Moving a couch from one house to another can seem daunting. With its bulky size, awkward shape, and considerable weight, your sofa can pose quite the challenge during a move. To safely move your couch, you’ll need to have a plan, some help, and the right tools. In this guide, we’ll explain how to move a couch step by step, answer key questions, and let you know when it’s time to hire in some help.
How To Move A Couch Step-By-Step
1. Measure Your Couch and Pathways
Before moving, measure the dimensions of your couch and the doorways, corridors and stairwells it will pass through. This ensures it can fit without unnecessary struggles. If space is tight, identify alternate routes or consider disassembling parts of the couch.
2. Clear the Path
Remove rugs, furniture, and other obstacles along the moving route. Ensure the path is well-lit to prevent trips and falls. If you’re moving outdoors, check for uneven surfaces or debris.
3. Protect the Couch
Ideally, use moving blankets, bubble wrap, or plastic covers to protect the couch during the move. Secure the coverings with packing tape or stretch wrap. If you’ll be passing through narrow doorways, these should be protected also.
4. Use the Right Equipment
Employ furniture sliders to glide the couch across floors. For a smaller sofa, a hired trolley/dolly may also prove useful. For stairs, consider using a stair-climbing dolly. Note that larger couches are going to require additional help from a friend, even with the use of such equipment.
5. Prepare the Vehicle for Transport
Clear space in the truck or vehicle to ensure the couch fits properly. Lay down a blanket to protect both the vehicle and the couch from scratches. If using a truck or ute, lower the loading ramp or tailgate to minimise the lifting required.
6. Lift and Manoeuvre Safely
Always use proper technique when lifting—bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs. Tilt the couch slightly to one side for better control. For tight spaces or corners, rotate the couch as needed and move slowly to avoid damage. Make sure everyone involved knows the plan for lifting and manoeuvring, so you’re working in sync.
7. Secure the couch for Transport
Firmly secure the couch with straps and padding and check everything twice over. If your sofa comes loose during transit you could cause an accident, so make sure it’s absolutely secure and cannot slide around.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to minimise the risk of injury and ensure your couch arrives at its destination in good condition. However, always remember that some things are best left to the professionals. If you have to move a particularly large couch, or have challenging doors or stairs to contend with, it may be safer for both you and couch to hire in a professional removalist!
How Do You Move A Heavy Sofa Alone?
Moving a heavy sofa alone is challenging, and is only recommended if you’re dealing with a smaller unit (such as a 2-seater). Use furniture sliders to glide the sofa across floors, or a hired dolly to wheel it out. Tilt the couch slightly to one side and slide or wobble it along in small increments to avoid strain. Break the task into manageable steps, moving the couch bit by bit, and note in advance where you can stop and rest. Always lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting motions to prevent injury. As a general rule, you shouldn’t attempt to take a couch down a flight of stairs alone.
How Can You Carry A Couch Up Or Down Stairs?
Moving a couch up or down stairs requires careful planning and assistance. Angle the couch so that one end is higher than the other, allowing for better manoeuvrability. Use straps or ropes tied around the couch, to secure your grip and maintain control. Agree in advance with your helper how you will approach the move, and when you will rest. The person at the lower end of the stairs will have the heavier load, so consider that when assigning roles. For heavier or oversized couches, professional moving help is often the safest option.
Can You Take Apart A Couch To Fit Through A Doorway?
Many couches can be partially disassembled to fit through tight spaces. Remove cushions, unscrew legs, and take off any detachable parts to reduce the sofa’s size. Some couches have a modular design, allowing whole sections to be separated. Keep all screws and small parts in a labelled bag for reassembly later. If the couch cannot be disassembled, try angling it diagonally or flipping it vertically to manoeuvre through the doorway. If possible, protect doorways with some sort of padding. For a really tight fit, you may need the experience of a professional mover, who knows exactly how to manipulate bulky items through tricky spaces.
How Do You Move A Couch Around A Corner?
Moving a couch around a corner often requires tilting and pivoting. Begin by assessing the space and clearing obstacles. Tilt the couch to a vertical position if the space is narrow. Slowly rotate it around the corner, using small adjustments to navigate the turn.
When Should You Leave Couch Moving to the Professionals?
If your couch is particularly large, long, heavy, or difficult to manoeuvre (such as a recliner), it may be best to call professional movers. Likewise if you’re facing a small door, narrow stairwell, complicated corners or multiple flights of stairs. It is also a good idea to call in professionals for sofas that are old and precious, or covered in expensive leather or delicate fabric. Professional movers have the expertise, manpower, and equipment to handle challenging situations, and will ensure both your couch and your home remain damage-free, while saving you time and effort.
How To Move A Couch – In Summary
With a little forethought and ample help, moving a couch doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By understanding the process, using the right tools, taking your time and knowing when to call in help, you can ensure your move goes smoothly.
Want to know how to move other bulky household items? Read our blogs on how to move a fridge, washing machine and pool table, and check out our Moving House FAQs.
If you’re moving house across Melbourne or interstate, trust Pinder Tower Movers to take care of your whole household move. With over 40 years of moving experience, this family-owned company provides the expertise and customer care you need for a relaxed and easy move. Contact Pinder Tower Movers for an obligation-free quote today.