Moving house can be stressful enough without worrying about your cherished furniture arriving scratched, broken, or awkwardly placed in its new home. With a few smart strategies, you can ensure your pieces stay in top condition and look stunning the moment they’re unpacked. Here’s how to style your space right from day one.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move

Good styling starts with good preparation.

Before moving day, take measurements of your new rooms and larger furniture items. Create a simple floor plan to decide where each piece will go — this helps the removalists place everything correctly, saving you time and heavy lifting later.

Label boxes clearly and mark fragile items so they get the care they deserve in transit. If you’re unsure, consult your Sunshine Coast removalists; most reputable companies have protective materials and expert techniques to move bulky pieces safely.

Ed Burton, CEO of Upmove, adds:

“If you want to avoid unnecessary damage, always communicate with your movers about any tricky pieces ahead of time. Let them know about oversized furniture, tight staircases or narrow hallways — a quick heads-up means they can bring the right equipment or extra hands on the day.”

Wrap and Protect Like a Pro

Scratches and dents can ruin a beautiful piece.

Use high-quality packing blankets, bubble wrap, or felt covers for delicate surfaces and corners. Dismantle what you can — bed frames, table legs, or glass tops — and keep the screws and fittings in labelled bags.

For antiques or special heirlooms, consider custom crates or specialist removal services. The investment is small compared to the cost and heartbreak of repairing damaged furniture.

Position with Purpose

Once the furniture is inside, resist the urge to push everything against the walls.

Well-styled rooms often have furniture arranged to encourage conversation, define spaces, and highlight architectural features.

Start with your biggest pieces — sofas, beds, dining tables — and build around them. Use rugs to anchor seating areas and leave enough space to move comfortably. If you’re unsure about placement, seek out the experts and consult an Interior Decorator or Stylist.

This is a service we offer our clients at RJP Design and Decor to get them settled into their new home, combining inherited pieces with new modern pieces, and space planning for harmonious living.

Protect Floors and Walls

Nothing spoils a fresh look faster than scuffed walls or scratched floors.

Place felt pads under chair and table legs, especially if you have timber or polished concrete flooring. Use door stoppers to stop handles from denting walls and take care when sliding heavy items — lift when possible or use sliders designed for your floor type.

Give it Time to Settle

A beautifully styled room doesn’t happen overnight.

Once your essentials are in place, live in the space for a few days. Notice how the natural light shifts and how you use each area. You might find that moving a chair slightly or swapping a sideboard and a console makes the room flow better.
Add your personal touches — art, cushions, and décor — gradually. This ensures every piece has a purpose and the finished look feels intentional rather than cluttered.

Ready to Style with Confidence?

Protecting your furniture and planning its placement makes a world of difference when creating a home that feels welcoming and polished from the start. Whether you’re moving across town or tackling a full renovation, a little care now will pay off in style later.

Start talking with a Decorator or Stylist to create a plan and obtain expert advice for your new home!

This article was a collaboration with Up Move, Sunshine Coast and RJP Design and Décor.