How to Move a Couch by Yourself in 7 Steps
Home alone? It’s still possible to move your couch with the right tools.
- Furniture sliders
- Furniture straps
- Moving blankets
- Measuring tape
- Furniture dolly
- Packing tape
- Heavy-duty plastic wrap
It's not ideal to move furniture alone, but if you need to move your couch in a pinch, there are ways to complete this task on your own. If learning how to move a couch by yourself is on your to-do list, you’ll need preparation suggestions and step-by-step directions. Follow this guide to learn how to move a couch by yourself safely and efficiently.
Use furniture sliders to move a couch or other heavy items within your home to protect your floors from scratches and dents.
Measure the Couch Dimensions
Before lifting a finger, measure the dimensions of your couch to ensure it can fit through the doorways of your home. Plus, the exact measurements will help you decide which route to move the couch outside. For example, you might have to move the couch on its side or remove interior doors if it's a tight fit.
Clear a Pathway to the Moving Vehicle
Since you’re moving a couch by yourself, you won’t have anyone around to warn you if you’re about to step on a Lego or knock into a table. To avoid any roadblocks, clear a pathway from the couch’s current position to the moving vehicle.
Remove obstacles like decorative plant stands and objects around the doorway, such as a seating bench or coat rack. Avoid accidents by removing kids' toys and pets right before you start the moving process.
Clean the Couch
Photo: megaflopp / Adobe StockYou don’t want to move into a new home with a dirty couch, so vacuum and clean the upholstery according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, you ensure you leave enough time for the fabric or leather to dry, especially if the couch is going to long-term storage. That way, your couch will be fresh and clean when you set it up in your new home.
Separate the Parts
Now that the couch is clean, it’s time to break it down into pieces. If possible, remove the cushions, unscrew the legs, and separate the sections. Don’t try to remove parts that don’t naturally separate, like sewn-on back cushions.
Wrap the couch legs in bubble wrap to avoid scratches during transport. Then, place small pieces like furniture clips in plastic bags, and don’t forget where you’ve stashed them during the move.
Wrap or Bag the Cushions and Couch
Photo: Mediaphotos / Adobe StockNext, use heavy-duty plastic wrap to wrap your couch cushions individually. In a pinch, plastic trash bags work for a non-storage, temporary move.
To secure the couch for moving, cover it with a moving blanket or two and secure them with packing tape. Then, cover the entire couch in plastic wrap, taping it tightly so that it doesn’t rip during the move.
Use Furniture Sliders or a Dolly
Furniture sliders or a dolly are your back’s best friend when moving, plus they protect your floors. These moving tools are best suited for sliding a couch across hardwood floors.
Place the plastic sliders under each couch leg (or space where there was once a leg), and position your furniture to head to the exit.
If your door is on the same level as the ground, you can push your couch out to the moving truck.
Another option is to use a furniture dolly. Carefully lift (with your knees, not your back) a portion of your couch onto the dolly, ensuring the wheels are locked.
Then, carefully shimmy the rest of the couch onto it once it's stable. You may need to load the couch on its side, depending on the couch’s size.
You should secure the couch on the dolly using moving straps before rolling it out to the moving truck.
Load the Couch Onto the Moving Truck
Photo: Pixel-Shot / Adobe StockIf you’re moving a couch yourself, you should ensure that your moving truck has a portable ramp. This addition will make loading your couch into the moving truck easier and safer.
If your moving vehicle has a ramp, roll it up to the inside of the truck before removing the moving straps and carefully unloading the couch. If you don’t have a ramp and the truck bumper isn’t too high, incline the couch base onto the truck bed two feet at a time. Then, lift the remaining portion onto the truck.
Couch Moving Tips
Follow these tips for moving a couch by yourself:
Where possible, always try to slide the couch rather than lift it.
Place furniture sliders or gliders under the legs of the couch to make it easier to move and prevent damage to your floors.
Wrap the couch in moving blankets or plastic wrap to protect it from scratches and damage during the move.
Remove any cushions, pillows, or removable parts from the couch to make it lighter and more manageable.
Take breaks when needed to avoid overexerting yourself.
If you need to lift the couch, consider using moving straps to secure the couch to your body, distributing the weight evenly and reducing strain. If you are moving the couch into a vehicle, make sure to secure it properly to prevent shifting or damage during transportation. If you’re not confident that you can safely move the couch on your own, always ask for help or hire professional movers near you.
DIY Couch Moving vs. Hiring a Pro
Moving some couch styles alone is manageable, especially if it’s a small couch, like a love seat. The benefit of moving a couch yourself is saving money on labor costs. However, you risk injuring yourself if you attempt to move a large couch on your own without the right equipment. On the other hand, hiring pro movers costs about $25 to $50 per mover per hour, so it’s worth considering if you need to move a large or bulky couch.
Frequently Asked Questions
First, make sure the couch and door measurements are compatible. Removing the interior door increases the opening if it's a close fit. You may need to turn the couch on its side or move it in separate pieces, if possible. Your best bet is to use furniture sliders to help you slide your couch through a doorway.
If a sofa doesn’t fit through the door, try angling it to maneuver it through. You’d be surprised at how often this works. Next, remove the legs and cushions and try again. If that doesn’t work, consider an alternate entry point like a window or a back door. When all else fails, contact a pro.
To save your flooring’s finish and to protect yourself from injury, use furniture sliders to move your couch from room to room on the same house level. Double-check that entryways are large enough to pass through. If you need to move a couch up or down stairs, hire a team of movers to help you with this task to avoid damaging your walls or staircase.
The best bet for most large items is a four-wheel dolly, but it depends on the size and shape of the couch. This tool provides extra stability for heavy loads and enhances maneuverability, which is useful when squeezing through a narrow doorway. Additionally, four-wheel designs reduce the effort required to move the dolly, which minimizes the number of required helpers.
