Moving in or out of a rental property can be an exciting but stressful experience—whether you're a tenant transitioning to a new home or a homeowner preparing your property for short-term rental guests. In either case, protecting your furniture and personal belongings is key to preventing damage and ensuring peace of mind.
At Park Place Properties, we understand the unique challenges that come with both moving and converting a home into a short-term rental. For homeowners, this often means removing any valuable, sentimental, or irreplaceable items before going live on any OTA's. For tenants, a thoughtful and well-organized move ensures a smoother transition. No matter your situation, this guide offers practical tips to safeguard your belongings every step of the way.
Before packing, take stock of everything you're moving by making a comprehensive inventory list. This helps you stay organized and ensures nothing goes missing. If you're moving into a new rental or preparing your unit for guests, this list can also help confirm that everything is in place once unpacked.
Large furniture pieces like bed frames, bookshelves, and dining tables are more prone to damage during a move. Disassemble them where possible to make transportation safer and more efficient. Keep screws and bolts in a labeled bag taped to the corresponding furniture for easy reassembly.
Protecting your belongings starts with using the right materials. Invest in durable moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and furniture blankets. These are essential for securing your items from bumps, scratches, and moisture during transit—especially for fragile items like glassware, electronics, and artwork.
Rental properties and moving trucks may not offer ideal conditions for delicate items. Use plastic wrap or moving blankets to protect furniture from dust, dirt, and scratches, focusing on vulnerable corners and edges.
Proper labeling helps movers and guests alike. Mark boxes with contents and intended rooms to streamline the unpacking process or rental setup. Clearly label any boxes containing delicate items as "Fragile" or "Handle with Care."
Overstuffed boxes are harder to move and more likely to break. Pack heavy items like books in smaller boxes and reserve larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items to distribute weight more evenly.
For furniture like dressers or cabinets, secure drawers and doors with tape or stretch film to prevent them from opening or getting damaged during the move.
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and safeguard your belongings is by hiring experienced moving companies. Professionals know how to handle your furniture and personal items with care, ensuring that everything is loaded and transported securely. With their help, you can focus on settling into your new home while they take care of the heavy lifting.
Once you arrive at your new rental—or get your property rental-ready—unpack carefully. Use your inventory list to ensure all items have arrived and nothing is missing or damaged. Take your time to avoid accidents during the final stretch.
Bonus: Quick-Grab Packing Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist of essential packing materials to ensure your move goes smoothly and your belongings stay safe:
Sturdy cardboard boxes (small, medium, and large)
Packing tape and dispenser
Permanent markers for labelling
Bubble wrap and packing paper
Furniture blankets or moving pads
Plastic stretch wrap
Ziplock bags (for screws/bolts)
Utility knife or scissors
Mattress and sofa covers
Labels or stickers (for room sorting)
By following these tips, you’ll protect your belongings and ease the stress of moving or preparing your unit for short-term rental guests. A thoughtful approach now means fewer headaches later—especially when your items hold personal or monetary value.
