How to move a sofa when shifting?

Moving a couch is clearly not an easy task for an individual. Sofas are heavily built, so you need to be careful with handling them whether you are moving to a different place, rearranging your room, or need to clean underneath it. However, with proper knowledge and tools, the process can be simplified. By following the step-by-step instructions in this article, you will be able to move the sofa efficiently and safely.

See also: 6 tips to save costs when shifting

 

Materials required

• Measuring tape
• Strong cardboard box
• Moving blankets or plastic sheets
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Dolly or furniture slider
• Ropes 

 

Procedure

 

Measure the sofa

Before moving the sofa, firstly measure the height, length, and breadth of the sofa and the path it will go through with a measuring tape. Next, measure the doors, hallways, stairs, and the area where your sofa will go through. 

 

Clear the path

Check whether the sofa can pass through them easily. Remove any items that are on the way to create a clear path to move the sofa for easy movement. You should also consider the best way to move the sofa, taking into account its shape and size, like which end of the sofa should go first. 

Read also: Simple sofa set designs for the ultimate comfort

 

Packing detachable items

Remove the cushions and wrap them in plastic sheets or put them in a sturdy box. If your sofa has detachable legs or arms, take them apart and pack them separately. If there is any fragile part, wrap it with a bubble wrap or double pack so that it does not break. Keep all the screws and other parts in a bag. Remember to label them to make the reassembling easier.

 

Wrap the sofa

Now wrap the sofa in moving blankets, bubble wrap or plastic sheets to protect it from scratches, dirt and damage. After wrapping, use packing tape and seal the sofa to secure the wrapping. Before sealing, make sure that the mattress is completely covered. Make sure that the corners and edges are wrapped securely, as they are prone to damage the most.

 

Move the sofa

You can make moving easier by using these equipments:

 

Furniture sliders: You will need to lift one side of the sofa slightly and place furniture sliders under the legs. Now, you can easily move it across the floor by simply giving it a little push and pull. 

 

Dolly: Tilt the sofa on its back and place a dolly or hand truck under it. To keep the sofa from slipping, fasten it with ropes or straps. 

 

Manually: To move the sofa, you must carefully lift and carry it. Moving a sofa alone can be difficult and dangerous, so take the help of a friend or family member if possible. 

For carrying the sofa manually, follow the mentioned steps:

 

Stand in front of the sofa, bend your knees and lift it with your legs rather than your back, keeping it close to your body and maintaining good posture. To ensure a smooth move, talk and coordinate your movements with your helper. Take extra care when passing through doorways or stairs. You should tilt or adjust the position of the sofa as needed when going through narrow spaces or corners without damaging the walls or door frames. 

 

Load the sofa 

Finally, you must safely load the sofa into your vehicle. To make the lifting easier, use a ramp or a lift gate. Place the sofa carefully. To prevent the sofa from shifting and sliding during the transit, use ropes or straps to secure it in place. Place the sofa upright to prevent any potential damage.

 

Unload the sofa

The sofa must be unloaded in the reverse order from how it was loaded. Place the sofa in the desired spot. Unwrap and reassemble the sofa once you have placed it. 

If there are any stains on your sofa, clean them immediately.

 

FAQs

How to ensure that the corners are sealed properly?

Use bubble wrap and packing tape and seal the corners properly.

How do I lift the sofa safely?

You should lift the sofa with your legs and not your back to avoid straining. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to lift it.

My sofa is not going through the doorway. What should I do?

You should try tilting the sofa. If that is not possible, consider removing the door.

Can I move the sofa by myself?

Yes, if you use a dolly or furniture slider, you can move the sofa by yourself

How do I move my sofa around corners and through narrow spaces?

When passing through narrow spaces or around corners, tilt or rotate the sofa.

How do I protect the sofa while moving it?

You should cover the sofa with moving blankets or plastic wrap. Then, secure it in place with packing tape.

How do I secure the sofa in the vehicle?

Use ropes or straps to tie the sofa in place.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]