Moving a dining table requires more planning than most people expect. Unlike cardboard boxes or small furniture, dining tables are often bulky, heavy, fragile, and awkward to maneuver. They can also hold significant sentimental or financial value, making it even more important to protect them properly during the moving process.
At Ez As Pie Moving, we’ve handled hundreds of dining tables in every material and design—solid wood, glass tops, marble slabs, and antique heirlooms. Each comes with its own challenges, but the goal is always the same: to get it from one home to the next without damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps for safely packing a dining table, with insights from our professional moving teams.
Plan and Measure Before You Start
The first step in preparing a dining table for moving happens before you touch a tool. Take careful measurements of both the table and the spaces it will need to pass through. Measure the length, width, and thickness of the table, as well as its diagonal size. Then measure all access points—doorways, stairwells, hallways, and elevator openings.
This step is especially important in apartments and condos, where turns and narrow passages can make it impossible to move a large piece in one piece. If the table is larger than your exit path, disassembly will be necessary.
It’s also worth checking any building regulations. Apartment complexes often require reserving elevators, padding walls, or providing a Certificate of Insurance before movers can begin. Confirming these details early prevents costly delays on moving day.
Step One: Disassemble the Table
Most dining tables are designed to be taken apart, at least partially. Removing legs, pedestals, or extension leaves not only makes the piece easier to move but also greatly reduces the risk of scratches or damage in tight spaces.
Start by carefully removing the legs or pedestal base using the correct tools. Place any small screws, bolts, or washers in labeled zip-top bags. To keep hardware organized, either tape the bags to the underside of the tabletop or set aside a dedicated container for all furniture hardware.
If your table has removable leaves or inserts, take them out and wrap them separately. Photographing the table during disassembly is also a smart move. These images will act as a guide when it’s time to reassemble the table in your new space.
At Ez As Pie Moving, we offer full disassembly and reassembly as part of our moving services. This ensures the process is quick, safe, and stress-free for homeowners.
Step Two: Clean and Prepare Surfaces
Cleaning the table before wrapping prevents small particles of dust or dirt from causing scratches during transit. Wipe wood tables with a soft cloth and apply a light coat of furniture polish or wax for added protection. For glass, use a streak-free cleaner and allow it to dry completely before wrapping. Stone or marble tops should be cleaned with a gentle, pH-neutral solution—avoid acidic cleaners that can damage the surface.
Taking the time to clean your table now also makes it easier to unpack and set up in your new home.
Step Three: Protect the Tabletop
The tabletop is the most vulnerable part of your dining table and requires special attention. The packing method depends on the material.
For wood tabletops, start with cardboard or foam protectors on the corners and edges. Cover the surface with thick moving blankets, and use plastic stretch wrap to hold everything in place. Never apply tape directly to the wood, as it can leave marks or peel away the finish.
For glass tabletops, extra caution is required. Apply corner protectors and wrap the glass in multiple layers of bubble wrap. Once wrapped, add a moving blanket for extra padding. Glass should be placed upright in a mattress-style box or a custom-built crate. Transporting glass flat increases the risk of shattering.
For marble or stone tabletops, always lift with at least two people. Stone can crack if bent or lifted unevenly. Wrap the piece in thick moving blankets and consider having it crated if you are moving long distance. Crating creates a rigid barrier that prevents breakage during transportation.
Ez As Pie Moving provides crating services for fragile tabletops such as glass and marble. This is the safest option for high-value or delicate pieces.
Step Four: Protect Legs, Frames, and Leaves
Legs and bases often contain the most intricate details of a dining table, and they can easily be damaged if left exposed. Wrap each leg individually with foam padding or moving blankets. If the table has decorative carvings, add cardboard reinforcement before wrapping to prevent chipping.
Smaller leaves or extensions should be wrapped separately in blankets or padded paper and clearly labeled for easy reassembly.
