What You Should Do With Your Furniture When Getting New Flooring

/@34.0664817,-84.2561464,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88f59fbec4fd64bd:0x73c797c1fa4e398b!8m2!3d34.0664817!4d-84.2561464!16s%2Fg%2F11x_ptq2_g?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTIwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D’> a flooring replacement is one of the most effective ways to update and elevate the appearance and comfort of your home. Whether you’re switching to hardwood, vinyl, carpet, or tile, the transformation can breathe new life into your space. However, one of the biggest challenges homeowners face during this process is what to do with all their furniture. Planning ahead can save time, prevent damage, and make the flooring installation much smoother.

If you’re about to invest in a flooring replacement, here’s what you should know about managing your furniture during the process.

Plan Ahead Based on the Type of Flooring Replacement

Before moving a single chair or table, understand how long your flooring project will take and what areas will be affected. Is the flooring being installed throughout the entire house or just in one or two rooms? Will multiple types of flooring be used in different areas?

Different materials also have different installation timelines and requirements:

Hardwood and tile often require a few days of prep and installation.
Vinyl and laminate may be quicker but still need a clean, empty surface.
Carpeting can be installed relatively quickly but still requires full access to the subfloor.

Ask your flooring contractor for a detailed timeline and suggestions about furniture removal specific to your project.

Clear the Room Completely if Possible

The best-case scenario for any flooring replacement is an empty room. Installers can work faster and more efficiently when the space is completely cleared. This also helps prevent accidents or damage to your furniture during the process.

Start by removing all small items—lamps, electronics, decor, rugs, and anything on top of furniture. Next, work on clearing out larger pieces like sofas, tables, beds, and dressers. It’s a good idea to disassemble what you can to make moving easier and reduce the risk of scratching walls or existing flooring.

If you’re short on time or help, consider hiring movers just for the day to assist with shifting furniture in and out of rooms.

Use Other Rooms Strategically

If your entire house isn’t being redone, use unaffected rooms to store furniture temporarily. Designate a few “staging zones” to keep things organized. Label boxes and keep similar items together for easier reassembly once your new floors are in.

Stack lightweight items safely, and use furniture sliders or blankets to protect both the items and the temporary floor surface. Be careful not to block doorways or HVAC vents while storing furniture elsewhere in the house.

Rent a Temporary Storage Solution

When you don’t have enough space in your home, a temporary storage unit can be a lifesaver during a flooring replacement. You can choose between:

On-site portable storage containers (like PODS), which sit in your driveway
Self-storage units rented by the month
Professional warehouse storage through your moving company

These options help keep your belongings safe and secure and provide your installers with unrestricted access to every inch of flooring.

If you opt for an outdoor storage pod, make sure to choose a weatherproof option and use furniture blankets or covers to prevent damage from humidity or temperature swings.

Protect Heavy and Irreplaceable Items

Not every piece of furniture needs to be moved completely out of the house. Some large items like pianos, pool tables, or antique cabinets may be too heavy or fragile to relocate easily. In those cases, talk to your flooring contractor about the best strategy.

In many situations, workers can carefully shift heavy items within the same room while working on different sections of flooring. Protecting these items with heavy blankets and plastic sheeting can help minimize dust exposure and scratches.

Be sure to communicate clearly with your contractor about what must stay in the room so they can plan their workflow accordingly.

Take This Opportunity to Declutter

Replacing your floors is a great time to evaluate whether every piece of furniture is still serving you. As you move things out of the way, ask yourself:

Do I still use this?
Does it fit the new design and layout?
Is it damaged or outdated?

Donating or discarding old or unused furniture can free up space and reduce the burden of moving things back in. This can be especially beneficial if you’re downsizing or planning to redesign the room post-installation.

Prep Furniture Before Moving It Back

Once your new floors are installed, take precautions before moving everything back in. Dragging heavy furniture across a fresh floor can cause immediate damage. Use felt pads or sliders under all furniture legs, especially for hardwood or vinyl plank flooring.

Wipe down furniture legs to remove dust and grit, and consider placing area rugs in high-traffic zones to protect your new flooring. Be cautious with rolling chairs or appliances—make sure they’re clean and in good working condition before rolling them across the surface.

Also, let the new flooring fully acclimate and cure if recommended by the manufacturer. Your installer may advise waiting 24–48 hours before putting furniture back in place, particularly for glue-down materials.

Coordinate with the Installation Crew

Communication is key when it comes to a successful flooring replacement. Talk to your installers about furniture moving policies. Some companies offer full-service packages where they handle all the moving for you—just make sure to confirm what’s included in advance.

If you’re expected to move everything yourself, be sure to complete the task before the crew arrives. Delays can lead to rescheduling, additional fees, or rushed work, none of which you want during a major home upgrade.

A successful flooring replacement isn’t just about the floors—it’s about how you manage the space before, during, and after the installation. Taking the time to properly move and protect your furniture helps ensure the process goes smoothly, reduces the risk of damage, and sets the stage for enjoying your new floors as soon as possible.

With smart planning, temporary storage solutions, and proper coordination, you can protect your investment and make the most of your fresh new flooring without the stress.