How to Pack an Office Chair for Moving

Office chairs are pretty common even outside of offices. Many people keep that at home in their studies.

During a commercial move, it’s certain that there will be (at least) a bunch of office chairs that you might have to move. During a residential move, it’s more of a probability.

Regardless of the type of move that you’re engaged in, it’s important to first pack the chair with care.

In this post, we’re going to guide you on how to do that.

Why is it important to pack an office chair properly?

Good question.

You might be wondering… I could just put it in the back of the truck, and it will just wander around a bit on its wheels when the vehicle turns around curves and corners.

Well…not exactly.

There are quite a few reasons why proper packing is necessary. For instance:

• Packing Prevents Physical Damage

Office chairs have fragile mechanisms and plastic parts. Loose movement during transport can cause cracks or breakage.

• It Also Helps Protect Other Furniture

Wheels, armrests, and metal bases can scratch desks, cabinets, and walls inside the truck.

• Packed Chairs = Improved Moving Safety

A rolling or swiveling chair is hard to handle. Proper packing reduces the risk of slips and injuries.

• Packaging Keeps the Chair Clean

Dust, dirt, and moisture are common during moves. Wrapping the chair protects fabric and leather surfaces.

• It Also Saves Truck Space

Packed chairs stack better and stay in place. This helps keep the load stable.

How to Pack an Office Chair for Moving?

Let’s get started with how to pack the chair.

Materials Needed

Below is a list of the materials that you’re going to need.

• Moving blankets or old blankets: Used to protect the chair from scratches, dents, and pressure during transit.
• Bubble wrap: Helps cushion fragile parts like armrests, levers, and the seat base.
• Stretch wrap or plastic wrap: Keeps moving parts secured and prevents the chair from unfolding or swiveling.
• Packing tape: Used to secure wrapping materials. (Never apply tape directly to upholstery or leather.)
• Plastic bags: Useful for holding screws, bolts, or small parts if the chair is disassembled.
• Allen wrench or screwdriver: Needed for removing arms, headrests, or the seat if required.

Next up, let’s talk about the actual steps.

Step-by-Step Packing Process

Step 1: Clean the Chair

Wipe down the chair to remove dust and debris.

This prevents dirt from getting trapped in fabric or rubbing against surfaces during the move.

Note: Let the chair dry fully before wrapping, as moisture can cause odors or stains.

Step 2: Lower the Seat Height

Adjust the chair to its lowest height setting.

This reduces stress on the gas lift and makes the chair easier to handle.

Suggestion: Lock tilt and tension controls if your chair allows it.

Step 3: Remove Detachable Parts

Detach armrests, headrests, or wheels if possible.

This minimizes the risk of parts snapping or bending.

Precaution: Place all screws and small hardware in a labeled plastic bag and tape it to the chair frame.

Step 4: Wrap Fragile Areas First

Cover armrests, levers, and the seat base with bubble wrap.

These areas are most likely to take impact during transport.

Note: Do not overwrap moving levers; too much pressure can cause them to bend.

Step 5: Wrap the Entire Chair

Use moving blankets or thick padding to cover the whole chair.

Secure everything with stretch wrap so it stays in place.

Precaution: Avoid using packing tape directly on fabric, mesh, or leather surfaces.

Step 6: Secure the Wheels and Base

Wrap the wheelbase tightly to prevent rolling.

This keeps the chair stable while loading and unloading.

Suggestion: If wheels are removable, pack them separately to save space.

Step 7: Label and Load Carefully

Label the wrapped chair as “Office Chair” or “Fragile.”

Place it upright against a solid surface in the truck.

Note: Do not place heavy items on top of the chair, even when well padded.

What Not to Do When Packing an Office Chair

There are a few mistakes that you should avoid when packing and moving an office chair. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Do Not Ignore Manufacturer Instructions

Some high-end or ergonomic chairs have specific handling guidelines. Skipping these can void warranties or damage internal mechanisms.

Do Not Stack Items Inside the Seat or Frame

Placing boxes, cushions, or loose items inside the chair frame puts pressure on joints and supports. This can cause misalignment or cracking.

Do Not Expose the Chair to Extreme Conditions

Avoid leaving office chairs in damp areas, direct sunlight, or extreme heat for long periods. Upholstery, mesh, and hydraulic parts can degrade quickly.

Do Not Rush the Loading Process

Dragging or tossing the chair into the truck increases the chance of impact damage. Controlled lifting and placement matter more than speed.

Do Not Forget to Recheck Wrapping Before Transit

Wrapping can loosen while moving items around. Always do a quick inspection before closing the truck doors.

Hire professional movers

If you don't have enough time or space to pack an office chair for moving, we suggest researching some of the best NYC moving companies and hiring professional movers. Movers know exactly what to do and how. You will be able to relax and let the pros do what is needed. Packing an office chair for moving is not complicated; however, it takes time, organization, and focus to do everything right. Plus, in case of an accident, you will be compensated for the damage or loss.

Final Thoughts

The key takeaways to bear in mind when packing and moving a chair are condensed below:

• Cleaning the chair first helps avoid stains and long-term damage.
• Adjusting the height and securing moving parts reduces stress on internal mechanisms.
• Disassembling removable components makes the chair easier to protect and safer to transport.
• Wrapping fragile areas before padding the entire chair adds an extra layer of protection where it matters most.
• Keeping wheels immobilized prevents unwanted movement during loading and transit.

Overall, the goal is simple. Minimize movement, protect vulnerable parts, and handle the chair with the same care you would any valuable piece of furniture.