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Moving can be overwhelming, especially when you need to transport large pieces of furniture like a couch without a truck or the help of a removal company. While hiring professional movers is always the safest option, sometimes budgets are tight and the cost of moving your couch might be too high.
Need a DIY solution? These expert tips will help you safely move a couch on your own, from your current home to your new home.
1. Assemble the Necessary Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have all the equipment you need. Start by making a list and identify anything that might be missing. For example, you might need to order some plastic wrap ahead of time. Here are some items you might need to add to your list:
- Moving blankets to cushion the couch during transportation
- Plastic wrap to protect the couch from scratches or dirt
- Oversized furniture sliders or a flat furniture dolly (available for rent at most hardware stores) to facilitate smooth movement
- Furniture straps to secure the couch during transit and rope if you need to hoist the couch
- Measuring tape to check the size of the couch
Need packing supplies? Check out Nesta’s Box Shop!
You’re also going to need a van or trailer which you can rent or, if you have a friend or family member with a suitable vehicle, kindly ask if they would be willing to assist you.
2. Take Measurements
Before attempting to move the couch, take measurements to make sure it can be moved through your home. Moving a couch through a doorway, hallway, or stairwell could be challenging if it’s too big to fit.
Once you have measured your couch and the path you need to move it through, clear any obstacles and protect the walls and floors with furniture sliders, blankets, or cardboard.
3. Disassemble the Couch if Possible
If the couch is sectional or has removable legs, disassemble it into lighter, more manageable pieces. This will reduce strain and make it easier to navigate tight spaces. Be cautious not to force anything that isn’t designed to detach (e.g. legs that can’t be unscrewed).
4. Protect Your Couch
Wrap the couch in blankets, plastic wrap, or furniture pads to prevent damage during the move. Use ropes, straps, or plastic wrap to secure loose components and cushions.
5. Use Sliders and Ramps
Furniture sliders under the couch legs and makeshift ramps over steps can make the move much smoother and safer when navigating obstacles. If you don’t have furniture sliders, you can use a blanket or moving pad to help slide your sofa across the floor.
Place the blanket under your sofa and pull from one end while pushing from the other. Make sure to use a thick and sturdy blanket to avoid tearing or damaging it. It’s also best to have two people pulling and pushing to ensure that the sofa stays balanced.
6. Use Proper Techniques
Before attempting to move the couch, clear the path of any obstacles, and make sure there is enough space to manoeuvre the couch through doorways and around corners. Here are some technique tips for moving a couch:
- Instead of grabbing the couch by the arms or back, lift it from the base or frame. This will provide better leverage and stability.
- When turning or changing directions, pivot your entire body instead of twisting your torso. This will help protect your back from strain.
- Keep an eye out for potential obstacles, such as stairs, narrow doorways, or low ceilings, and plan accordingly to navigate them safely.
- When setting the couch down, communicate with your helpers and lower it gently to avoid dropping or damaging it.
Remember, safety should be the top priority when lifting and moving a couch. If the couch is exceptionally large or heavy, consider hiring professional movers to avoid injuries or damage.
Removing a Couch From the Balcony
Need to get a couch down from a balcony? Here are some steps you can follow:
- Measure the dimensions of the couch and the balcony opening to make sure the couch can fit through. Also, consider the weight of the couch and the height you’ll need to lower it.
- You’ll need sturdy ropes or straps, furniture pads or blankets to protect the couch, a sturdy ladder or platform to stand on, and potentially a pulley system if lowering from a significant height.
- Carefully tie the ropes or straps around the couch, ensuring they are evenly distributed and won’t slip or come undone.
- Place a sturdy ladder or platform near the balcony opening. Make sure it is stable and secure.
- You’ll need at least two or three strong people to assist with the lowering process. One person should be on the balcony to guide the couch while the others control the lowering from below.
- Establish clear communication between the people involved, using simple commands like “lower”, “stop”, and “hold”.
- Slowly and carefully lower the couch over the balcony, ensuring it doesn’t swing or hit the building. If you’re using a pulley system, slowly control the descent with the ropes.
- Have the people below guide the couch down and away from the building as it’s lowered.
- Once the couch is safely on the ground, untie the ropes or straps and move it to its desired location.
7. Load It Up
If possible, load the couch vertically (on its end) into the van. This will maximise the available space and prevent the couch from shifting during transit. Once loaded, use furniture straps, ropes, or bungee cords to secure the couch in place, preventing it from moving around during transportation.
If loading other items into the van, distribute the weight evenly to maintain proper balance and prevent the van from becoming unstable.
Need more moving house tips? Check out our comprehensive moving house checklist!
Move & Store Furniture Stress-Free With Nesta
Nesta is a proud, family-run Irish business with six storage locations across Dublin. Whether you are moving to a new home, giving your space a fresh look, or just need some extra space, we are here to help you make room for all of life’s adventures. Store your furniture with us today!
