A single deep scratch in a hardwood floor can cost $200 to $500 to repair. A dented door frame runs $150 to $300. These are the kinds of damages that turn a smooth move into an expensive dispute with your landlord, mover, or homeowners insurance. Fifteen minutes of floor protection setup saves hours of headaches and potentially thousands in repairs.
Hardwood and laminate floors need the most protection. Use adhesive-backed floor runners (Ram Board or similar) along all high-traffic paths. For budget protection, lay down flattened cardboard boxes taped together with painter tape. Never use duct tape on hardwood as it strips the finish. For tile and vinyl floors, cardboard or drop cloths work well since these surfaces resist scratching but can crack from heavy drops. Carpet generally protects itself but gets dirty fast on moving day. Plastic carpet protector film with adhesive backing keeps carpet clean along the main walkway. For concrete garage floors, no protection is needed, but sweep first to prevent grit from being tracked into the house.
Door frames take the most abuse during a move because every piece of furniture must pass through them. Apply foam door jamb protectors or wrap corner guards around high-contact edges. You can buy commercial door protectors for $10 to $20 each or make your own by taping folded moving blankets around the frame. Pay special attention to the door frame between the garage and house, as this is typically the tightest squeeze point. Corner guards on hallway walls prevent furniture from gouging drywall during turns. Remove doors from their hinges for tight hallways to create an extra 2 inches of clearance; just pop the hinge pins out with a screwdriver and flathead.
Furniture sliders are the simplest way to prevent floor damage from heavy items. Felt-bottom sliders work on hardwood, laminate, and tile. Hard plastic sliders work on carpet. Place them under each leg or corner of heavy furniture before sliding it across the room. For extremely heavy items like pianos or safes, use a furniture dolly with rubber wheels. Never drag furniture directly across any floor surface. Moving blankets placed under large items during repositioning protect floors from scratches and distribute weight. For appliances, appliance dollies with stair-climbing wheels allow you to roll rather than drag. Rubber-wheeled hand trucks are safe on most floor types.
If you are moving into or out of an apartment building or condo, the building may require a Certificate of Insurance from your moving company. This protects the building owner from damage during the move. Request the COI from your mover 1 to 2 weeks before the move because it can take several days to process. Many buildings also require elevator padding, hallway runners, and designated move-in times. Check with building management at least 2 weeks before your move date. If you are a homeowner doing a DIY move, your homeowners insurance may cover floor damage, but deductibles often exceed the repair cost. Document the condition of your floors with timestamped photos before the move starts.
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Use adhesive-backed floor runners like Ram Board along high-traffic paths. For a budget option, lay flattened cardboard taped together with painter tape. Use felt furniture sliders under heavy pieces. Never drag anything directly on hardwood.
Yes. DIY moves cause more floor damage on average because there is no liability incentive. Spend $30 to $50 on floor runners, cardboard, and furniture sliders to avoid hundreds in repair costs or deposit deductions.
A COI is a document from your moving company showing they carry liability insurance. Many apartment buildings and condos require this before allowing a move. Request it from your mover 1 to 2 weeks ahead of your move date.
Statistics and cost figures are based on industry averages and publicly available data, provided for informational purposes.
Data last reviewed: March 2026. Learn about our data
