How to protect leather furniture during a move is one of those things most people don’t think about — until it’s too late.
Leather is durable, but it’s not invincible.
It can scratch, warp, stretch, or fade if it’s not packed and handled the right way.
Whether you're hiring movers or doing it yourself, here's how to keep your leather couches, chairs, or ottomans safe from damage.
Step 1: Clean the Leather Before You Pack
Before wrapping anything, give your furniture a quick wipe-down with a soft cloth to remove dirt or dust. Small particles can cause scratching under pressure during the move.
If you have leather conditioner, apply it a few days ahead — this helps prevent drying or cracking, especially in cold or dry climates.
You don’t need to deep clean, but clean leather = protected leather.
Step 2: Use Moving Blankets First
This is the most important step. Always start with moving blankets.
Why?
Because direct contact with plastic wrap (like shrink wrap or bubble wrap) can trap moisture against the leather — causing mildew, warping, or surface marks.
Moving blankets act as a padded barrier that:
- Prevents scratches during lifting or sliding
- Absorbs impact from bumps in the truck
- Keeps leather protected from sharp corners and rough surfaces
Wrap the entire piece — including the arms, back, and corners — and tuck the blankets securely around the form.
Step 3: Apply Stretch Wrap Over the Blankets
Once the furniture is padded, secure the blankets with shrink wrap.
This holds everything in place and protects from dust, dirt, and shifting during the move — but it should never touch leather directly.
When you apply shrink wrap:
- Start at one end and work around the entire piece
- Avoid pulling it too tight — you want snug, not strained
- Secure the wrap at the bottom or under the legs
If you're doing this solo, use moving tape to help hold blankets in place while you wrap.
Step 4: Plan the Path Before You Lift
Don’t start moving until you’ve checked the route.
Leather furniture is often bulky and hard to maneuver. Before lifting:
- Measure doorways and tight corners
- Remove anything fragile or in the way
- Check for wet or dirty surfaces on the ground
And always lift with two people — one guiding from the front, one watching from behind.
If the couch is heavy, consider renting a dolly or furniture sliders.
Step 5: Protect Leather in Storage
If your move includes short-term storage, there are a few extra tips to protect leather:
- Avoid placing anything heavy on top of the furniture
- Choose a climate-controlled storage unit if possible
- Elevate the piece off the ground using pallets or blankets
- Never wrap leather in plastic for long-term storage
Leather needs to breathe — especially in changing temperatures.
Want to avoid the stress of wrapping, lifting, and figuring it out alone?
BBX Moving knows exactly how to protect your leather furniture — and everything else you care about.
We bring the blankets. We bring the wrap.
We bring the team that moves with care.
Book your move with BBX today — and we’ll handle the heavy stuff, so you don’t have to.
