After managing hundreds of moves, the Out of Chaos team has learned a thing or two about which furniture is easy to move and which is not. We’ve seen what pieces are simple to assemble and disassemble, which items will withstand several moves, and which will fall apart. With about one-third of Canadians moving house every five years, we seem to be a pretty mobile nation. To help simplify the moving process for those who relocate often, we’re offering furniture ideas for frequent movers.

Think Small and Versatile

Large, heavy furniture takes up a lot of (expensive) space on moving vans. It can also require extra moving staff to manoeuvre it up and downstairs and around tight corners. You may even have to dismantle door frames to fit bigger items through doorways. And what happens when you get to your new home and these items can’t fit through the door? That is a lot of extra stress for you on moving day!

Smaller pieces that can serve multiple functions are your best option. In living areas consider these furniture items:

• Loveseats are not nearly as heavy to carry as full-sized sofas. Because loveseats are smaller, you will have more options for furniture arrangement in smaller living rooms.
• Upholstered ottomans can serve many purposes. You can rest your feet on them. They can serve as extra seating. You can add a large tray to turn it into a coffee table. Ottomans can also be used to store throw pillows and blankets.
• End tables with drawers are great for holding DVDs (if you still have them), gaming controls, and magazines. Depending on the design of your home, you could also use them as bedside tables or in entryways for storing keys, hats, etc.

Think Sturdiness

Flat-pack or ready-to-assemble furniture is inexpensive and fairly easy to put together, but it does not always withstand one move let alone frequent moves. Many flat-pack items are made of particleboard which chips and breaks easily – especially when exposed to the fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels inside a moving truck. Solid wood is sturdier than particleboard, but it is also heavier, so you have to balance durability against weight.

There are some alternatives to traditional home furnishings that lend themselves to the frequent movers’ lifestyle.

• For clothing storage IKEA’s Jonaxel system is great. It is comprised of wire mesh drawers in a metal frame. It’s modular so it can be adapted to any home you move into. On top of that, it is lightweight and easy to move. Neatfreak! also offers a modular four-drawer shelf unit that would meet the needs of frequent movers.
• Bed platforms are sturdier than bed frames. Bed frames must be disassembled to be moved and reassembled at the new location. This process may weaken the frame over the course of multiple moves.
• Metal filing cabinets are extremely heavy when are full and usually require a moving cart to transport them. File boxes on the other hand, can be carried by one person – and they are difficult to overfill. You may need several file boxes to store your paperwork but because they are stackable with secure-fitting lids, they can be stored in places you can’t put a large filing cabinet.
• IVAR shelving from IKEA is great for frequent movers. It is made with solid wood and very easy to disassemble and reassemble – unlike many particleboard bookshelves. Because IVAR is a modular system, you can customize it for any home you live in. Purchase extra pieces to mix and match or completely redesign it.

Trade-Offs

If you opt for size and versatility, you may be reducing your options for colour and style. It can be challenging to find sturdy furniture that suits your style and is within your budget. But, in the long run, you may save money because the items hold up during multiple moves. There are always trade-offs. This type of furniture may not be for everyone, but it is something that frequent movers could think about.

Regardless of what type of furniture you have, Out of Chaos can skillfully manage your move. For more information about our Stress-Free™ move management services, contact us through our website today.

 

Image of IVAR shelving by IKEA Canada.