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5 Things Most People Break During a Move — and How to Prevent It (2025 Guide)

Ever unpacked after a move only to find a scratched table, cracked picture frame, or worse — a sore back? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Australians discover too late that moving without the right prep can lead to damage (and stress). Here’s our updated 2025 guide to the five most commonly damaged items when moving — plus expert tips from Palmers Relocations to keep them safe.

1. Furniture — The #1 Moving Casualty

Furniture is one of the most frequently damaged items during a move. Its bulky, awkward shape makes it hard to navigate through doorways, hallways, and stairs without bumps and scratches.

Common damage includes:

  • Scratches on wooden surfaces
  • Dents and chips in frames
  • Scuffed paint on walls and doors

Pro Tips:

  • Wrap furniture in thick moving blankets and secure with tape.
  • Remove or secure drawers and doors to prevent them swinging open or falling out.
  • Use professional lifting straps or trolleys to avoid injury.

💡 Palmers Tip: Our removalists are trained to disassemble, wrap, and safely transport furniture — so you don’t risk damage (or your back).

2. Artwork & Mirrors — Fragile and Irreplaceable

Art is not just valuable — it’s often sentimental. Canvases are easily punctured, glass can shatter, and frames aren’t always as protective as they look.

Pro Tips:

  • Wrap artwork in acid-free paper, then bubble wrap.
  • Transport in a dedicated, upright position.
  • Never stack artwork with furniture or heavy boxes.

💡 Palmers Tip: We use specialised art cartons and handle artwork as a separate load to keep it safe.

3. Sporting Equipment — Not as Tough as You Think

Tennis racquets, golf clubs, and gym gear may seem sturdy, but can easily warp or get scratched in transit.

Pro Tips:

  • Use original cases where possible, and add extra padding.
  • Keep small accessories (balls, gloves, resistance bands) in labelled bags.
  • Don’t stack heavy boxes on top of equipment.

💡 Palmers Tip: We carefully arrange sports gear in our trucks to prevent pressure or impact damage.

4. Plants — Alive and Delicate

Plants are living things, which makes them one of the trickiest items to move. Sudden temperature changes, lack of airflow, or rough handling can stress or kill them.

Pro Tips:

  • Avoid watering plants 48 hours before moving to reduce weight and spillage.
  • Use ventilated boxes so plants can breathe.
  • Secure branches and fronds with soft ties to prevent snapping.

💡 Palmers Tip: Our vehicles are designed to keep plants upright and secure — no soil in your car, no water on your carpet.

5. Yourself — Avoid the DIY Injury

Back strain, dropped boxes, and moving-day stress are some of the most common “injuries” during a DIY move.

Pro Tips:

  • Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • Get help with bulky or heavy items.
  • Take breaks and stay hydrated.

💡 Palmers Tip: Save yourself the stress (and the chiropractor bill). Our team handles the heavy lifting, packing, and transport so you can actually enjoy your move.

🏆 Why Trust Palmers Relocations?

We’ve helped thousands of Australians move locally, interstate, and across the globe. Our experienced team and industry accreditations speak for themselves — we hold ourselves to the highest standards so your move is in safe hands. We are:

  • ✅ Fully trained & insured
  • ✅ Experienced with fragile, bulky, and high-value items
  • ✅ Focused on safe, on-time delivery

Quick Checklist to Prevent Damage

  • ✅ Wrap & pad all furniture
  • ✅ Pack artwork separately
  • ✅ Cushion sports gear & cases
  • ✅ Prepare plants in advance
  • ✅ Hire professionals for the heavy stuff

📞 Ready to Move Without the Stress?

Moving can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Palmers, we tailor our service to what you need — whether that’s a full door-to-door move (packing, materials, and transport) or simply helping with the heavy lifting. We’re here to make your move easier, on your terms. Get a free, no-obligation quote today and move with confidence.

📦 Get My Free Quote | Call us on 1300 363 916