Moving tips for your Costly Dining Table

Moving tips for your Costly Dining Table
By Charles
Newcastle University
June, 15-06-2018
Abstract - Packing and moving a huge dining table can be a baffling task, especially if you
don’t have a professional helping hand. You can face a lot of challenges while packing and
relocating it to the new destination. If you want to protect your dining table, you will need to
pack it properly using relevant packing supplies.
Let’s take a look at some of the best packing and moving tips:
1. Clean it thoroughly
2. Remove the glass top (if any)
3. Spare the table parts
4. Detach the table extension leaf
5. Cover it with cardboard
6. Use moving blankets
1. Clean it thoroughly
If you have a glass or a wooden dining table, you need to clean them appropriately with
these cleaning tips which Boldsky has shared with you. If you have children at home, it is all
the more difficult to maintain a clean and shining dining table. The problem with glass
dining tables is the constant finger prints and with wood, it's the messy oil stains.
The reason people opt for glass-topped tables is because it adds to the aura of your dining
room. But as said earlier, food spills can make them look less elegant, especially if you prefer
to display the glass, rather than covering it with a tablecloth. Daily cleaning helps you and
your family maintain your table's beautiful appearance.
So, here are some of the best ways to clean your dining room table:
Cleaning Wooden Dining Tables
Cleaning a wooden dining table is not that easy although it might seem like. The best way to
clean your dining room table is with the help of lemon.

To tackle oil stains on your wooden dining table, sprinkle a drop or two of lemon on the
stains. Use a soft rug to gently wipe the stains after few minutes. The oil stain comes out
easily.
If you have a wax stain on your wooden dining table, the best way to clean it is with the help
of a banana peel. Rub the peel directly on the wax stain and after five minutes, use a rough
cloth to remove the wax.
Cleaning Glass Dining Tables
You should know that cleaning a glass table should be done delicately . First, you need to
remove all the dust on the table with a soft brush.
Then, clean your dining room table with a wet cloth. Rub it gently in a circular motion.
Allow the dining table to dry and now sprinkle salt water on the table. Using a clean dry
cloth, wipe and clean your dining room table.
Allow it to dry for another 5 minutes. Now, in a basin of warm water, sprinkle two
tablespoons of lemon juice. Dip the absorbent cloth in the warm water which has the lemon
ingredient. Now, wipe the table gently in a circular motion.
Allow it to dry and then place your items on the table. This will leave behind a sparkling
table along with a gentle odour of lemon.

2. Remove the glass top (if any)
Planning a move is stressful, particularly when you have to get fragile items like a glass table
top from point "A" to point "B" in one piece. Simply wrapping it in paper as you would
dishes and decorative items isn’t enough. When large glass items are moved without proper
care and handling, they’re easily damaged. Plan your packing and your move to ensure that
fragile items such as glass table tops remain in one piece.
Wrap the glass top in kraft paper and apply masking tape to secure the paper. Wrap
bubble wrap around the mirror several times. Tape the bubble wrap.
Measure the dimensions of the wrapped glass and place it in a telescoping packing
box that is as close to these dimensions as possible.
Make your own box if you cannot find a telescoping box. Flatten or break down a
box that is slightly larger than the dimensions of your table top.
Cut one side of the flattned box with scissors or a utility knife so that you have one
long piece of cardboard.
Wrap the box around your table top, bending it where necessary to fit the
dimensions of the table top.
Trim off any extra cardboard, if necessary. For example, if the box is several inches
longer on one end, cut off the excess so that only about 1 inch remains.
Tape all open sides of the box closed, using packing tape.
Label both sides of the box "Fragile" with a marker. Make the label large and bold so
that it is easily seen.
Place the glass table top on its side in the moving truck. Do not place it face down or
place other items on top of it.
Place heavier items in front of the table top to prevent it from sliding or falling.
Things You Will Need

Brown kraft paper
Packing tape
Bubble wrap
Measuring tape
Cardboard
Scissors
Markers
Tips
Kraft paper and bubble wrap are available at most packing supply outlets.
Telescoping boxes are available at most moving, rental and supply outlets.
If you’ve hired a moving company, label your fragile packages and let the movers
know what is inside before they load it. If you’re moving yourself but have helpers,
ensure each person knows how to load fragile items, or handle them yourself.
You can wrap glass table tops in large blankets, but these will not be as effective as a
box and packing paper in preventing breakage.
Warning
Do not use masking tape or duct tape on the cardboard box as they don't seal as well as
packing tape.
3. Spare the table parts
Although the dining room is less complicated to pack than the kitchen or the bathroom, as
it's usually just large pieces of furniture that you have to move, it still has it's quirks and
details that can add some complications.

