Moving a couch on your own can feel difficult, whether you’re rearranging your living room or preparing for moving day. Large furniture like a couch can be hard to handle by yourself but it’s manageable with the right approach.
If you’re wondering how to move a couch by yourself, here’s a clear and easy breakdown.
How Difficult Is It?
- With help – Medium
- Alone – Hard
How Long Will It Take?
Around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the couch and how far you need to move it.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
To move a couch safely and with less effort, have these items ready:
- Measuring tape – To measure the couch and doorways before moving.
- Furniture sliders or moving blankets – To protect your floors and help the couch slide easily.
- Packing materials – Plastic wrap, bubble wrap or furniture pads help prevent scratches and damage.
- A dolly or hand truck – To make lifting and moving the couch easier on your body.
It’s always better to ask a friend or family member for help. Moving a couch by yourself isn’t just difficult—it can also be unsafe. If you don’t have anyone to help, hiring professional movers can make the job easier and much safer.
How to Move a Couch in Six Simple Steps
Moving a couch can be easier when you follow these simple steps:
1. Measure First
Begin by measuring your couch to make sure it can pass through doorways, hallways and narrow spaces. Check the width, height and length, then compare those measurements with the areas you’ll be moving through. This helps prevent getting stuck partway through the move.
2. Take It Apart
If your couch has removable parts, such as cushions, recliners or storage sections, remove them before moving. Many large couches are made with detachable pieces to make moving easier, so taking them off helps reduce both weight and size.
3. Wrap the Couch
Protect your couch by covering it with plastic wrap, furniture pads or a cloth. This helps keep it safe from dirt and scratches while you move it. Just make sure the wrapping still allows you to hold and carry the couch comfortably.
4. Use Furniture Sliders
Furniture sliders or pads can make moving a couch much easier, especially if you’re doing it alone. They help the couch glide across the floor without causing damage. Keep in mind, sliders work best on flat surfaces and aren’t useful on stairs or in tight spaces. Use them where you can and be ready to lift or adjust the couch when needed.
5. Don’t Move It Alone
Having someone help you is always the safest and easiest option when moving furniture. A second person can help with lifting, moving through tight spaces and avoiding accidents. If no one is available, you can hire professional movers in Phoenix to handle the job safely and efficiently.
6. Load It into the Truck
Once your couch is safely outside, the next step is to load it into a truck or another vehicle for transport. Carrying it all the way to its destination isn’t practical and can quickly wear you out. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, hiring a professional mover to transport it can save you time and hassle.
Couch Moving Tips
Here are some simple tips to help make moving a couch easier and safer:
- Always lift using your legs, not your back, to reduce the risk of injury.
- Angle the couch slightly when passing through tight spaces or doorways.
- Add extra padding to protect the corners of the couch from bumps and scratches.
- If the couch won’t fit through a doorway, removing the door for a short time can help.
- Measure your couch and the spaces you’ll move it through ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Following these tips can help save time and effort while keeping both you and your couch safe.
When Should You Hire Help?
If moving your couch feels too heavy, bulky or stressful to handle on your own, it may be time to get professional help. Hiring STI Moving & Storage experts can save you time, reduce effort and lower the risk of injury—especially to your back. In some cases, letting professionals handle the heavy lifting is the safest choice.
FAQs
How to move a couch upstairs by yourself?
Moving a couch upstairs on your own is risky and generally not recommended. Having someone help you is much safer because the couch can be heavy and hard to control. If you have no other option, use furniture straps to secure the couch and lift with your legs instead of your back. Still, hiring help just for this part is the safest choice.
How to move a heavy couch by yourself?
To move a heavy couch on your own, follow these steps:
- Take the couch apart as much as possible by removing cushions, legs and any removable sections.
- Use furniture sliders or a dolly to reduce the effort needed to move it across the floor.
- Wrap the couch with blankets or plastic to protect it from scratches and damage.
- If you can, tilt the couch upright to make it easier to control the weight while sliding or rolling it.
How to move a couch through a door by yourself?
To move a couch through a door, start by measuring both the couch and the doorway to make sure it will fit. Remove any cushions or legs to reduce its size. Tilt the couch at an angle and guide the longer side through the doorway first. You may need to slowly turn or adjust it until it slides through.
How to easily move a couch downstairs by yourself?
Moving a couch downstairs on your own can be difficult and needs extra care. Use furniture straps to improve grip and control. If possible, stand the couch upright to better handle its weight. Move slowly and carefully down the stairs, keeping the pressure on your legs and core. If it feels too hard or unsafe, it’s better to get help than risk an injury.
How much does it cost to move a couch?
The cost of moving a couch depends on whether you hire professional movers or move it yourself. Professional movers usually charge around $25 to $50 per hour per mover. Extra fees may apply if there are stairs involved or if the move is long-distance.
How to move a couch with a dolly?
To move a couch using a dolly:
- Gently tilt the couch and slide the dolly underneath it.
- Secure the couch with straps if they’re available to keep it steady.
- Slowly roll the dolly, lifting slightly over door thresholds and moving carefully through narrow areas.
How to move a couch without a truck?
If you don’t have a truck, you can:
- Borrow or rent a larger vehicle, such as a van or SUV.
- Hire a moving company or delivery service to transport it.
- Use furniture sliders to move the couch outside, then arrange help from someone with a suitable vehicle.
How to move a sectional couch?
To move a sectional couch:
- Take it apart by separating each section.
- Wrap every piece with furniture pads or plastic wrap to prevent damage.
- Move one section at a time, using sliders or a dolly for heavier pieces.
How to take apart a couch to move?
To take apart a couch:
- Start by removing all cushions and pillows.
- Unscrew the legs or any removable parts.
- Look for screws or bolts that hold the frame together and carefully loosen them if needed.
Place all screws and hardware in a small bag so nothing gets lost.
