Moving furniture into an apartment can be exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s also stressful and tiring. Whether you’re moving in for the first time or upgrading to a new place, getting big, heavy items like couches, beds, and dining tables into your apartment requires planning and a bit of muscle. The good news is, with the right approach, you can make the whole process way easier.
Here’s a detailed but simple guide on how to move furniture into an apartment—without the chaos.
Measure Everything First
Before you lift a single thing, grab a measuring tape. Measure your furniture, doorways, hallways, stairs, and even the elevator if your building has one. The last thing you want is to realize your couch is too wide to fit through the front door after you’ve carried it up three flights of stairs.
- Measure the width, height, and depth of each piece of furniture.
- Check the angles of stairways and any tight corners you’ll need to navigate.
- Make sure the elevator (if there is one) can handle the weight and size of your furniture.
If something doesn’t fit, you might need to disassemble it (like removing table legs or taking apart a bed frame).
Plan the Route
Once you’ve measured everything, plan your move-in route.
- Decide whether you’ll be using the stairs or the elevator.
- Remove any rugs, clutter, or obstacles along the way.
- If your apartment is in a busy area, make sure you reserve a parking spot close to the entrance.
This step saves time and helps avoid damage to your furniture—or worse, injuring yourself or someone helping you.
Disassemble When Possible
Take apart larger furniture if you can. This will make things easier to carry and less likely to get damaged. For example:
- Remove the legs from tables and chairs.
- Take the drawers out of dressers.
- Unscrew the headboard from the bed frame.
Keep the screws, bolts, and small parts in labeled plastic bags, so nothing gets lost. You can tape the bag to the furniture piece it belongs to.
Wrap and Protect Your Furniture
Protect your furniture from scratches, dirt, and damage.
- Use moving blankets or old towels to wrap larger items.
- Cover corners with bubble wrap or foam padding.
- Use plastic wrap or stretch wrap to secure drawers or doors that might swing open.
This is especially important if your apartment has tight staircases or narrow hallways.
Ask for Help (Don’t Be Shy)
Moving furniture is not a one-person job. Ask friends, family, or neighbors for help. You can also consider hiring professional movers, especially for heavy or expensive items.
If you’re doing it yourself, invest in some basic moving tools like:
- A dolly (for heavier furniture)
- Furniture sliders (for hardwood or tile floors)
- Lifting straps (to take pressure off your back)
These tools can save your body and your furniture.
Move Big Items First
Always move your biggest and heaviest items first—like couches, beds, and wardrobes. Once those are in place, you’ll have more room to work around them with smaller items.
Also, try to move items in the order they go in your home. For example, bedroom furniture first, then living room, then kitchen. It’ll help with organizing things as you unpack.
Be Mindful of Your Neighbors
Apartments often come with thin walls and shared spaces, so try to be considerate:
- Avoid moving early in the morning or late at night.
- Don’t block hallways, entrances, or stairwells.
- Keep noise to a minimum, especially if you’re using tools or dragging furniture.
A little courtesy goes a long way—your neighbors will appreciate it.
Set Up One Room at a Time
Once you’ve moved everything in, don’t try to unpack and arrange your whole apartment in one go. Focus on one room at a time. Start with the bedroom or living room so you have a place to relax after a long day.
Having furniture in the right place from the beginning will save you from needing to move it around again later.
Final Thoughts
Moving furniture into an apartment takes effort, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, the right tools, and maybe a few helping hands, you can turn what seems like a stressful task into a smooth move-in day.
Take your time, protect your stuff, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting on your couch, in your new apartment, enjoying the results of your hard work.
