How to move a couch by yourself

How to move a couch by yourself

Moving a couch by yourself starts with clearing the path. You need to move easily and not trip. Detach removable parts, like cushions or backrests. Wrap the couch in a moving blanket or tape to protect it from scratches. Then, use furniture sliders under the couch to slide it across the floor or a dolly if available.

The key is not to rush. Moving a couch by yourself is heavy work and requires patience. If you’re wondering how to use a dolly to move your couch or move your couch by yourself upstairs and downstairs, keep reading to learn the steps to follow.

How to move a sofa with a dolly

To begin with, remove rugs and anything that might disturb the path. Next, wrap every part of the sofa with thick blankets or moving tape to protect it from scratches. Tip the sofa to one side and position the dolly underneath. Secure it with ropes or straps. Lastly, push the dolly slowly to the destination.

Clear the path of obstacles 

Clear the entire path from its current location to its destination. Remove rugs and other obstacles that could cause tripping or make it difficult to navigate. Measure your doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure the sofa can pass through without getting stuck. If needed, remove doors or hinges temporarily for extra space. 

Detach removable parts

If your sofa has removable cushions, backrests, or legs, detach them to make the move easier and lighter. Keep these parts separate and pack them securely to avoid damage.

Wrap the sofa for protection

To protect the entire sofa from scratches, dirt, or damage, wrap it with a moving blanket, plastic wrap, or bubble wrap. Make sure the wrap is secure, and all edges are protected.

Position the sofa on the dolly

Tip the sofa slightly to one side and slide the dolly underneath. If the sofa is too large to fit fully on the dolly, you can place it on its side or back to balance it securely. Whichever arrangement you choose, make sure the dolly is centered under the sofa to avoid tipping during the move.

Secure the sofa for transport

Use moving straps or ropes to fasten the sofa securely to the dolly. Wrap the straps around the sofa and the dolly, and ensure they are tight enough to prevent movement but not so tight that they damage the furniture. Double-check the stability by gently pushing the dolly to ensure the sofa doesn’t wobble or shift.

Move to the destination slowly

With the sofa secured, begin moving it slowly and steadily. Push the dolly rather than pulling it to maintain better control, and take extra care when navigating tight corners or narrow hallways to protect the sofa from scratches.

If you have to navigate stairs, you will need at least one additional person. One person should lift and guide the sofa from above while the other carefully maneuvers the dolly from below. 

However, if you can’t get anyone to assist in moving your couch downstairs, we have compiled some easy steps for you to follow.

Moving a couch downstairs by yourself

Wrap the entire couch with thick blankets or moving pads to protect it from scratches. Lay the couch on its back and detach the legs, if any. Then, place a big blanket or a heavy-duty furniture slider on the floor and slide over it. If you have a dolly, secure the couch on it with straps and guide it down slowly.

Protect the couch 

Start by wrapping the entire couch in thick blankets or moving pads. Then, secure the blankets tightly with tape or bungee cords and ensure the edges don’t come loose. This padding will prevent scratches on the couch’s upholstery and minimize damage to walls, railings, or doorframes during the descent.

Position the couch for descent

Place the couch in a vertical position, with the seat facing the stairs and the backrest leaning against you. If the couch is too bulky to stand vertically, tilt it on one edge and keep the base closest to the steps.

Use the sliding method

Lay a big blanket or heavy-duty furniture slider under the couch. Then, slowly slide the couch down the stairs, step by step, while bracing it with your body weight. Keep your movements controlled, and use your legs to support the weight, not your back.

Use a furniture dolly (if available)

If you have a dolly available, position it directly underneath the couch while it is flat or slightly tilted. Next, secure the couch to the dolly using moving straps or bungee cords and slowly guide them down the stairs. Go slowly and hold firmly to prevent it from gaining momentum.

If the dolly has stair-climbing wheels, this process will be smoother.

Moving a couch upstairs by yourself

After wrapping your couch with moving blankets, stand it vertically with the seat facing the stairs and the backrest against the wall. Loop moving straps around the couch and wear them over your shoulder. Then, pull it step by step, using your hands to stabilize it.

Prepare the area and protect your couch 

Start by clearing the staircase of any loose rugs, furniture, or clutter. Measure the width and height of the staircase to ensure the couch will fit through without damage. Then, wrap the couch in moving blankets or thick padding, covering all parts of it, especially the edges and corners. 

Position the couch for ascent

Next, stand the couch vertically with the seat facing the stairs and the backrest against the wall or railing for stability. If the couch is too large to stand vertically, tilt it on its side and ensure the narrowest edge faces the staircase.

Use moving straps

Now, loop moving straps around the couch and wear the straps over your shoulders or around your wrists to distribute the weight evenly. This method allows you to pull the couch step by step while keeping your hands free to stabilize it.

How to move a couch through a door or tight space

Remove detachable parts to reduce the couch's size and weight. Then, tilt the couch vertically and angle it slightly to move it through the door. Once the couch is halfway through, rotate it 90 degrees, creating an L-shape with the backrest and seat. Slowly maneuver the couch in this L-shape, adjusting as needed.

Moving a couch by yourself

Couches are often bulky and heavy, making them difficult to lift alone. It comes with its fair share of danger, where not lifting it properly can strain your back, shoulders, or legs, leading to injury.

We advise getting a friend's help or simply hiring a moving company to assist you. You can also hire a handyman on professional platforms like Angi for as low as $25 per hour.

If you choose to move the couch yourself, remember to always lift with your legs and not your back. When you reach down to lift the end of your couch, squat at your knees instead of bending over at your waist.