How to Wrap and Move a Couch

Moving without the help of professional movers? If so, you need our tips on how to wrap and move a couch by yourself. Not only are sofas notoriously difficult to move, but they’re also one of the nicest and most useful things you own (usually) – and as such must be moved with care. We don’t recommend haphazardly moving a couch – or any large piece of furniture, for that matter. Instead, follow these expert tips for how to wrap and move a couch without the help of professional movers.

Necessary moving materials and equipment for DIY moving

Before you wrap and move a couch by yourself, make sure you have these pieces of moving equipment and materials on-hand.

Plastic wrap – Applying plastic stretch wrap to the cushions and couch frame will help keep items together while also protecting them from damage.
Moving blankets – Moving blankets can also be used to protect your couch from dirt, grime and other damage.
Packing tape – It’s always a good idea to have packing tape on-hand just in case you need it. This durable tape should be applied when plastic stretch wrap and moving blankets have trouble staying in place.
Furniture sliders – For moving couches and other heavy furniture, we recommend placing furniture sliders under the feet to move them with ease.
Furniture dolly – This flat platform with wheels is a great tool for moving couches and other heavy items. All you have to do is pick up the couch and place it on the dolly on its side. The dolly will allow you to roll the couch through your home, saving you from strenuous lifting and unnecessary back pain.
Rope – You may need tie-down rope to secure your couch and cushions in place while they sit on the moving truck. This will prevent items from shifting while on the road.
Furniture moving straps – If you need extra help with the heavy lifting, we recommend having a few moving straps on-hand. These straps help promote proper lifting and moving techniques to ensure that you don’t hurt yourself when moving a couch.
Moving assistance – We recommend having at least one friend or helper assist with the heavy lifting. If you can’t recruit a friend or family member, try hiring moving day assistance through HireAHelper.

Here’s your step-by-step guide for wrapping and moving a couch by yourself.

Assess whether the couch is really worth moving

Remove cushions and pillows

Disassemble what you can

Wrap the couch

Move the couch to the moving truck

Using a furniture dolly –If your couch is particularly heavy, we strongly recommend renting a flat furniture dolly for the move. Furniture dollies make it easy to transport large furniture items and appliances to and from the moving truck. To move the couch with a dolly, you’ll need to stand the couch upright and slowly move it onto the dolly. You may need to tie the couch to the dolly with rope to secure it in place. Slowly push the dolly to the moving truck.
Using furniture sliders –If you’re confident you can move a couch with sliders alone, then place furniture sliders underneath the legs of the couch and push along the floor until you’ve reached the door. Once you’re outside, you may need help lifting the couch and placing it on the truck. If you don’t have furniture sliders, you can try using a thick towel instead. If using a towel, we recommend turning the couch up on its side so that it’s vertical. You’ll likely need an extra set of hands to help move the couch onto the towel and to help push the couch along the floor.
Carrying it yourself – Have a strong helper who can assist with the heavy lifting? If you decide to move the couch by picking it up and carrying it to the moving truck, you will need furniture moving straps. These straps are designed to making lifting and carrying heavy objects easier and safer. Moving straps vary depending on the brand and type – as does how you wear them. So be sure to check with the moving strap manufacturer for directions. Once you have the moving straps securely placed around the couch and yourself, you should be able to safely lift and carry the couch to the moving truck. Keep in mind that you may need to turn the couch on its side before placing it in the moving straps. This way, you can better maneuver around corners and through tight doorways.

Secure inside the truck

Assemble the couch and clean it

Prefer to hire professional movers for the job?

No one knows better how to wrap and move a couch than professional movers. If you’ve decided a DIY move just isn’t for you, there are plenty of movers who can help with the heavy lifting. To find a reliable moving company, check Moving.com’s extensive network of movers. Our website makes it easy to find and book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands. Best of luck and happy moving!