How to Move a Couch Upstairs & Through Doors by Yourself

move-couch-upstairs

Learn step-by-step how to move a couch upstairs or through tight doors solo or with help. Get tips, tools, and tricks for safe and efficient moving.

Of all the items to move into your new apartment, the couch may be the one you dread the most.

Couches are bulky, heavy, unwieldy, and generally painful to move, even from one corner of the living room to another.

Add a staircase to the mix, and — ouch — you’ve got troubles. Or do you?

With a little strategy, the right tools, and solid techniques, you can make the move without breaking your back — or your couch.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods for moving a couch by yourself or with the help of a friend. It will also discuss tips for handling tricky spaces like narrow staircases and hallways. By the end, you may be inspired to open your own moving business on the side.

1-Person Moving Method

Gather Essential Tools

Make sure you have the following:

• Furniture sliders or old towels to glide the couch without scratching floors.
• Moving straps (e.g., forearm forklift or shoulder dolly) to stabilize and lift heavy furniture.
• A hand truck or dolly designed for stairs.
• Measuring tape to gauge whether your couch will fit through the doorway or staircase.

Measure Everything

• Measure the width, height, and depth of your couch.
• Measure the width of your stairs, door frames, or hallways.
• Compare these dimensions to check for possible clearance issues before you begin.

Prep the Couch

To make the couch as easy as possible to maneuver:

1. Remove the cushions.
2. Detach any legs or feet using a screwdriver or wrench (store screws in zip-lock bags for safekeeping).
3. Wrap the couch in moving blankets or stretch wrap to protect it from scratches and dirt.

Use a Hand Truck or Dolly

1. Carefully lift one end of the couch onto a stair-climbing dolly or standard hand truck. Align the heaviest side of the couch against the dolly for better balance.
2. Secure the couch with ratchet straps to prevent it from slipping.
3. Push and pull the dolly up the stairs one step at a time. The wheels of a stair-climbing dolly will minimize strain on your muscles.

Pivot the Couch Through Tight Doorways

For tight doorways:

• Angle the couch diagonally, so its longest side takes up less horizontal space.
• Lift one end vertically, standing the couch on one side to clear tight corners.

This method can be tough, so go slowly and ensure that every motion keeps your couch — and you— safe.

2-Person Moving Method

Got a helping hand? The two-person method makes things much easier and safer.

Assign Roles

Decide who stands where. Typically:

• Person 1: Guides and lifts from the front.
• Person 2: Lifts and pushes from the bottom or back.

Use Moving Straps

• Position the straps under the couch for optimal leverage.
• Adjust the straps to make the weight distribution manageable for both individuals. This reduces strain and creates a steady lift.

Lift Carefully

1. Bend your knees (never your back!) and lift in sync with your partner.
2. Communicate clearly—say “Pause” or “Lower” before making sudden moves.

Maneuver Upstairs

• Move slowly and ensure that the uphill person takes most of the weight while the downhill person focuses on guiding.
• When reaching landings or turns, stand the couch upright if needed and pivot it gently before continuing.

Handle Doorway Challenges Together

• Just as with the solo method, angle the couch diagonally through tight spaces.
• If needed, one person can tilt the couch forward from the rear to help it slide through.

This method can make a taxing task much more manageable by coordinating movements and staying in sync.

Tips for Tight Corners, Hallways, & Angled Stairs

Many couches aren’t designed for the sharp turns or cramped spaces in apartments or older buildings. Overcome these challenges with these strategies:

Disassemble When Possible

• Remove detachable arms, legs, or the backrest if the couch allows disassembly.
• Look up your couch’s model online for manufacturer guides or specific instructions.

Use Angling Techniques

If you’re stuck on a staircase with very little clearance:

• Stand the couch upright on one end and “walk” it step-by-step.
• When facing stairs that turn at a landing, swivel the couch carefully while it’s vertical.

Try Removing Doors Temporarily

• If a doorway feels impossibly tight, unscrew the hinges and remove the door to create more space.
• Don’t forget to check for and remove any obstructions like floor mats or wall decorations.

Call for Backup

If all else fails, call a professional moving company — but make it clear they need to be able to navigate narrow spaces or stairs.

FAQs: Moving a Couch Upstairs & Through Doors

What if my couch doesn’t fit through the door?

• Remove the door or couch legs if possible.
• Angle the couch diagonally or stand it upright to line up with the doorway’s clearance.
• If all else fails, professionals may dismantle your couch to move it.

Do I need special equipment to move a couch alone?

Yes. The right equipment, like hand trucks, sliders, and moving straps, is essential for managing weight and preventing injuries.

How do I protect my walls and floors?

• Use furniture sliders to avoid scratching your hardwood floors.
• Lay down cardboard or furniture pads along your staircase or hallways.
• Wrap the couch in moving blankets to protect walls during tight turns or narrow passages.

Does the weight of the couch matter?

Yes, couches can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds. Heavier couches may require additional tools like a stair dolly, or you may need to call professional movers.

Can I do this if I live on the 3rd or 4th floor of an apartment building?

It’s possible, but the task becomes riskier as the number of flights of stairs increases. If you’re tackling multiple flights, enlist help or invest in professional moving services.

How can I avoid damaging my couch during the move?

• Wrap your couch in moving blankets or stretch wrap to protect it from scratches, dirt, or tears.
• Secure the wrapping with tape or straps to keep it in place.
• Be cautious of sharp corners on walls or railings, and use padding in tight spaces to prevent accidental damage.

What should I do if my couch gets stuck on the stairs?

• Stop and assess the situation calmly. Forcing the couch can damage the couch and your surroundings.
• Try tilting the couch vertically or adjusting its angle to find a better alignment.
• If it remains stuck, disassemble parts of the couch or bring in additional help for greater control.

Are there specific types of couches that are harder to move?

Sectional or reclining couches are typically harder to move due to size, weight, and components.

• Sectionals may need to be separated into individual pieces.
• Reclining couches often include heavy mechanical parts, making them bulkier and trickier to maneuver.
• Always check if these couches can be disassembled for easier transport.