Keeping furniture in good condition during a move is tricky. You can’t just swaddle it in layers of bubble wrap and tuck it into a box designed with compartments to cradle it. Large furniture pieces are exposed to the elements as they're loaded into the truck — and to other objects that might knock into them during transport. Making matters worse, furniture is costly to replace if it gets ruined beyond repair. And if any of your pieces have sentimental value, their destruction could be devastating.

Fortunately, there are wrapping techniques you can employ to protect your furniture. While these methods are most often used by professional movers, nothing is stopping you from trying them yourself. Keep reading to learn how.

It’s important to get the "don’ts" out of the way so that you can focus on the "dos." You should never do the following:

No, giant sheets of bubble wrap aren’t sufficient to protect your furniture. Instead, turn to plastic wrap and moving blankets.

Plastic wrap — also known as stretch wrap — is a clingy material that stretches to protect the most massive furniture pieces. Since this packing item is tear-resistant, it withstands wear and tear. People often use plastic wrap on furniture with doors and drawers because it secures them and prevents them from falling out or opening and getting damaged. Additionally, you can use it to consolidate pieces of disassembled furniture to keep it from getting lost.

There’s no tape required when you use plastic wrap, as it sticks to itself. Think of it as giant sheets of Saran Wrap, but for your furniture. You will need a second person to help you, however — one of you must hold the piece of furniture while the other wraps it.

Don’t let the name deceive you — moving blankets are not your average bedding. They’re specifically designed to cushion your items and provide them with shock absorption. Moving blankets are manufactured from heavy duty cloth, and many of these coverings are produced with interior cushions to further reinforce the level of protection they deliver. Moving blankets can also be used to protect doorways when you’re carrying large pieces of furniture through them. Prop or tape the blankets against the door frame, which will help prevent damage and scuffs as you move furniture through doorways.

Applying moving blankets to your furniture is a relatively simple process. First and foremost, keep extra blankets on hand in case one per item isn’t enough. Start by covering the furniture piece with the moving blanket. Next, secure the blanket around the furniture using packing tape or stretch wrap. Once you’ve completed these two steps, the piece is ready to move.

While they aren’t the main tools you’ll need to wrap furniture for moving, the following items may come in handy during your move:

International Plastics Co. 18-inch Stretch Film/Wrap, 1,200 feet: available at Amazon At 18 inches wide, this heavy-duty plastic wrap is ideal for your heaviest furniture. The length of the roll is a true 1,200 feet, and it has a 500 percent stretch ability. This stretch wrap sticks to itself to form a strong seal. The more it stretches, the more the adhesive is activated. This plastic wrap is available in a single roll pack or a four-pack.

ULTRA Gpack Thick Stretch Moving and Packing Wrap, 20 Inches by 1,100 Feet: available at Amazon If you need industrial-strength stretch wrap, this self-adhering moving and packing wrap fits the bill. You get a generous 1,100 feet of wrap in a single roll. Its high-quality pallet wrap allows a clean removal, but still clings securely to itself. You can choose from 55 gauge or 65 gauge.

Sure-Max Moving and Packing Blankets: available at Amazon These oversized moving blankets are constructed from thick, padded virgin cotton batting with polyester binding. Zig-zag stitching holds the inner cushioning in place, creating consistent padding protection and prolonging the life of the pads. Dual-sided protection safeguards your furniture while wrapping it and when sliding it across floors. This package comes with 12 blankets that are each 80 inches by 72 inches

Stalwart Moving Blanket: available at Amazon The quilted tarp design of this quilted moving blanket makes it suitable for soundproofing and as a picnic blanket, as well. You can feel good about helping the environment, as the blanket is manufactured from recycled cotton padding.

Vergo Industrial Folding Dolly: available at Amazon This heavy-duty dolly is constructed of durable aluminum and plastic, so you don't have to worry about it rusting. Weighing just 10 pounds and designed with the ability to fold, this hand truck is very portable. While the price is a bit higher than other models, this dolly is built to last for years.

Harper Trucks Nylon 400-Pound Capacity: available at Amazon You get versatility with this dolly, as it can be used vertically or as a load platform. The weight limit is considerable, especially for the low price. The Harper Trucks Nylon dolly is also sold with stair climbers.

Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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