Step Five: Secure Hardware and Small Parts
One of the easiest mistakes during a move is misplacing small hardware. Screws, bolts, washers, and brackets may not seem like much, but losing even one piece can delay reassembly.
Label zip bags clearly and either tape them to the related part of the table or place all hardware bags into a single box marked “Furniture Hardware.” Keeping a simple checklist of each piece can also prevent headaches later.
Step Six: Load the Table on the Truck
How you load the table is just as important as how you wrap it. For wooden tabletops, laying the surface flat can work if it is fully supported and cushioned. For glass or marble tops, always keep them upright in crates or boxes. This position reduces the risk of breakage.
Once in the truck, secure the table with professional straps or tie-downs. Keep the load balanced to avoid shifting while in motion. Place heavier pieces on the bottom and avoid stacking lighter furniture on top of fragile surfaces.
Professional movers, like Ez As Pie Moving, use padded equipment and tie-down systems designed specifically to keep large furniture stable during transit.
Special Considerations for Apartment Moves
Moving a dining table into or out of an apartment often presents additional challenges. Elevators may need to be reserved, or staircases may be the only option.
When moving through elevators, it’s best to pad the walls to prevent scratches and avoid overcrowding. For staircases, lifting straps help distribute weight evenly, but moving marble or glass up flights of stairs always requires multiple movers and careful coordination.
Disassembling the table as much as possible makes these moves significantly easier. Ez As Pie Moving frequently coordinates with building management and secures Certificates of Insurance for apartment moves, saving residents time and stress.
When to Hire Professionals
Packing and moving a dining table on your own can be done, but there are times when hiring professionals is the safer choice. Antique, heirloom, or luxury tables should always be handled by experts. Glass and marble tabletops often require custom crating, especially for long-distance relocations.
If your move involves multiple flights of stairs, tight hallways, or complicated logistics, professional movers ensure both your furniture and your home are protected from damage. Ez As Pie Moving specializes in handling these challenges with skill and care.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even careful movers make mistakes. Some of the most common include forgetting to measure doorways, taping materials directly to wood or glass, laying glass tabletops flat in the truck, or losing essential hardware during disassembly. Each of these errors can result in unnecessary stress or costly damage.
Our crews know these pitfalls well, and our process is designed to avoid them entirely.
How Ez As Pie Moving Protects Your Furniture
When you choose Ez As Pie Moving, you’re not just hiring labor—you’re hiring experience. Our process begins with careful measurement and planning. We handle full disassembly and reassembly, provide premium packing materials, and offer crating solutions for fragile items. Our movers are trained to navigate apartments, elevators, and tight spaces without damaging furniture or property.
We proudly serve Greenville, Spartanburg, Mauldin, and the surrounding Upstate South Carolina communities. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, our goal is always the same: to make your move as easy as pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a dining table?
The cost depends on the table’s size, material, and the distance of the move. Ez As Pie Moving offers free quotes so you know exactly what to expect.
Can I move a dining table without disassembling it?
It may be possible with smaller tables, but most full-size dining tables should be disassembled to prevent damage.
How should I pack a glass tabletop?
Wrap it in bubble wrap, add corner protectors, cover with moving blankets, and transport upright in a box or crate.
Do you provide crating for marble or glass?
Yes, we offer custom crating to keep fragile items safe during transit.
Can you move tables into apartments with stairs?
Yes. Our movers are trained to handle stairs and tight spaces, and we regularly work in apartment buildings with these challenges.
Final Thoughts
Packing and moving a dining table may seem like a simple task, but without the right preparation it can quickly become one of the most stressful parts of a move. By planning ahead, using the correct materials, and following each step carefully, you can protect your table and ensure it arrives safely in your new home.
For complete peace of mind, consider leaving it to professionals. At Ez As Pie Moving, we treat your furniture with the same care we would our own. From disassembly and wrapping to loading and secure transportation, our team ensures your dining table is in good hands.
Call today or request a free moving quote online to schedule your move. Your stress-free relocation is just one call away.
