Buying a historic home in Media is a special kind of milestone. Original hardwood floors, carved banisters, deep window sills, and plaster walls give these houses character that new construction can’t match. They also come with quirks. Doorways are narrower, staircases are steeper, and closets are smaller than many buyers expect.
Experienced movers Media PA residents rely on see these challenges every week. Their advice can save you from damaged furniture, scraped woodwork, and a sofa that won’t fit through the front door. Here’s what they recommend for anyone moving into an older home in the borough.
Walk through the house before moving day
The single most useful step is a careful walkthrough of the new home. Movers Media PA homeowners trust recommends visiting with a tape measure and a notepad before you pack a single box.
Movers Media PA crews will ask for specific numbers, so measure every doorway, hallway, and stair width your furniture will pass through. Note the height of ceilings over staircases and any tight turns on landings. Many homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s have doorways narrower than today’s standard, and winding staircases with low clearances are common. Compare those measurements with your largest pieces.
If you can, share the measurements and photos with your moving company. Movers Media PA households work with can use them to plan the route, decide what needs disassembly, and flag pieces that may not fit at all.
Expect some furniture not to fit
It’s a hard truth, but some modern furniture simply won’t go up an 1890s staircase. Oversized sectionals, king-size box springs, tall armoires, and large headboards are the usual trouble spots. Movers Media PA families hire see this situation often and have practical solutions:
- Removing legs, arms, and cushions from sofas to reduce their size.
- Taking doors off hinges and removing door stops to gain extra inches.
- Disassembling bed frames, dressers with removable tops, and modular pieces.
- Recommending a split box spring, which comes in two halves, for upstairs bedrooms.
- Hoisting certain items through a large window when the stairs won’t work, if the window and structure allow it.
When none of these options work, movers Media PA homeowners hire will usually tell you honestly that it’s better to sell, donate, or store a piece than to force it. Forcing furniture through a tight space damages both the item and the house.
Protect original woodwork, floors, and walls
Historic homes have finishes that are hard to repair or replace. Original oak floors, chestnut trim, and plaster walls don’t respond well to bumps and scrapes. Movers Media PA residents trust take extra steps to protect the property:
- Laying floor runners or protective boards from the door to each room.
- Padding banisters, newel posts, and door frames.
- Covering corners where walls meet stairways.
- Using furniture dollies with soft wheels on finished floors.
Plaster cracks more easily than drywall and costs more to fix. Ask your movers Media PA crew to take extra care in stairwells and narrow halls, where walls take the most hits.
Plan the order of the move
In an older home with tight access, sequence matters. Movers Media PA homeowners hire often move the largest pieces in first, while hallways are still clear. Boxes come in afterward and go straight to the right rooms.
To help movers Media PA crews work quickly, label every box with its destination room and, if you can, post a simple floor plan at the front door. Older homes often have unusual layouts, including back stairs, sunrooms, and small bonus rooms. Clear labels prevent boxes from piling up in the wrong place and blocking narrow paths.
Think about storage space
Movers Media PA residents hire often point out that closets in historic homes are small, and some bedrooms don’t have closets at all. Basements may be damp, and attics can get very hot in summer. Before moving day, decide where seasonal items, sports gear, and extra furniture will go.
Movers Media PA families rely on can help with short-term or long-term storage while you settle in and figure out how to use the space. That way you’re not cramming everything into a small house on day one.
Check the home’s systems before you unpack
Older homes may have systems that need attention before you move in, and movers Media PA residents rely on suggest checking them early. Ask your inspector or contractor about:
- Electrical capacity and grounded outlets for modern appliances and electronics.
- Heating systems, including radiators that need clearance from furniture.
- Moisture levels in the basement before storing boxes there.
- Window fit and condition, especially if you plan to install air conditioners.
Movers Media PA crews can place furniture away from radiators and vents if you point them out. That protects wood finishes from heat damage and keeps the heating system working efficiently.
Be careful with walls and old paint
Hanging art, mounting TVs, and installing shelves are part of settling in, and many movers Media PA families hire offer these services. In a historic home, these tasks need care. Plaster walls can crumble if you use the wrong anchors, and older lath can make it hard to find studs.
Homes built before 1978 may also contain lead-based paint. Drilling, sanding, or scraping painted surfaces can release lead dust. Movers Media PA residents hire for settle-in services should use appropriate methods, and major renovations should follow lead-safe work practices. If your home sits in a designated historic district, check with the borough before making exterior changes.
Downsize before you move
Many people moving into a historic home are coming from a larger, newer house. The shift in space can be dramatic. Smaller rooms, fewer closets, and narrow halls mean that not everything you own will have a home. Movers Media PA families trust suggest sorting your belongings before the estimate, not after the truck arrives.
Start with the bulkiest items. Measure each room in the new home and sketch where your main furniture will go. Anything without a clear spot is a candidate to sell, donate, or store. Downsizing early lowers the cost of the move, since you’re not paying to transport items you won’t use. It also makes moving day faster, because the crew isn’t hunting for space in rooms that are already full.
Document the home’s condition
Historic homes often have existing cracks in plaster, worn spots on floors, and loose trim. Before the movers Media PA households hire arrive, walk through the new home and photograph its condition, especially along the moving path. These photos give you a clear record if questions come up about damage later.
Do the same at the home you’re leaving. Clear before-and-after photos protect you, your movers, and your buyer or landlord.
Street access and parking
Many of Media’s older neighborhoods have narrow streets, limited parking, and homes set close to the sidewalk. Movers Media PA households trust plan where the truck will park, how far the crew will carry items, and whether a smaller vehicle will be needed. Talk with your moving company about access at both addresses and ask whether any parking arrangements need to be made in advance.
Schedule with the house in mind
Older homes reward patience. Allow more time for the move than you would for a newer house, especially if pieces need disassembly or careful handling on stairs. Movers Media PA families work with will give you a more accurate estimate if they know about the home’s layout ahead of time.
Avoid scheduling contractors and movers Media PA crews on the same day if you can. Painters, electricians, and floor refinishers need space too, and crowded rooms raise the chance of damage.
Moving out of a historic home
The same advice applies in reverse. If you’re leaving one of Media’s older homes, the crew still has to navigate tight stairs and narrow doors on the way out. Movers Media PA residents rely on will protect floors and walls during the move-out, which matters if you’re handing the house to new owners after closing. A careful move-out also helps you avoid disputes at the final walkthrough.
Settle into your historic home with Olympia Moving & Storage
A historic home in Media is worth the extra planning. Measuring ahead, protecting finishes, and working with an experienced crew keep your furniture and your house in good shape. Olympia Moving & Storage handles Media moves through its Philadelphia-area operations, with trained crews that plan for narrow hallways, tight parking, and older home layouts. We don’t rely on temporary labor for core service, and our Move360 program can add packing, storage, furniture assembly, and settle-in help. Get a free estimate from Olympia Moving & Storage, trusted by homeowners, and ensure your move into a historic home is smooth.
