the furniture against scuffing. Our crew does this as standard for tight access points.
Is floor damage covered by my moving insurance?
Standard transit insurance covers damage to your goods in transit — not damage to the property. Property damage during a move may be covered by the removalist’s public liability insurance. Check your removalist’s policy before moving day.
For more moving advice, see our How to Disassemble Furniture for Moving and Moving House Budget Checklist Australia. Ready to book? Visit our pricing page, browse our service areas, or request a quote online. Call (07) 3472 7573 seven days a week.