ᐅ How can I best protect Malm furniture during a move?

Created on: 20 Jun 2024 09:17
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Lusome
L
Lusome
20 Jun 2024 09:17
Hello everyone,

I am planning to move soon and own several Malm furniture pieces from Ikea that I am quite attached to and that were partly expensive. Since this furniture has a particleboard finish that is prone to scratches and moisture damage, I am looking for the safest and most gentle way to protect them well during the move.

I am especially interested in practical tips for packing (materials, order), how to best secure drawers and doors to prevent shifting or damage, and also whether it is better to disassemble the furniture or transport it as whole pieces.

I would greatly appreciate any experiences, helpful advice, or warnings about mistakes to avoid. Thank you in advance!
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nolan
20 Jun 2024 09:29
It is best to completely empty the drawers and pack the parts individually. Wrap furniture with bubble wrap and protect it with sturdy blankets. If possible, disassemble the furniture – this minimizes the risk of damage.
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uslis47
20 Jun 2024 10:03
Hello Lusome,

I would recommend first checking all drawers and doors and securing them thoroughly. Fix drawers with tape or remove them and pack separately to prevent them from opening or shifting during the move.

Wrapping furniture with protective materials like bubble wrap or furniture fleece helps protect surfaces from scratches. For Malm furniture, which has delicate surfaces, it is important not to use damp cloths and to ensure that no moisture gets underneath the furniture.

It is also advisable to always carry heavy furniture by its sturdy parts to avoid putting stress on the joints.

If you disassemble the furniture, it’s best to note how the parts were assembled, for example with photos or a brief guide. This makes reassembling after the move much easier.

I hope this helps!
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Davidleo
20 Jun 2024 11:21
Great topic! I moved my Malm wardrobe last year and can share a few tips! 🙂

Disassembling was definitely the best choice for me – this way, I could pack the individual parts well, and the surface stayed scratch-free. I started by removing all the drawers and wrapping them in bubble wrap. Then I protected the frame with blankets and secured everything neatly with stretch wrap.
uslis47 schrieb:
Fix the drawers with tape or remove and pack separately

I also thought it was really important not to leave the drawers inside, otherwise everything wobbles too much and dents could occur.

Good luck with your move, you’ve got this! 🙂
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KAULIS
20 Jun 2024 13:42
Lusome,

to effectively protect Malm furniture during a move, it is crucial to keep the surfaces smooth and dry. Particleboard panels are sensitive to moisture and scratches.

Here is a structured procedure:

1. Disassemble the furniture as much as possible – especially large wardrobes or dressers.
2. Wrap individual parts with furniture film or bubble wrap. Filling the gaps between panels reduces transport damage.
3. Always remove drawers and pack them separately, wrapping them with protective material or lining the drawers with light packing paper.
4. Additionally, protect edges and corners with edge protectors (e.g., foam corner guards).
5. When lifting and loading, carry the furniture steadily to avoid putting stress on the joints.

Transporting without disassembly may be faster, but the risk of damage is significantly higher.

These steps should minimize the strain on Malm furniture.
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Filippo
21 Jun 2024 08:55
Hello Lusome,

to give you a really precise recommendation, it would be helpful to know your exact situation:

- What are the dimensions of the furniture pieces?
- Are you planning the move privately or with a professional moving company?
- Are there stairs or narrow passages?
- How long will the transport take (e.g., just a few hours or possibly several days in a truck)?

In general, I recommend disassembling all movable parts of Malm furniture (drawers, back panels), as especially the thin back panels are prone to breaking.

For packing:

1. Wrap drawers and doors individually in sturdy bubble wrap to fully cushion against impacts.
2. Wrap the carcasses completely with thick furniture blankets and secure them with stretch wrap.
3. Use strong foam or cardboard corner protectors on the edges.

An important pitfall: be careful not to stick adhesive tape directly to the surface, as Malm furniture often has a melamine-coated finish that can be damaged when tape is removed. It’s better to use stretch wrap for securing.

The order of disassembly is also important. Screws should be labeled after removal, and all small parts stored in a labeled bag.

If you like, I can recommend a detailed step-by-step guide with a tool list and videos specifically for IKEA furniture.