How to Move a Couch?

Couches are one of the heaviest pieces of furniture you can move. If not done right, you could get injured, or the furniture could break or get stuck somewhere. It’s best to have a few sets of hands to help you out if you have a huge couch. Unfortunately, if you’re alone, you’ll have to check how many people can help without getting injured or hurting anything.

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Here are a few tips on how to move a couch:

Check the dimensions of your couch

Before you shift your couch:

1. Make sure you check the dimensions of the couch so that you know how it will fit through doorways or around corners. You’ll find this information on the label attached to the feet of your couch.
2. If you’re having problems fitting your couch through tight spaces, remove any doors in its path.
3. Take the door off by removing the hinges and putting them safely aside.

If the dimensions of your couch won’t fit through any doorways, you may need to dismantle it. This can be done in a few ways: remove the feet completely, take off the backrests or wingbacks, or detach the arms. To avoid accidents, all these parts should be placed with care near where you disassembled the couch.

Get help from friends or family.

It’s always better to get help from friends or family to help you move your couch. You’ll find it much easier if you have two pairs of hands to help you move the couch fully assembled. This will also help you to avoid injury.

If you can’t get a few pairs of hands, it’s best to disassemble your couch before moving it. Follow the instructions from above about taking apart couches and making sure all parts are properly laid out. Now you’ll be able to carry the individual pieces with ease. Ask someone to help you carry a piece to ensure it’s safe.

Protect your floors by using a moving blanket or sheet

Moving blankets are the cheapest and most important tools to use when moving heavy furniture. They provide an extra layer of protection for your floor against rips, scratches, dents, or scuffs from wooden legs or the actual couch itself. Plus, they help prevent dirt from being left behind on your new floors. Read our Article on moving hacks to get tips to move the couch easily.

Use a dolly to move a couch

Using a dolly to move heavy pieces is usually the easiest way to go. A dolly lets you slide, roll, or carry heavy items with ease because it has wheels on one or both ends of its base. You can find them at many furniture stores and rental shops if you don’t have one. If you move into a new home on the second or third floor, it can also be useful to ask your movers to bring one with them. This way, you can transport pieces up and down stairs without hurting your back.

When using a dolly, make sure you angle the couch in whatever direction is most comfortable and with the least amount of resistance. If you see a lot of resistance when moving, you can always turn around and try another route.

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If you have stairs, take them into account and plan accordingly

If you have multiple flights of stairs to carry your couch up, it’s best to break down the process into smaller steps. When you have a lot of furniture or large pieces being moved, this is always good advice.

Once again, having help from family members will make the process much easier and less stressful for everyone involved. If you’re moving into a home that has multiple floors, it’s best to check with the movers if they have a dolly or other equipment on-site for this purpose.

Make sure to keep all screws, bolts, and other pieces of the couch

Before you disassemble your couch, make sure to place all screws and bolts in one place. This will help you during re-assembly more than if they’re left scattered around your house. Plus, it’ll be much easier for you when moving the couch into position once again (especially if there are multiple pieces) if you keep all the parts in one place.

When re-assembling your couch, always check the manual that came with it for specific instructions. If you’re having trouble re-connecting two or more pieces, look online for tutorials or visit a professional furniture store to ask for help.

Once you’ve completely re-assembled your couch, you should be ready to start using it again. And the best part is that you didn’t have to pay anyone to help you move or re-assemble your furniture. It’s important to note that no matter how well-meaning family members are during these types of moves, it may be worth hiring a professional mover for big jobs.

See Also: How to Move Lawnmower

Take your time & Remember to be safe!

Ensure you’re always taking proper precautions when lifting or carrying anything bulky or heavy. Moving heavy objects like couches is no joke, and moving them incorrectly can cause injury. Sit down on a couch before picking it up if you feel unsure about its weight. When in doubt, ask for help from someone you know you can trust.

While moving a couch may seem like an easy task, it does take some time and effort on your part to do it properly. Make sure to give yourself enough time before the movers come so that you have everything ready to go when they get there.

Packing your couch for the move

If you can, avoid disassembling your couch whenever possible. This will save you time during the re-assembly process when it comes time to move into your new place or have the movers take it apart again.

