Moving a Couch: DIY Moving Tips
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Moving a Couch: DIY Moving Tips

Nov 20, 2024

Moving a couch sounds like a simple task until you find yourself stuck in the doorway, unable to move forward or back. Couches are deceptively hard to manoeuvre due to their size, weight and awkward shapes, which can turn what looks like a quick job into an afternoon saga of struggle. But with a few tricks and a bit of muscle power, it’s a challenge you will be able to tackle on your own.

In this article, we will elaborate on the art of couch moving. We will detail everything, from planning to lifting techniques and navigating in tight spaces. These DIY tips will make your couch relocation project smoother and safer. So, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring the help of Removalists Canberra, you will be able to approach the task with confidence.

1. Plan Ahead and Use the Tape to Measure

Before you start hauling your couch away, go and take stock of the situation. Measure the dimensions of your couch (its length, width and height) and compare it to the dimensions of the passage you’re going to be tugging it through, like the hallway, stairway, lift, etc. Some couches have awkward angles and unique shapes, so understanding their size is the key to not getting stuck somewhere mid-move.

If you’re unsure about whether the couch will fit through the passages, disassembling them might be necessary. Detach whatever parts you can, and then move it through the spaces.

2. Gather the Right Tools and Supplies

Apart from requiring brute force, moving a couch involves having the right set of tools. They are:

  • Furniture Sliders: Essential for moving furniture across floors or carpets without scratching or damaging them.
  • Dollies or Hand trucks: They enable you to roll the couch away instead of dragging or carrying it.
  • Moving Straps: It helps distribute the weight of the couch evenly, making it easier to lift and manoeuvre through the path.
  • Protective Coverings: Make use of old blankets, plastic wrap or bubble wrap to protect the couch from any possible damage during the move.

If you happen to be borrowing or renting tools for this, check their condition first. You do not want these tools to snap and break midway or damage the couch, so check how sturdy they are before you use them. If you want to ensure more safety, hiring the help of removalists Canberra is also a good option.

3. Lifting the Couch the Right Way

Couple is trying to lift yellow couch

A big risk of moving a couch is injuring your body trying to lift it. You can avoid doing this by using the proper lifting techniques:

  • Do not lift the couch with your back; always use the strength in your legs. Bend at the knees, keep the back straight and let your leg muscles do the lifting.
  • Lift the couch close to your body, as this helps maintain balance and reduces strain.
  • Do not try to change direction using your torso; always use your feet for this.

If the couch in question is heavy, ask for help rather than doing it on your own. The help of family and friends is invaluable during a DIY move, but if it proves to be too challenging, you can always hire professional removalists in Canberra to do the job for you.

4. Plan the Route You’ll Be Taking

Before you move the couch, clear away all obstacles lying in the path, like rugs, other furniture, boxes or fragile decor items, to avoid tripping over or bumping into them. If you’re going to move the couch through a narrow zone, wrapping it up using old blankets or sheets can help prevent it from scratching or damaging the walls. If you’re taking it outside, make a note of the weather conditions as well.

5. Navigating through Tight or Tricky Spaces

Moving a couch through tight corridors or spiralling staircases can be quite difficult. Tilt the couch and find the angle that works best for the space to manoeuvre it easily. In some cases, removing the door off its hinges can also provide a lot of clearance room to move the couch through it.

When faced with stairs, carry the heavier end of the couch through it first to help maintain balance. One person should guide the direction from the top while the other supports it from below. Communicate constantly during this to ensure smooth coordination. If the process is too complicated, you can always hire help to do it for you.

6. Transporting the Couch Then Reassembling it

If you’re taking the couch to a different location, you’ll need a vehicle like a Ute, Van, or Small truck. Before you load it onto the vehicle, wrap it up securely and put padding on it to prevent it from scratching. Use straps and bungee cords to tie it in place during transit.

Upon arriving at the location, reassemble any parts you may have removed. If you already have a vision for your home’s interior design, then clean up the area where you want the couch to sit. Make use of sliders to position it at the desired place without leaving drag marks on the new floors.

Useful DIY Tips for Moving a Couch

Info on Moving a Couch: DIY Moving Tips

Final Thoughts

Moving a couch isn’t rocket science, but it still requires meticulous planning and teamwork. If you follow the above tips, moving the couch yourself can be manageable and even satisfying. However, if you need more help, you can always hire removalists in Canberra to do the heavy lifting for you.