How to Wrap and Move a Couch

The best way to move a couch

The sofa is often the heart of your living room, and keeping it safe during a move is key to creating a homey feeling in your new place. These furniture pieces are not always the easiest thing to move, but with a little preparation (and a helper or two), you’ll be all set.

Let’s review what you need to prepare your couch for a move and how to load it properly into the moving equipment to keep it clean and comfy for your new place.

Supplies to protect your sofa while moving

Here are some supplies to gather for packing and loading sofas, loveseats and recliners:

• Basic tool kit
• Furniture dolly or moving straps
• Furniture sliders
• Mattress bag (if you wish to transport the cushions separately)
• Moving blankets or paper padding
• Packing tape
• Plastic stretch wrap
• Ratchet straps or tie-downs

You might also want breathable covers, moisture absorbers and pallets (or boards) to keep the sofa off the ground when packing for storage. These items are also helpful when moving in hot or humid weather.

How to wrap and move your couch

Follow these steps to wrap your sofa or upholstered furniture for moving:

1. Clean the furniture

The upholstery should be clean and dry before you move it. Vacuum the couch to ensure that no crumbs or pet hair come along for the ride. Don’t forget to hit all the nooks and crannies. If you spot treat any areas, make sure they are dry before wrapping.

2. Take it apart (if possible)

Grab a tape measure and note the sofa’s dimensions. You’ll need them later. 

Remove the legs and pack them, along with any hardware, separately in a box or a zip-top bag. Sectionals should be disconnected and treated as separate pieces of furniture. Pack cushions separately in a mattress bag or leave them in place if you prefer. 

If you have a sleeper sofa, the fold-out bed frame should be secured with a ratchet strap to prevent it from opening while in transit. 

3. Wrap the piece in layers

Start by draping the upholstered surface with paper or blankets, then apply plastic stretch wrap over the padding using light pressure. Follow up with a second layer of wrap (and a third if needed) to hold everything tightly. Seal the edges with packing tape to keep things secure. For added protection, you can attach corrugated cardboard corner protectors in between the first and second layers of plastic.

Note: For leather or faux leather furniture, make sure the entire surface is covered with blankets or paper before applying the plastic to avoid damaging the surface. Plastic can cause leather or faux leather to discolor if moisture builds up during transit.

4. Move and load it safely 

It’s best to have a helper (or two) when moving large furniture. The easiest way to move a couch is to have someone help lift the wrapped piece onto a furniture dolly (lift with your legs, not your back). Make sure to secure it with straps to prevent shifting and then roll it outside. 

Alternatives include using furniture sliders to move the sofa from one room to another, then lifting the piece to carry it to the equipment, or using furniture moving straps, which are helpful when two people need to move a couch down stairs.

Remember those measurements from earlier? Check doorways and clear a path to get the sofa outside. You might have to remove internal doors from the hinges for extra space.

5. Secure it inside the moving equipment

Sofas should be transported vertically, when possible. Not only is it a space-saver, but it puts less strain on the couch’s frame during transit. Check your measurements again to make sure your moving equipment is tall enough.

To load vertically, tip the piece on its end and use ratchet straps to secure it in the corner of the moving equipment. Make sure the straps are tight enough to prevent shifting during transit. 

Note: If you must transport your couch horizontally, avoid stacking heavy boxes on top, which could damage the springs. 

FAQs about moving recliners, sofas and sectionals

Can I move a couch alone?

While you can likely move smaller furniture like loveseats or recliners on your own with furniture dollies, it’s best to avoid moving larger pieces or navigating stairs or steep inclines alone. Consider hiring moving labor if family and friends are unable to help, to avoid injury.

Can portable storage containers hold large furniture?

A U-Pack® ReloCube® can hold couches up to 92” in length. If the furniture is larger, a moving trailer might be a better option for your move. 

Should I take apart a recliner to move it?

Most recliners come apart, making it easier to move when disassembled. Wrap the pieces separately and secure them in the moving equipment.

What should I do if my sectional or sofa is too large for my moving equipment?

You have two options if your couch or sectional won’t fit. You can order larger moving equipment or move without the piece. If you can’t take the furniture with you, consider selling or donating it and purchasing something else when you get to your new home.

Questions?

Let us know if you have questions about moving your couch, packing for a move or loading moving equipment. The moving experts at U-Pack® are ready to help. 

Still planning your long-distance move? If you haven’t already done so, call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a U-Pack moving consultant or use our online form for a personalized out-of-state moving quote. Learn why U-Pack is the cheapest way to move furniture to another state.