How Much Does Door Frame Damage Really Cost After a Move?

If you’ve been in the moving, property management, or home services world long enough, you’ve probably seen it happen:

A move goes well overall—but afterward, someone notices chipped trim, cracked molding, or a dented door frame.

At first glance, it may seem minor. But the real question is:

How much does door frame damage actually cost after a move?

The answer is often more than people expect.

The Obvious Costs: Repairs and Touch-Ups

Even “small” door frame damage can add up quickly. Common repair costs include:

• Paint touch-ups or repainting trim

• Wood filler, sanding, and refinishing

• Replacing damaged casing or molding

• Labor time to complete the repair

Depending on the severity, repairs can range from $100 to $500+ per doorway—and that’s before factoring in time delays or coordination with contractors.

The Hidden Costs People Forget About

The real cost of door frame damage often isn’t the repair itself—it’s everything around it.

For movers and service professionals, damage can lead to:

• Callbacks that eat into profit

• Disputes over responsibility

• Refunds or discounted invoices

• Negative reviews or lost referrals

For property managers and homeowners, it can mean:

• Delayed move-ins or turnovers

• Frustrated tenants or buyers

• Out-of-pocket repairs that weren’t budgeted

One damaged doorway can quietly turn into hours of lost time and goodwill.

Why Door Frames Are So Vulnerable During Moves

Doorways are unavoidable choke points. Every large item—couches, dressers, appliances—has to pass through them, often at awkward angles.

Add in:

• Tight timelines

• Heavy loads

• Narrow hallways

…and even experienced crews face risk.

Many people rely on cardboard or moving blankets for protection, but those solutions often shift, slip, or fail to provide consistent coverage—especially on repeated trips through the same doorway.

Prevention vs. Repair: The Real Cost Comparison

When you compare:

• The cost of repeated repairs

• The time spent managing damage

• The impact on client trust and reviews

…it becomes clear that preventing door frame damage is almost always cheaper than fixing it.

That’s why more professionals are moving toward dedicated, reusable door frame protection—tools designed to stay in place, absorb impact, and protect both sides of the doorway throughout the entire move.

Is Door Frame Damage “Just Part of the Job”?

That’s a question worth reconsidering.

If damage happens occasionally, it may feel unavoidable. But if it happens repeatedly, it’s usually a sign that the protection method—not the crew—is the weak point.

Reducing damage isn’t about slowing down. It’s about setting up smarter from the start.

Let’s Talk About Real Numbers

What’s the most expensive door frame or trim repair you’ve seen after a move?

Was it a quick fix—or did it turn into a bigger issue?