When not in use, keep couches covered with plastic sheeting to protect them from dust and dirt while being stored for any length of time.

If you’re moving into a new home or office, consider asking the movers to bring your couch with them to save you the trouble and expense of hiring someone else to do it for you. If you can’t do this, at least take the time before they arrive to thoroughly dust and clean your couch from top-to-bottom, so it’s ready to go whenever they get there.

See Also: How to Pack a TV for Moving

Heavy lifting tips

Here are a few tips you should know before you move your couch so that you don’t injure yourself:

• Squat, not bend- Squatting when you lift will allow you to pick up heavier objects with less chance of injury. This is especially true if you have to lift an object from a low level.
• Push, don’t pull- Pushing is better than pulling when it comes to lifting objects because it puts less stress on your back and body.
• Take small steps- Always take small steps when going up or downstairs with heavy objects in your hands. This will help you avoid losing your balance and dropping what you’re carrying.
• Short, quick steps- Taking small, short steps when moving heavy objects around or up and down makes it easier on your body and reduces the chances of slipping and falling.
• Use good posture- Make sure you maintain good posture when lifting anything heavy to avoid injury.
• Don’t twist- Twisting your body is one of the quickest ways to lose your grip on an object and injure yourself in the process. Keep your knees bent so that you can lift with your legs instead of your back, which will help reduce stress.
• Lift using your legs- Bending over while lifting heavy objects puts a lot of stress on your back, so always bend at the knees when possible.
• Don’t rush yourself- Rushing into moving something like a couch can cause serious injuries if you’re not careful. Take your time, lift using your legs and give yourself plenty of time to get it where it needs to go before the movers arrive.

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Read Also: Moving Day Safety Tips to Avoid Injuries

Bottom Line

Now that you know how to move a couch safely and efficiently, there’s no need to stress about your upcoming relocation. Just follow the tips we’ve outlined for you in this article, and you’ll be able to get your furniture from point A to point B with little hassle. If at any time you feel unsure or uncomfortable about moving something heavy on your own, don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends or family members. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can have your couch moved in no time!

Also Read: How to Pack a Pod

FAQ’s

Can I move a couch by myself?

If you can borrow a friend or family member’s truck for the day, it is possible to move a couch by yourself if it’s not too heavy. If you don’t have access to a vehicle right away, consider hiring professional movers.

See Also: List of Top Moving Companies

Can I disassemble my couch if I’m moving?

Yes, but try to avoid this if at all possible. Disassembling and re-assembling a couch can be difficult, especially if you’re doing it alone, and the process usually takes just as long as simply moving your couch without disassembly.

Where can I get plastic sheeting for my couch?

Some local hardware stores sell sheets of plastic that are large enough to cover a couch. If you can’t find any there, try looking for plastic covering at your nearest grocery store or department store that carries home and garden supplies.

Can I just wrap my couch in plastic if I don’t want to buy a big sheet?

Yes, you can use smaller pieces of plastic sheeting to cover specific areas of your couch, like the arms or legs. Just be sure to keep it away from any of the cushions, so moisture doesn’t soak through the plastic and onto the couch itself.

How do I get my sofa through a tight space?

First, remove all the cushions and accessories that come with the sofa. If you can, fold the arms in to make it skinnier. Do so very gently if you need to bend or twist your couch to get it through a tight space. Bend your knees when lifting to avoid injury.

How much does couch moving cost?

Couch moving costs vary widely depending on where you live and how much your couch weighs. The average cost to move furniture is between $150 – $200. To ensure you’re getting a fair price, compare rates from several companies before choosing which company to hire.

Can I move my couch up or downstairs?

Yes, as long as the stairs are wide enough and not too steep. If your sofa is extremely heavy or large, consider hiring professional help to avoid injury and damage to your furniture.

Can I just rearrange the items in my apartment if they’re too heavy?

If you don’t have a truck or someone willing to help you transport it, rearranging heavy objects is usually not recommended as it can damage your walls and floors. You will most likely need to hire professional movers to re-assemble your couch in the new location.

Also Read: How to Move Recliner

Written by
Alex Sherr

Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.