Moving a sectional sofa can seem like a daunting task due to its size and complexity, but with the right approach and tools, the process can be much smoother and more manageable. Whether you’re rearranging furniture within your home or moving to a new location, it’s essential to plan ahead to prevent damage to the sofa or your home.
This guide will provide you with practical steps and tips for how to move a sectional sofa.
Proper Planning to Avoid Damage and Injury
Before you begin moving a sectional sofa, proper preparation is key to ensuring both safety and success. Start by measuring doorways, hallways, and staircases along the route where the sofa will be moved. This helps identify potential tight spaces and obstacles that may require adjustments. Clear the path of any tripping hazards, such as rugs or small furniture, to prevent accidents. It’s also important to disassemble the sectional sofa if possible, separating it into smaller, manageable pieces.
Use furniture sliders to protect floors and avoid straining while lifting the sections. Lastly, enlist help from friends or professional movers to minimize the risk of injury—never attempt to move a heavy piece of furniture alone. Careful planning can save time and effort while keeping both your sofa and your body in good condition.
Gather Necessary Supplies
Having the right supplies on hand will make the task of moving a sectional sofa much easier and more efficient. Begin by acquiring moving blankets or heavy-duty padding to protect the sofa from scratches and dents during transport. Furniture sliders or gliders are essential for safely moving the sofa across floors without causing damage. Straps or bungee cords can help secure the sectional pieces and keep them from shifting during the move.
If you plan to disassemble the sofa, ensure you have the necessary tools such as screwdrivers or Allen wrenches. Additionally, having a dolly or hand truck can make it easier to move heavier sections. Packing tape and plastic wrap may also come in handy for securing cushions or wrapping pieces to protect them from dirt and damage. By gathering these supplies ahead of time, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth and efficient moving process.
10 Methods How to Move a Sectional Sofa
1. Measure the Sofa and Doorways
Before attempting to move your sectional sofa, take precise measurements of both the sofa and the doorways, hallways, and staircases it will pass through. Measure the length, width, and height of each sectional piece to ensure they can fit through tight spaces. Knowing these dimensions in advance helps you determine the best way to maneuver the sofa without causing damage.
2. Disassemble the Sectional
Most sectional sofas are designed to be separated into smaller, more manageable pieces. Locate the connectors that hold the sections together and carefully detach them. Remove any detachable cushions and pillows as well. Taking the sofa apart makes it easier to transport and reduces the risk of damaging walls, floors, or the furniture itself.
3. Protect Each Section with Furniture Blankets
To prevent scratches, tears, and dents, wrap each piece of the sectional sofa with furniture blankets or padded moving blankets. Secure the blankets with packing tape or moving straps. This extra layer of protection helps safeguard your furniture from bumps and impacts during the move.
4. Use Moving Straps for Better Control
Moving straps can make lifting and carrying heavy furniture much easier. These straps help distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on your back and arms. If you’re moving a large sectional, use shoulder dolly straps or forearm lifting straps with the help of another person to maneuver the pieces safely.
5. Utilize a Furniture Dolly or Hand Truck
A furniture dolly or hand truck is a valuable tool for moving heavy sectional sofa pieces over long distances. Place each section on the dolly and secure it with straps to prevent shifting. This method reduces the amount of lifting required and makes it easier to move the sofa across various surfaces, including hardwood floors and carpets.
6. Navigate Through Tight Spaces Carefully
When moving a sectional through narrow hallways, doorways, or staircases, tilt and angle the pieces as needed. If necessary, remove doors from their hinges to create extra clearance. Move slowly and communicate with helpers to ensure the sofa does not scrape against walls or get stuck in tight spaces.
7. Transport the Sections in a Moving Vehicle
If you are transporting the sectional sofa in a moving truck or van, arrange the sections securely to prevent shifting during transit. Place larger pieces against the walls of the vehicle and use moving straps or tie-downs to keep them in place. Stack cushions separately and use additional padding to avoid damage.
8. Protect Floors and Walls During the Move
To prevent scratches and scuffs, place furniture sliders under the legs of the sectional sofa when moving it across floors. If you are carrying the sofa through tight areas, use corner guards or foam padding on walls and door frames to minimize the risk of accidental damage.
9. Reassemble the Sectional in the New Location
Once you have moved all the sectional pieces to their new location, reassemble the sofa carefully. Align the connectors properly and secure them in place. Arrange the cushions and pillows as desired, ensuring that the sectional fits well within the room’s layout.
10. Perform a Final Check and Adjustments
After reassembling the sectional, sit on each section to make sure it is stable and properly connected. Check for any loose bolts, connectors, or misaligned pieces. Make final adjustments to the positioning to ensure the sectional looks cohesive and functions comfortably in its new space.
Things to Consider When Moving a Sectional Sofa
Moving a sectional sofa can be a challenging task, but careful preparation and consideration can make the process much easier. Here are some essential factors to keep in mind:
- Weight and Size: Sectional sofas are often large and heavy, so ensure you have enough helpers to manage the weight and bulk. Overestimating your ability to move it alone can lead to injuries or damage to the furniture.
- Access Points: Evaluate the layout of your home, including doorways, staircases, and hallways. Identify potential obstacles and plan the best route to move the sofa without difficulty.
- Disassembly Options: Confirm if your sectional sofa can be disassembled. Take note of how the pieces fit together so reassembly is straightforward. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, if available.
- Material and Upholstery: Consider the material of your sectional, such as leather, fabric, or microfiber. Protect delicate fabrics from dirt, water, or tearing by properly wrapping each section.
- Timing and Weather: Plan your move on a day with favorable weather conditions. Rain or extreme heat can complicate the moving process, especially if you’re transporting the furniture outdoors.
- Professional Help: If the task feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to contact professional movers. They have the experience and equipment to safely handle large items.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure a smoother and safer move for your sectional sofa. Proper planning minimizes risks, saving you time and effort while protecting your furniture investment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When moving a sectional sofa, avoiding common mistakes can save you time, effort, and potential damage to the furniture or your home. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping Measurements: Failing to measure doorways, hallways, and staircases before the move can result in frustrating delays or even damage to your sofa and walls. Always take precise measurements and plan the best route.
- Not Disassembling the Sofa: Attempting to move the sectional in one piece increases the risk of damaging both the furniture and your home. Disassembling the sofa into smaller parts makes it significantly easier to handle.
- Insufficient Protection: Forgetting to wrap the sectional in furniture blankets or padded covers can leave it vulnerable to scratches, tears, and dents. Protecting your sofa is essential for keeping it in good condition.
- Lifting Incorrectly: Improper lifting techniques, such as using only your back instead of your legs, can lead to injuries. Make sure you use proper lifting methods or equipment like straps to distribute the weight more evenly.
- Rushing the Move: Moving too quickly through tight spaces without careful navigation can cause scratches on walls or damage to the sofa. Always take your time and move methodically.
- Ignoring the Weight: Underestimating the weight of the sectional sofa can lead to strained muscles or dropped pieces. Always enlist enough helpers and use tools like dollies or straps for heavy lifting.
- Overlooking Helper Coordination: Poor communication with helpers may lead to accidents or damage. Discuss the movement plan beforehand and maintain clear communication throughout the process.
Conclusion
Moving a sectional sofa may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and proper techniques, it can be a manageable and stress-free process. By disassembling the sofa, protecting it during transit, and taking precautions to safeguard your home, you ensure that both your furniture and your living spaces are kept in excellent condition.
Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to move a sectional sofa!
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.