The dining room also includes your most fragile china and crystal stemware. Make sure that
any items of high-value are placed on the high-value inventory sheet so that they receive
the proper valuation and to ensure you have enough insurance to cover their cost should
anything happen.
High-value is considered at a value of $100 per pound.
1. Sort, Select and Simplify
Like all rooms, the stuff in your dining room needs to be sorted and things disposed of that
you don't need. Go through each drawer in the buffet, determine which pieces of furniture
will be moved and what in the hutch should stay or go.
2. Pack the Most Breakable Things First
Wrap china and glassware individually, using several sheets of plain wrapping paper. For a
full detailed step-by-step guide, check out how to pack stemware. Also, refer to the step-bystep
guide to packing fragiles, with pictures and detailed information.
More Tips to Pack Stuff So it Arrives Safely

1. Use a lot of plain wrapping paper - don't be shy!
2. If you want to save money, use shredded paper to line the inside of boxes and to fill
any gaps or holes.
3. Bubble wrap will provide protection against bumps and rattles.
4. Always clearly label boxes with FRAGILE - THIS SIDE UP
5. Pack plates and platters vertically into boxes to avoid cracking and breaking.
6. Layer pieces in boxes with larger items such as plates and platters on the bottom.
Use several layers of newsprint, packing paper or linens and other soft materials on
top to provide adequate cushioning before adding the next layer.
7. Bowls, saucers and small serving plates can be placed on top of the bottom layer.
8. Pack glasses and cups using this step-by-step guide.
3. Pack Silver & Flatware
When packing silverware and other silver pieces, make sure each piece is enclosed in
newsprint to prevent tarnishing. To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be
completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
Silverware or flatware can be wrapped by group or kept in their box. If using the box, make
sure it's taped closed, then wrap it again in bubble wrap, several sheets of plain paper or
linen item such as dish towels, pillow cases or bath towel.
4. Pack Everything that Sits on Tables, Cabinets & Rugs
You may want to have your rugs professionally cleaned before you move them. Roll rugs
then secure them with plastic ties, then place them in large, plastic bags. Your moving
company or moving supply store can provide you with bags that are large enough to
accommodate your rugs. If in doubt, have the moving company pack your more expensive
area rugs.
If you need to pack a chandelier, ask the moving company for a special box or have them
pack it for you if its of high value. Chandeliers are very difficult to secure and are very easily
damaged.
5. Prepare Furniture for Moving
Secure all doors and drawers in cabinets to ensure they don't open during the move. Large
pieces can be shrink-wrapped by the moving company or a professional packing company.
This is highly recommended for hutches and cabinets with glass doors.
Table leaves should be wrapped separately in towels or linens. Table corners can be
protected from nicks and bumps by purchasing protective corners from your moving supply
store. Table legs should be removed if possible. Make sure you store any nuts, bolts and
screws in a plastic bag that you can tape to the underside of the table.

4. Detach the table extension leaf
Table extensions rely on hardwood slides. To keep the table sturdy, the slides have little
tolerance between each other. If your table is difficult to open or binds, it's probably
because the slides are dirty or have lost their polished surface. It could also mean that a
small splinter has come loose or a piece of debris or grit has fallen between them and
scratched them. Stubborn table extension slides can be repaired with sandpaper and
paraffin wax.
A. Pull the table apart as far as it will go without separating the two halves. If it opens
from both sides, extend both of them.
B. Scrape the slides with the side of a putty knife. Scrape the inside and outside of all
the surfaces. There may be grease or built-up dirt that is glazed on the slides.
Remove as much of it as possible with the knife.
C. Look to see if the slides have a dado or a 90-degree lip. Scrape out the indentation or
corner where grit or dirt might have also built up using the corner of the putty knife.
D. Place glue on the side of the putty knife if you find splinters. Slip the knife under any
splinters to get glue under them. Place a clamp on the splinters. If you can't get a
clamp on it, wrap the splinter with masking tape. Wait at least one hour for the glue
to dry.
E. Remove the clamps and tape. Sand the slides with 80-grit sandpaper. Sand
vigorously to remove all remaining glazed, built-up material. Fold the sandpaper into
thirds. Sand inside the narrow sections of the slides where one runner slides
between two other runners. Sand everything to a consistent, even surface.
F. Fold the sandpaper over the corners and edges. Sand them evenly until all of them
are blunt and rounded.
G. Sand everything again with 180-grit sandpaper. Sand until everything has a smooth,
velvet feel.
H. Rub the slides with the paraffin block. Rub hard so that it leaves tracks of paraffin
everywhere on the inside and outside surfaces of the slides. Rub inside dadoes and

