Moving a couch by yourself can feel like a challenge, whether you’re shifting it for a new look in your living room or handling a full-on moving day. Heavy furniture like a couch is tricky to manage solo but don’t worry—I’ll guide you through it.

If you’re asking how to move a couch by yourself, here’s a simple and easy breakdown.

How Difficult Is It?

  • With help – Medium
  • Alone – Hard

How Long Will It Take?

About 1 to 2 hours, depending on the couch size and where you’re moving it.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

To move a couch safely and smoothly, gather the following items:

  • Measuring tape – To check the size of the couch and doorways.
  • Furniture sliders or moving blankets – To protect floors and make sliding the couch easier.
  • Packing materials – Use plastic wrap, bubble wrap or furniture pads to prevent damage.
  • A dolly or hand truck – To help lift and move the couch without straining yourself.

It’s always a good idea to get help from a friend or family member. Moving a couch alone is not just tough—it can be risky, too. If you’re short on help, consider hiring a professional to make the job much easier and safer.

How to Move a Couch in Six Simple Steps

Moving a couch doesn’t have to be hard if you follow these easy steps:

1. Measure First

Start by measuring your couch to ensure it fits through doorways, hallways or tight spaces. Check its width, height and length then compare these dimensions to the areas you’ll need to navigate. This will help you avoid getting stuck halfway through!

2. Take It Apart

If your couch has removable parts, like cushions, recliners or storage sections, take them off before moving. Many larger couches are designed with detachable pieces to make moving easier, so make use of this feature to reduce the weight and bulk.

3. Wrap the Couch

Cover your couch with plastic wrap, furniture pads or a cloth to protect it from scratches and dirt while moving. Make sure to wrap it in a way that still allows you to get a good grip for handling.

4. Use Furniture Sliders

Furniture sliders or pads can be a lifesaver when moving a couch on your own. They let you slide the couch across the floor easily without damaging it. However, keep in mind that sliders are best for flat surfaces—they won’t work well on stairs or in tight spaces. Use them when possible to make the job easier but be prepared to lift or reposition in tricky areas.

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 you lift, navigate tight spaces, and avoid accidents. If no one is available to assist, you can always hire a professional mover to handle the job efficiently and safely.

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. Trying to carry it all the way to its destination isn’t practical and will only wear you out. If you don’t have access to a vehicle, consider hiring a professional mover to transport it for you and save yourself the hassle.

Couch Moving Tips

Here are some simple tips to make moving a couch easier and safer:

  • Always lift with your legs, not your back, to avoid injuries.
  • Tilt the couch diagonally when going through tight spaces or doorways.
  • Use extra padding to protect the corners of the couch from damage.
  • If the couch doesn’t fit through a doorway, try removing the door temporarily.
  • Start by measuring your couch and the spaces you’ll move it through—this will help you avoid surprises.

These tips can save you time and effort while keeping your couch and yourself safe.

When Should You Hire Help?

If moving your couch feels too heavy, bulky or overwhelming to handle alone, it’s a good idea to call for professional help, like STI Movers. Hiring experts can save you time, effort and the risk of injuring yourself—especially your back! Sometimes, it’s better to leave the heavy lifting to the pros.

FAQs

How to move a couch upstairs by yourself?

Moving a couch upstairs by yourself is risky and not recommended. It’s best to have someone assist you, as handling the weight and size alone can be dangerous. If you must, try to use furniture straps to secure the couch and lift with your legs not your back. However, hiring help for just this task is the safest option.

How to move a heavy couch by yourself?

To move a heavy couch by yourself, follow these steps:

  • Break down the couch as much as possible by removing cushions, legs and any detachable sections.
  • Use furniture sliders or a dolly to reduce strain when moving it across the floor.
  • Wrap the couch in blankets or plastic to protect it from damage.
  • If possible, tilt the couch upright to manage its weight better while sliding or rolling it.

How to move a couch through a door by yourself?

To move a couch through a door, first, measure both the couch and the door frame to ensure it will fit. Remove any legs or cushions to make the couch smaller. Tilt the couch at an angle and try to fit the longer side through the door first. If needed, rotate it carefully to find the best position for it to pass through.

How to easily move a couch downstairs by yourself?

Moving a couch downstairs by yourself is tricky and should be done with care. Use furniture straps for better grip and control. If possible, tilt the couch upright to manage its weight more easily. Slowly and carefully guide it down the stairs, keeping the weight focused on your legs and core. If it feels too difficult it’s safer to get help rather than risk injury.

How much does it cost to move a couch?

The cost to move a couch depends on whether you hire professional movers or do it yourself. Professional movers typically charge $25 to $50 per hour per mover and additional charges may apply for stairs or long-distance moves.

How to move a couch with a dolly?

To move a couch with a dolly:

  • First, tilt the couch and slide the dolly underneath.
  • Secure the couch using straps if available.
  • Carefully wheel the dolly, making sure to lift over thresholds and navigate slowly through tight spaces.

How to move a couch without a truck?

If you don’t have a truck, you can:

  • Borrow or rent a large vehicle like a van or SUV.
  • Hire a moving company or a delivery service.
  • Use furniture sliders to move it outside, then coordinate with someone who has a suitable vehicle for transport.

How to move a sectional couch?

To move a sectional couch:

  • Separate it into individual pieces by detaching the sections.
  • Wrap each piece with furniture pads or plastic wrap for protection.
  • Move one section at a time, using sliders or a dolly for heavier parts.

How to take apart a couch to move?

To take apart a couch:

  • Remove cushions and pillows first.
  • Unscrew legs or detachable parts, if any.
  • Check for screws or bolts holding the frame together and loosen them as needed.
  • Keep all hardware in a bag to avoid losing them.