Will Carpet Installers Move Furniture? What to Know Before Your Carpet Project Begins

Save your cash or save your back

man installing carpet in room
Photo: bill oxford/ Getty Images
man installing carpet in room
Photo: bill oxford/ Getty Images
Highlights
  • You or a pro should remove all furniture from a room prior to carpet installation.

  • Most carpet installers will move furniture if necessary, but some charge for the service with a flat fee, by square foot, or per piece.

  • Flat fee costs for furniture removal range from $100 to $200, and large specialty pieces of furniture may cost you an additional $50 to $100 per item. 

  • It’s your responsibility to prepare furniture to be moved.

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Installing new carpeting is an exciting project that’s sure to elevate the luxurious feel of your space. Preparing for new carpet installation, however, can be taxing, and you probably have questions. For example, will carpet installers move furniture out of the room, or will you have to do all that heavy lifting yourself? Let’s take a dive into this question and give you some insight into what to expect during the carpet installation process.

Will Carpet Installers Move Furniture?

Whether carpet installers will move your furniture largely depends on the company you hire and the terms of your agreement with them. Different companies have different policies regarding furniture removal as part of their services. Clarify this part of the project directly with the carpet installation company to avoid any confusion or surprises on installation day.

How Much Do Carpet Installers Charge to Move Furniture?

6 large specialty items that may cost more to move, including a safe, piano, and pool table

If your local carpet installer does provide furniture removal services, the next question is, how much will this service cost you? These companies often charge a flat fee between $100 and $200 for furniture removal. For larger specialty items, expect to pay an additional $50 to $100 per item.

However, carpet installers may charge for furniture removal using other methods, so here are the three other common pricing structures.

1. Built Into the Price of All Carpet Installations

Some carpet installation companies include furniture removal as part of their standard service, with the pricing built into their overall carpet installation cost. This might result in slightly higher prices per square foot, so it’s imperative that you get multiple quotes for the overall cost of carpet installation. Companies that include this service overall can be a convenient option for those renovating multiple rooms with substantial furniture removal needs. 

2. Additional Fee per Square Foot

Other companies offer furniture removal as an optional add-on, charging a higher price per square foot if furniture needs to be moved. This option may be pricier for those recarpeting spacious rooms. On the other hand, this structure is likely beneficial for those carpeting smaller rooms with many large pieces of furniture that require relocation.

3. Fee per Piece of Furniture

Some companies charge a separate fee for each piece of furniture that needs to be moved. This method won’t be a great option for those with a lot of furniture that needs to be moved out of the room, but it is ideal for rooms that only have a few large items that need to be relocated from the room.

Does All Furniture Need to Be Removed to Install Carpet?

empty room with carpet
Photo:Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock

Yes. For proper carpet installation, all furniture and contents within the room must be removed. This ensures that the carpet can be stretched correctly, preventing wrinkles and ensuring a smooth finish.

What Do You Do With Furniture When Getting New Carpet?

Before carpet installers arrive, you should prepare your furniture and the room by taking specific steps:

  • Remove all items from dresser and desk drawers, boxing them if small enough.

  • Pull drawers completely out of dressers and desks if possible.

  • Take bedding off of beds and place it in bags or boxes.

  • Wrap and box any valuables on furniture surfaces.

  • Remove books from bookshelves and detach any removable shelves.

Installers often place furniture items and boxes onto furniture sliders, temporarily moving them to another room while the carpet is installed. They then return the items to their original positions once the installation is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carpet installers use furniture sliders or blankets to protect your furniture during the installation process. They handle each piece with care to minimize the risk of damage. Additionally, they may employ techniques such as lifting and shifting furniture rather than dragging it across the floor to prevent scratches or other marks. If you have particularly delicate or heavy items that need to be moved, discuss special handling with the installers beforehand.

It's best to wait until the newly installed carpet has fully settled and dried before moving furniture back into the room. Your carpet installation professionals can provide guidance on the recommended wait time based on factors such as the type of carpet and adhesive used. Moving furniture back in too soon could damage the carpet or affect its adherence to the floor.

If carpet installers damage your items during the furniture removal process, promptly notify the company and document the damage with photos and descriptions. The company should have a protocol in place to address such situations, potentially offering repair, replacement, or compensation. Maintain open communication throughout the resolution process to ensure a satisfactory outcome for both parties.

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