90-degree corners. If the block won't fit into tight spaces, cut it with the putty knife
and continue rubbing it on all inside tracks and surfaces.
I. Tighten all clips, screws or bolts using a screwdriver, a socket set or an open-end
wrench. Make sure none of the slides -- or any other hardware used to operate the
table -- is loose.
J. Slide the table back together and pull it apart numerous times to spread the wax
evenly. It might seem stiff at first, but the extension slides will glide smooth and even
after it is used a few times.
Things You Will Need
Putty knife
Glue
Hand clamps
Masking tape
80-grit sandpaper
180-grit sandpaper
Paraffin wax block
Screwdriver
Socket set
Open-end wrenches
Tip
While you are working on the table, use this opportunity to tighten hardware on the legs or
anywhere else that might need attention.
Warnings
Don't apply any kind of finish to the slides. It will only wear off and cause more problems.
Wear safety glasses when sanding or working with wood.
5. Cover it with cardboard
In today’s busy world, many people don’t use their formal dining room except for special
occasions, holiday gatherings or to use as a place for additional storage. The kitchen has
taken over as the dining or gathering area in a home. They might not be used as much, but,
the dining room table and chairs are still treasured pieces of furniture. It is very important to
take extra time to properly prepare and move dining room furniture in order to protect it
from damage and costly repairs. Before starting to pack the dining room, it is
recommended to take a picture of the dining room table from all angles. This documents
the item and any existing damage and provides proof if there is damage made during the
move.

Tips for Packing a Dining Room Table
Below are nine tips for preparing dining room furniture for moving day. Make sure that you
have moving and packing supplies such as cardboard, bubble wrap and packing tape on
hand for this part of the project.
‣ Clean/dust the furniture before preparing for storage.
‣ To make the transport of the table easier, unbolt and unscrew the legs from the
table. Tape the hardware in a re-sealable bag and attach it to the bottom of the table
or on one of the legs. Label the bag with its contents.
‣ If you cannot remove the table legs, wrap them in bubble wrap for protection on
moving day.
‣ Wrap each detached leg with bubble wrap for protection.
‣ Remove the table leaf and wrap it in a moving blanket.
‣ Put the sides down on a drop-down side tables and then wrap the entire tabletop
with a moving blanket. Secure the blanket with packing tape, so the blanket will not
move.
‣ Wrap the tabletop with as many blankets as is needed in order to cover the surface.
Tape the blankets to the bottom of the table to keep them secured. Do not use tape
on the surface of the table as it could leave a residue or peel the paint or wood
surfacing.
‣ Glass dining room table tops should first be wrapped in several layers of bubble wrap
and then wrapped with at least two moving blankets. For additional protection, add
a layer of cardboard taped over the blankets.
‣ Wrap dining room chairs in a moving blanket and secure with tape. Wrap the legs
and the back of the chair in bubble wrap.
Moving a Dining Room Table and Chairs

