As a parent, you’ve invested in more than just a piece of furniture.
That Montessori bookshelf represents a carefully curated space for your child’s independence, a cornerstone of their little reading nook, and likely, a significant piece of your home’s aesthetic.
So, when it’s time to move—whether across town for a house transition, to a grandparent’s home for an extended stay, or simply to rearrange rooms—the thought of transporting it can be stressful.
You’re not just moving wood and screws; you’re safeguarding a tool for your child’s growth and a product of thoughtful craftsmanship.
At Dannico Woodworks, we understand this intimately. Founded from my own experience as a father seeking better, safer, and more functional furniture for my kids, I designed our pieces, like our popular Montessori Bookshelf, to be durable for daily use.
But even the sturdiest furniture needs a little care during transit.
The good news? With some simple preparation, you can safely and securely move your bookshelf in your standard car, avoiding scratches, dings, or worse.
Let’s walk through the process together.
Step 1: The Golden Rule – Preparation is Everything
Before you even think about lifting, take time to plan. Rushing is the number one cause of damage during moves.
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Clear Your Path: Ensure you have a clear, unobstructed path from the bookshelf’s current spot to your car. Move small rugs, toys, and other trip hazards.
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Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need:
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Moving blankets or thick comforters (old ones are perfect)
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Packing tape or stretch wrap (avoid duct tape directly on the wood)
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Bubble wrap or foam sheets for extra-fragile components
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A screwdriver (usually a Phillips head) for disassembly
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Ziploc bags or small containers for hardware
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Soft towels or microfiber cloths
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Clean the Bookshelf: Give it a quick wipe-down. Dust and grit can act like sandpaper during a move, causing fine scratches when items rub together.
Step 2: Lighten the Load – Disassemble What You Can
One of the hallmarks of well-designed furniture is thoughtful engineering that allows for easier moving. Our bookshelves are built to be sturdy yet manageable.
- Remove All Items: Obviously, take off all books, toys, and decorations.
- Check for Assembly Points: Look at how your bookshelf is put together. Most quality shelves, including ours, are designed to be partially disassembled without compromising their integrity. This often means removing the back panel or detaching shelves from the main frame.
- Handle Hardware with Care: As you remove screws or bolts, immediately place them in a Ziploc bag. Tape this bag securely to a main piece of the disassembled unit or put it in a toolbox you’ll have with you. There’s nothing more frustrating than losing essential hardware. You can find specific care and assembly tips on our Dannico Woodworks Blog, which is full of helpful guides.
Step 3: Create a Protective Cocoon – Padding and Wrapping
This is the most critical step for preventing cosmetic damage.
- Wrap Each Piece Individually: Use moving blankets or thick comforters to wrap each disassembled section. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and any finished surfaces—these are the most vulnerable.
- Secure the Padding: Use packing tape or stretch wrap to hold the blankets in place. Crucial Tip: Never let the adhesive tape touch the wood finish directly. Always ensure there are several layers of blanket or a soft cloth between the tape and the furniture. The tape should only be securing the blanket to itself.
- Extra Protection for Glass or Delicate Parts: If your bookshelf has any non-wood components, wrap them separately in bubble wrap before blanket-wrapping.
Step 4: The Strategic Load – Fitting it in Your Car
Now for the puzzle. The goal is to prevent any shifting during the drive.
- Lay Down a Base Layer: If you have them, place a blanket or towels on the floor of your trunk or cargo area first. This protects your car’s interior and provides a non-slip base.
- Load the Largest, Flattest Pieces First: The main frame or back panel often fits best lying flat. Slide it in carefully.
- Fill Gaps and Prevent Movement: Think of this like a game of Tetris. Place smaller, wrapped pieces into any gaps. The objective is to have everything packed so tightly that nothing can slide, shift, or bounce. Use rolled-up towels, pillows, or even soft bags of laundry as filler material. Movement equals potential damage.
- Use Seatbelts: If you’re loading pieces into the back seat, don’t be afraid to use the seatbelts to secure larger wrapped components. Buckle them in like a passenger!
- Avoid the Roof: We strongly advise against transporting a wooden bookshelf on a car roof rack. The wind pressure and potential for shifting are too great a risk for both the furniture and your safety.
Step 5: The Gentle Unload and Reassembly
You’ve arrived! The care doesn’t stop until the shelf is back in its place.
- Unload with Patience: Reverse the loading process carefully. Don’t drag pieces out; lift them.
- Inspect Before Unwrapping: Once inside the new room, unwrap each piece on a soft surface, like a carpet. Do a quick visual inspection for any issues.
- Reassemble with Care: Use your hardware bag and follow the original assembly instructions. Take your time to ensure everything is snug and aligned properly. This is also a great opportunity to give the bookshelf a gentle polish with a wood-friendly cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move the bookshelf fully assembled if my car is big enough?
We don’t recommend it. Even in a large SUV, a fully assembled shelf is more prone to tipping, getting caught on door frames, and putting stress on its joints during transit. Partial disassembly is always safer for the furniture and your vehicle.
What if I don’t have moving blankets or a truck?
No problem! Household items are perfect substitutes. Use comforters, duvets, bed pillows, couch cushions, and even thick winter coats as padding. The principle is the same: create a thick, soft barrier and prevent movement.
For more creative solutions for family living, explore our philosophy and story on our About Us page.
Is it safe to lay the bookshelf on its side or front?
It depends on the design. Lying it on its back (so the weight is on the main frame) is often safest.
Avoid putting pressure on the shelves themselves or any protruding parts.
When wrapped properly, the orientation is less critical as long as the weight is distributed on a strong, flat part of the frame, and it can’t roll or shift.
I’m moving a long distance. Any extra tips?
For long hauls, consider using furniture-specific cardboard corners on the wrapped pieces for added edge protection.
Check the load after the first 15 minutes of driving to ensure nothing has settled or come loose.
Climate control is also a friend to solid wood—try to avoid leaving the wrapped furniture in a hot car for extended periods.
Conclusion.
Moving day is synonymous with chaos, but it doesn’t have to mean damaged belongings. By viewing your child’s furniture as the valuable developmental tool it is, and taking these deliberate steps, you can ensure it arrives in perfect condition, ready to foster more moments of learning and joy.
At Dannico Woodworks, our commitment is to provide you with pieces that stand the test of time and active play.
We build them to last, and with a little care, they’ll make the journey to your next adventure seamlessly. For more inspiration on creating beautiful, functional spaces for your children, I invite you to browse our full collection at Dannico Woodworks.
What’s the most challenging piece of furniture you’ve ever had to move, and what clever trick did you use to do it safely?
