Moving a bookcase with glass doors requires careful preparation and protection, especially for the fragile glass elements.
To move a bookcase with glass doors safely, the crucial steps involve thoroughly protecting the glass components and the entire structure before lifting and transporting.
Preparing Your Bookcase for Moving
The first step is always to empty the bookcase completely. Remove all books, decorations, and items from the shelves.
Protecting the Glass
Protecting the glass doors and any glass shelves is paramount. According to moving guidelines, you should:
- Place cardboard cut-outs directly over the surface of the glass doors and any glass shelves. This provides a rigid layer of protection against impacts.
- Wrap the glass components that have the cardboard cut-outs on them first in bubble wrap. Ensure the bubble wrap covers the entire glass surface and edges.
- Then wrap the glass components (which are now covered in cardboard and bubble wrap) in furniture blankets. This adds another layer of padding and helps prevent scratches.
If shelves are removable, protect glass shelves separately using the same cardboard, bubble wrap, and furniture blanket method. They can often be packed flat in a moving box or secured together.
Securing or Removing Shelves
- Glass Shelves: Remove glass shelves if possible and wrap them individually as described above.
- Other Shelves: If other shelves are removable, consider taking them out as well to lighten the load and prevent shifting during transit. Keep track of any shelf pins or hardware.
- Fixed Shelves: Ensure any remaining shelves (fixed or non-removable) are secure.
Wrapping and Securing the Bookcase
Once the inside is empty and the glass is protected:
- Wrap Each Bookcase Element in Moving Blankets. This refers to wrapping the main body of the bookcase itself. Use durable moving blankets to cover the top, sides, and back of the bookcase. Secure the blankets with packing tape or moving shrink wrap to ensure they stay in place and protect the finish from scratches and dents.
- Pay extra attention to securing the blankets around the areas with glass doors, adding another layer of external protection over the bubble wrap and furniture blankets already applied directly to the glass.
The Moving Process
- Lifting: Bookcases can be heavy, especially solid wood ones. Use proper lifting techniques, bending your knees and keeping your back straight. It's best to have at least two people lift and carry the bookcase.
- Navigating: Be cautious when maneuvering through doorways, hallways, and around corners. The dimensions, especially with protruding glass doors, need careful consideration.
- Transporting: When loading the bookcase onto a moving truck or vehicle, secure it upright if possible. Use moving straps or ropes to tie it off to the walls of the truck to prevent it from tipping or sliding during transit. Place padding around it to cushion it from other items.
By following these steps, particularly the detailed protection method for the glass components, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage when moving a bookcase with glass doors.