Once you have the dining room table wrapped and ready to go, you must make sure that it
gets moved properly into a moving truck. Below are six tips for moving a dining room set to
get the most optimum room in the moving truck and storage unit.
Move chairs by picking them up from the bottom of the seat. Do not move chairs by
lifting up from their backs or by dragging them across the floor as this could damage
the chair and the floor.
Stack chairs in groups of two in the moving van and secure with bungee cord or rope.
Place the second chair upside down on top of the cushion on the first chair.
When moving the table, have one person lift it from one end and another from the
other end. Lift the table by the apron and turn so it is vertical to the floor. This will
allow for easier movement through doors and up/down stairs.
Load the table top against the wall of a moving van and secure with rope or bungee
cords. Another option is to lay it flat on the floor of the moving truck.
Place the separated legs in a secure position on the moving truck, where they won’t
roll and damage other items.
If the legs remain on the table, be very careful how you load the table into the
moving truck. If the table is being moved in a standing position, you can load items
below it, but it might not be able to support a large amount of weight on top. Tables
can also shift during transit. It might be a better idea to place the table on its side in
the moving van and make sure to keep the legs protected as much as possible.
Protecting a Dining Room Table in Self Storage
It is very important to protect the investment in your furniture, especially cherished dining
room tables, while moving or in storage, so you will be able to use the items for many years
to come. Self storage is a great personal storage solution to keep these items protected until
you need them again. Some furniture might require storage in a climate controlled storage
unit to keep the wood in good condition and protect it from possible warping or drying out
from extreme temperatures and humidity. Once you place the dining room tables in
storage, make sure to keep them covered with furniture tarps. Stop N Stor has a variety of
storage units available in both climate and non-climate controlled to keep your dining room
furniture protected in storage.
6. Use moving blankets
Moving house poses a great number of difficult problems, considerable risks, and big
quandaries that need a good solution if the relocation process is to have any chance of
success. One of the greatest of these moving house dilemmas is whether to sell your old
belongings or take them to your new home. While it may be wiser to leave some difficult-tomove
items behind and buy new ones after the relocation, you will most certainly want to
keep many of your cherished possessions, especially ones with high sentimental or practical
value. Your stylish and comfortable furniture pieces are likely to be among the items you
will not want to part with – after all, it’s not so easy to find furnishings that suit both your
practical needs and your aesthetic preferences.

A quality dining room table is one the most valuable furniture pieces in a home, so you will
surely decide to take yours along. Moving a dining room table, however, is not a simple task
– large dining tables are not only heavy and cumbersome, but also quite vulnerable to
damage. To make sure that your treasured piece will arrive at your new home unscathed
and intact, you need to provide it with the best possible protection.
How to pack a dining room table for moving
Needless to say, proper packing is key when it comes to ensuring the safety of your items
during a house move. Therefore, in order to protect your dining room table when moving it
to your new home, you need to pack it the right way.
Useful tip: It’s a good idea to take a picture of your table from all angles before you start
packing – it will document the current condition of the furniture and will serve as a proof if
you need to file a claim against your movers (in case your table sustained some kind of
damage while in their custody).
There are several important steps to take when packing a dining room table:
Clean the furniture well;
If the table has a glass top, remove it first (see below for details);
Spread a soft blanket on the floor and turn the table upside down on it;
Unbolt or unscrew the table’s four legs (or one pedestal leg). If the legs are held in
place by glue, try sliding the blade of a putty knife between the leg and the table to
carefully break the bond. If you cannot remove the table legs, wrap them in bubble
wrap for protection;
Place any removed hardware parts (bolts, nuts and washers) in a sealable plastic bag
and tape it to the underside of the table;
Wrap the detached legs in bubble wrap and secure it in place by winding packing
tape tightly down the length of the legs;

Remove the table extension leaf (if possible) and wrap it in a moving blanket. Use
packing tape or stretch wrap to keep the blanket in place. Apply a couple lengths of
duct tape across the table’s underside seam to prevent it from separating during the
transportation;
If you’re moving a drop-side table, lower the table leaves and secure them with
packing tape to keep them stable;
Fold large pieces of corrugated cardboard around the edges and corners of the table
for added protection;
Cover the tabletop with moving blankets. Use as many as necessary to cover the
entire surface, overlapping the blankets by about one foot. Wind packing tape
around the tabletop or use plastic wrap to keep the blankets from coming off the
table.
Useful tip: If the blankets don’t cover the entire underside of the table, you can tape them
to the bottom of the furniture. Just make sure you don’t use tape on the table’s surface, as
it can leave a sticky residue, peel the paint, or ruin the delicate wood finish.
How to pack a glass table top for moving
Glass tabletops are extremely fragile items that can easily shatter when not handled
properly. To ensure that they arrive at their destination in one piece when moving house,
you need to pack them with utmost care and meticulous attention to the details:
Separate the glass top from the base and legs of the table. Depending on the type of
your table, you may be able to simply lift the top from the frame or you may have to
unscrew the top from the base;
Run several masking tape strips (masking tape won’t leave a sticky residue on the
glass) in different directions across the full length of both sides of the tabletop to
add some extra strength to the glass and to keep the glass shards together if the
tabletop breaks during transit (this will help avoid injury when unpacking);
Wrap the entire glass top with packing paper and secure with tape. Be careful not to
allow the tape to come in direct contact with the glass surface, as it will leave an
adhesive residue that is very difficult to remove;
Cover the paper-wrapped table top with bubble wrap (use bubble wrap with larger
air pockets for better protection) and secure the wrapping with packing tape.
Alternatively, you can place the glass top between two pieces of foam board that
have been cut to the exact size and shape of the tabletop;
Place the wrapped table in a telescopic box (a specialty box designed to provide
maximum protection when transporting glass items) of appropriate size. The
dimensions on the box should be as close to the dimensions of the wrapped top as
possible, so that there is no room for movement that can result in breakage;
If you don’t want/can’t afford to buy a telescopic box, you can build one yourself –
flatten a cardboard box that is slightly larger than the dimensions of your wrapped
glass table top. Cut one side of the flattened box so that you have one large piece of
cardboard. Place the tabletop in the center and fold the cardboard around your glass
piece so that the cardboard covers it completely. Trim the excess cardboard, if
necessary, to make sure that the cardboard fits around the glass top perfectly,

