Floor Protection When Moving Tips

When moving home, protecting your floors is just as important as safeguarding your furniture and valuables. From scratched hardwood to stained carpets, floor damage is one of the most common (and costly) moving problems in the UK. In fact, around 70% of homeowners report some kind of floor damage during a move.

The good news? With the right preparation and protective materials, you can keep your flooring safe and avoid unnecessary repair costs. This guide covers practical tips for hardwood, carpet, tiles, and stairs, so you can move stress-free while keeping your home in perfect condition.

Why Protecting Your Floors Matters?

Many people focus only on packing boxes and lifting furniture, forgetting the floors beneath their feet. But during moving day, flooring takes the hardest hit.

• Prevents damage – Heavy furniture, trolleys, and high foot traffic can cause scratches, dents, or stains.

• Saves money – Repairing or replacing flooring can run into hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds.

• Keeps things safe – Floor protection reduces slip hazards for movers and family members.

• Maintains property value – Especially important for rented homes, where landlords may deduct from your deposit for damage.

👉 A little preparation goes a long way — protect your floors before the movers arrive.

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Planning and Preparation

Before moving day:

• Assess your floors – Identify which areas (stairs, hallways, living rooms) are most at risk.

• Gather supplies – Floor runners, furniture sliders, cardboard, or specialist protectors.

• Clear the way – Remove rugs, mats, or clutter that could trip movers or trap dirt.

• Weather check – If rain or snow is forecast, have extra covers ready for entrances.

💡 Top tip: Old carpets, blankets, or even painting dust sheets can be a cheap DIY alternative if you’re on a budget.

Do Movers Protect the Floors or Is It My Job?

Some removal companies provide floor protection as part of their service, but many do not. Unless it’s explicitly included in your moving quote, you should assume floor protection is your responsibility.

When booking, always ask:

• Do you provide carpet film or floor runners?

• Is hardwood protection included?

• Can I request it as an extra service?

👉 Don’t leave it to chance — clarify before moving day.

Best Floor Protection Options When Moving

Not all protectors are equal. Here are the most effective solutions:

• Furniture blankets – Perfect for covering high-traffic areas and shielding heavy furniture.

• Carpet film or plastic runners – Creates a temporary barrier against dirt, spills, and scuffs.

• Cardboard or hardboard sheets – Budget-friendly and effective for hallways and doorways.

• Rubber mats or sheets – Great for absorbing impact from heavy appliances.

Always match the protector to your flooring type for maximum effectiveness.

Rubber Protectors vs Adhesive Runners

Both are popular — but which is best?

• Rubber Protectors

  • Cushions heavy furniture and appliances

  • Reusable and eco-friendly

  • More expensive and may slide on smooth floors

• Adhesive Runners

  • Quick to apply and remove

  • Best for high foot traffic and carpeted areas

  • May leave residue if left too long

👉 Use rubber mats for impact protection and adhesive runners for high-traffic walkways.

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Alternative DIY Protection Ideas

On a tight budget? These hacks work surprisingly well:

• Old blankets or towels to cover walkways

• Flattened cardboard boxes for hallways and stairs

• Plastic wrap around furniture legs to prevent scratches

• Rosin paper, kraft paper, or old rugs for large floor areas

Hardwood Floor Protection Tips

Hardwood is beautiful — and expensive to repair. Protect it by:

• Cleaning and drying floors before laying protection

• Using red rosin paper, builder’s paper, or Floor Shield for coverage

• Securing covers with tape to prevent slipping

• Avoiding dragging furniture at all costs — use sliders or lift with help

Carpet Protection Best Practices

Carpets are vulnerable to dirt, stains, and snags. To keep them pristine:

• Apply carpet film or heavy-duty runners before movers arrive

• Replace protection if it becomes torn or dirty

• Remove film promptly after moving (max 45 days)

• Use cardboard under heavy items to prevent crushing

Stairs Protection Methods

Stairs take the most punishment during moves. To protect them:

• Use cardboard stair sheets or purpose-made stair protectors

• Secure them firmly with tape to prevent slipping

• Choose non-slip protectors for extra safety

Clean Floors Before Protecting Them

Never lay protection over dirty floors. Dirt and grit underneath can grind into surfaces and cause scratches. Always:

• Sweep or hoover carpets and hard floors

• Mop and dry hardwood or tiles

• Ensure surfaces are clean so protection sticks properly

DIY vs Professional Floor Protection

• DIY protection – Cost-effective, using cardboard, rugs, or blankets. Fine for small moves.

• Professional protection – Movers use specialist films, runners, and mats for maximum protection. Best for large properties or expensive flooring.

If your home has delicate hardwood, luxury carpet, or you’re in rented accommodation, professional protection is worth the investment.

Protecting Floors from Bad Weather

Rain, mud, or snow can ruin carpets and warp wooden floors in minutes. Prevent this by:

• Laying waterproof mats or plastic sheeting at entrances

• Having towels ready to wipe shoes and equipment

• Creating designated walkways with runners or cardboard