Carrying around all different kinds of furniture from your home to a moving truck can be a hassle, especially if you are not relying on a relocation team from Chicago for help. But, what is so difficult about relocating a couch, right? If you and your family members or friends will be the ones doing all the heavy lifting, you might need guidance.
The difficulty of the task depends on the type of couch you’re dealing with. Nevertheless, a few tips on how to relocate a couch safely can be of great help. Let’s see how to protect and relocate your favorite part of the living room.
Do You Really Want To Relocate That Couch?
Does your old couch fit your new home? Is it too worn-out and overused? Assessing whether or not pieces of furniture should go with you is essential. Decide what you should purge and donate, and if the couch is one of those items, you will say goodbye to it. Consider factors like the size of your new space, the couch’s condition, and whether it matches the decor of your new home.
If it’s bulky, doesn’t fit your style, or shows significant wear, donating or selling it may be a better option. Reducing the load by leaving behind unnecessary items also reduces moving costs and makes the overall process easier. If the couch has sentimental value or fits perfectly in your new home, then it’s worth taking the steps to move it properly.
Disassemble If Possible
Whether or not you can disassemble the couch depends on its size and shape. If you can divide it into pieces, it will be much easier to carry it around and transport it. Remove the cushions and take the couch apart if possible. Disassembling the couch can make it easier to navigate tight doorways, narrow hallways, or staircases. If your couch has removable legs, arms, or backrests, take them off and pack them separately.
Keep all hardware, like screws and bolts, in a labeled plastic bag to avoid losing them during transit. Disassembling not only simplifies handling but also minimizes the risk of scratching walls or damaging the couch itself. Many sectional couches or modular sofas are designed to come apart, which can make them significantly easier to move.
Protect Your Couch
Protection of your furniture is crucial so make sure to have blankets or plastic wrap, tape, furniture sliders. Also, a moving dolly might be of help. An extra pair of hands is always useful when you need to move furniture around, especially down the stairs. Wrap the couch in moving blankets or bubble wrap to shield it from scratches, dirt, and damage during the move.
Secure the blankets with packing tape, but avoid placing tape directly on the fabric to prevent residue or tears. Furniture sliders are invaluable for moving heavy pieces across floors without scratching hardwood or damaging carpets. Use a dolly or hand truck to lift the couch with minimal effort, particularly if you’re maneuvering down stairs. This equipment makes the process safer for both you and the couch, especially for larger pieces that are difficult to control manually.
Plan Your Route
Before lifting the couch, map out the route you’ll take to the moving truck. Measure doorways, hallways, and staircases to ensure the couch will fit. Clear any obstacles along the way, such as rugs, tables, or lamps, which could cause tripping hazards. In some cases, tilting the couch at an angle or standing it on its end may help it pass through narrow spaces more easily.
By planning the route in advance, you can save time, avoid damage to walls, and reduce the chance of accidents. If you’re moving a couch from an apartment building or high-rise, consider reserving the elevator to ensure uninterrupted access during the move.
Place The Couch Into Truck
Whether you’re relocating inside Chicago (like moving to Barrington) or moving long distance, the couch needs to be put properly into the moving truck. A general rule would be to place the couch frame towards the front of the truck (where the diver is sitting). Make sure to place the couch so it’s balanced, but also to make enough room for other items in the truck.
Position the couch upright against the side of the truck or flat on the floor, depending on the available space and stability. Secure the couch with straps or bungee cords to prevent it from shifting during transit. Loading heavier items, like couches, towards the front helps balance the truck and creates a more stable base for stacking lighter items on top. Make sure the couch is stable and doesn’t press against any other fragile items. This careful arrangement prevents damage and makes unloading at your new location simpler.
Ask for Help from Friends or Family
Moving a couch alone can be challenging and risky, especially for larger pieces. Enlist help from friends or family members to make the process safer and faster. Having at least one or two people assist with lifting and guiding the couch can make a significant difference.
Coordinate lifting with your helpers to avoid sudden movements that might strain muscles or result in accidents. With multiple people, each person can manage a specific end or corner of the couch, ensuring it stays balanced. Having help also makes it easier to navigate difficult areas, like tight corners or stairs, reducing the likelihood of injuries and making the move smoother overall.
Conclusion
Moving a couch doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task if you take the right steps and use the right equipment. By deciding whether to keep or leave your couch, disassembling it when possible, protecting it with the proper materials, planning your route, and securing it in the moving truck, you can ensure that your couch arrives at your new home in good condition. Whether you’re moving locally in Chicago or to a new state, following these tips and enlisting help makes the process safer and more efficient. Best of luck with your relocation!