enveloping it on all sides with a sturdy covering. Use packing tape to hold the
cardboard tightly in place;
Label both sides of the box “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE” with a permanent
marker. Let your movers (or the friends who have come to help you, in case you’ve
decided on a self-move) know that the item is very fragile and requires extra caution
while handling.
Packing a glass table top is a great challenge, but if you follow the above steps strictly and
carefully you have every chance to keep your own glass piece safe and intact during the
moving process.
How to move a dining room table
o Once your dining room table is properly packed, you need to make sure that it is
taken out of your home with great care and is well secured in the moving truck. If
you’ve hired professional movers for your relocation, they will know how to take
proper care of your fragile piece. If you’re moving by yourself, you’re advised to:
o Have one person lift the table from one end and another person – from the other
end. Lift it by the apron and turn it so that it is vertical to the floor. If the table legs
weren’t removed, carry the table horizontally. Manoeuver it around corners and
through doorways very carefully to avoid hitting it against walls, door frames, and
other items. Never pull the table along the floor, as this can cause damage to both
the floor and the table (SEE ALSO: How to avoid property damage when moving);
o When loading the table into the moving truck, make sure you place it on its longest
side against the rubber bars on the wall of the truck. Secure it well with ropes or
straps and put your heaviest pieces against it to keep it from shifting during the
transportation;
o If the legs are still attached to the table, you can move the furniture in a standing
position and place items below it. The table, however, won’t be very stable and may
shift during transit or get damaged from swaying on its legs. If you place the table
upside down, make sure you don’t put any heavy items on it. Also, be careful to
secure the items you place around the table’s legs well, as they may damage the legs
if they shift during the move. All in all, it may be better to place the table on its side
and wrap the legs in moving blankets for better protection;
o When moving a glass table top, make sure you put it on its side (the experts say that
glass can withstand the strain of moving much better when kept on its side due to its
molecular structure). Never lay the glass piece flat or place anything on top of it.
Lean the glass top against the wall of the truck and place some heavier items in front
of it to prevent it from shifting or falling. It is also a good idea to add another layer of
padding between the wall and the table top and to secure the glass piece in place
with ropes for extra protection. If possible, it’s best to sandwich the glass top
between two mattresses.
When all the precautions are taken, you’re ready to go. Safe and successful moving!
Conclusion

It is very important to protect the investment in your furniture, especially cherished dining
room tables, while moving or in storage so you will be able to use the items for many years
to come. Self storage is a great home storage solution to keep these items protected until
you need them again.
Reference
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DIANE SCHMIDT (2018) | How to Pack and Move the Dining Room in 5 Easy Steps | The
Spruce. Retrieved on 15-06-2018 from
https://www.thespruce.com/pack-and-move-the-dining-room-2436454
How Repair Extension Table Slides | SF Gate. Retrieved on 15-06-2018 from
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-extension-table-slides-31375.html
BetterRemovalistsNewcastle(2018) | Moving tips for your Costly Dining Table | Better
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DLAMB (2016) | HOW TO PACK AND MOVE A DINING ROOM TABLE | Stop n Stors. Retrieved
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