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The simple sofa has become so much more in recent years. A movie theater. A workstation. A desk. A conference room.

Americans are spending more time than ever on their home furniture, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Formerly just a place to relax after hours, the couch is now a place where workers answer emails, conduct conference calls, and perform countless other work-from-home tasks.

The number of Americans working at least partially from home jumped from just under 6 percent in 2019 to more than 28 percent in 2023, according to the BLS. Which means employees are spending a significant part of their days working from sofas, recliners, and dining room tables. And they're investing in higher-quality furniture to prevent chronic aches and pains.

It's exciting to see that new couch delivered, but it's not as fun to contemplate carrying it down the stairs to the moving truck. But this guide from relocation experts at Movers.com shares tips on packing your furniture to keep it in top shape when it arrives at your next work-from-home office.

The guide recommends taking a full inventory of furniture in a family home to gather proper supplies beforehand as a proactive first step. Professional movers advise gathering predictable items like bubble wrap and plastic stretch wrap, but also mention that resealable plastic bags, permanent markers, and other unexpected items make your job easier.

While we don't usually think about cleaning up until after your move, the guide from Movers.com recommends dusting and removing dirt from furniture before packing. Friction created by motion can grind debris into your furniture and scratch wood, glass, and other fixtures, according to the guide.

Movers.com also suggests disassembling furniture when possible before wrapping and loading. The smaller pieces are easier to cover, and make it less likely for them to be damaged by hitting door frames and walls. Glass shelves and door inserts should also be removed and wrapped separately.

The guide recommends protecting hard furniture pieces with items like bubble wrap, corrugated cardboard, and blankets, as well as securing these coverings with tape or string. Mattresses, sofas, and soft-sided items can be shrink-wrapped to help prevent tears and water damage. Furniture dollies can help prevent accidental drops, and keeping family home doors open makes the process smoother and heads off dings and nicks to corners, according to Movers.com.

If you're reluctant to move awkward furniture out of tight New York City spaces, you can use Movers.com to get no-obligation quotes on moving services. The site can also provide quotes for all-inclusive moving services. While all-inclusive services are more expensive, Movers.com can help identify the most affordable options in local areas.

Founded in 1994 by a mover with decades of experience, Movers.com has deep ties to the relocation industry. The company maintains a network of more than 500 moving companies that provide services locally, nationally, and internationally. Movers are vetted and screened monthly to make sure they maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. The site also offers do-it-yourself moving guides for those relocating on a tight budget.

To get more, obligation-free information on New York moves, visit the link in the description. Movers.com City: North Brunswick Township Address: 1596 U.S. 130 Website https://www.movers.com/ Phone +1 866 343 1243 Email sales@movers.com