Moving furniture home and getting it inside

We do not currently offer delivery, so transport is arranged by the buyer. In practice this is simpler than it sounds, provided a few things happen in the right order.

Measure the route, not just the furniture

The most common mistake is measuring only the spot where the piece will stand. Measure the whole route to it as well: stairwell width, turns, door openings and the inside of the lift. The narrowest point anywhere along that route is what decides whether the piece gets in at all.

• Door opening width - measure without the door leaf if it can be lifted off.
• The diagonal at stair turns, not just the width.
• Lift door width and cabin depth.
• The furniture's diagonal measurement - plenty goes through at an angle when it will not go straight.

What to take apart, and what to leave alone

Table legs usually unscrew, wardrobe doors lift off and drawers pull out, bed frames come apart. That reduces weight and bulk more than you expect. Old glued construction is different: those joints are meant to stay together, and reassembly often leaves the piece looser than before. If you are unsure, ask us before you take it away.

Packing that actually helps

• Blankets or bubble wrap on corners and edges - that is where 90 per cent of damage happens.
• Tape drawers and doors shut, but never stick tape directly onto a finish.
• Carry glass and mirrors upright, never flat.
• Put fittings and screws in a labelled bag taped to the piece.

Choosing transport

Most single pieces fit in a cargo van, which can be hired in Madona for a few hours. For a full dining set or a wardrobe, plan on two people and some straps. Upholstered furniture is lighter than it looks but awkward to carry - grip matters more than strength.

In winter, let it acclimatise

If a piece has travelled in the cold, do not unwrap it immediately in a warm room. Let it stand for a few hours so condensation does not form on the cold surface. This matters most for lacquered and veneered finishes.

If you are unsure whether a particular piece will fit your car or your stairwell, write to us and we will give you exact dimensions and tell you what comes off.