How to Move a Sofa Safely: Expert Tips & Techniques
Moving a sofa is one of the most common furniture removal challenges. Sofas are bulky, heavy, and often have delicate fabrics that can be easily damaged. This guide shows you how to move your sofa safely.
Measure Before You Book Before starting, measure your sofa, hallways, doors, and stairwells. If your sofa is wider than your doorway, you may need to: (1) Remove feet or legs, (2) Angle it diagonally, or (3) Disassemble modular sections. Many sofas have removable feet held on with bolts — check yours before moving day.
Protect Your Sofa - Wrap in plastic furniture covers or sheeting to protect from dirt, dust, and water damage - Use blankets or padding around the bottom and arms - For leather sofas, avoid plastic covers that trap moisture — use breathable cloth instead - For light-coloured fabrics, use clean protective material only
Protect Your Home - Lay cardboard or plywood on floors to prevent scuffs - Use corner protectors (buy or make from cardboard tubes) on doorframes and banisters - Protect walls with protective film or old blankets - Ask your building manager before removing protective moldings
Move Your Sofa Safely - Always recruit at least 2 people; sofas are typically 80–150 kg - Tilt the sofa diagonally to fit through doorways (testing beforehand saves time) - Use furniture sliders under the base to reduce friction on floors - Take breaks to prevent injury; rushing causes accidents - For stairs: remove the sofa's feet, lean it against the bannister at an angle, and slide/tilt it up or down - Never drag a sofa across floors — it damages both the sofa and your home
Special Considerations - Recliners & sectionals have moving parts; test mechanisms before and after moving - L-shaped sofas may require removing the chaise section separately - Don't tilt a sofa onto its back unless necessary — this puts stress on glued joints
After Delivery Leave your sofa to settle for a few hours before using it. Check for damage, test reclining mechanisms, and photograph any concerns. If damage occurred during the move, report it within 24 hours.
Should You Hire Professionals? If your sofa is valuable, delicate (designer, antique), or your home has complex access (narrow staircases, tight hallways), hiring professional movers is worth the cost. VanJet's furniture removal service handles sofas with expert care — get a quote at /book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fit a sectional sofa through a standard door?
Depends on the sofa's width and the door width. Most standard doors are about 75cm wide. Sectionals often need angling, feet removal, or sectioning to fit. Measure both before committing to purchase or moving.
Is it safe to move a sofa up stairs?
Yes, but it requires planning. Remove feet if possible, tilt the sofa carefully, and use at least 2 strong people. Never try alone — injuries are common. Professional help is recommended for stairs.
What's the best way to protect a leather sofa?
Use breathable protective covers (avoid plastic that traps moisture). Wrap each section individually. For high-value leather, professional moving is recommended.
How much does sofa removal cost with VanJet?
VanJet charges by distance and complexity. Most sofa moves cost £100–£300. Get an instant quote at /book with your details.
Should I disassemble my sofa before moving?
Only if necessary. Removing feet takes 10 minutes. Removing cushions or sections helps with tight spaces. Disassembling the frame itself is not recommended unless done by a professional.