--- title: How to Move a Couch Through Doors and Stairs url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-couch/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - How to move a couch # How to move a couch Move a couch in six steps, and do the measuring before the lifting: a sofa that fits the truck can still fail at a doorway or a stairwell. Measure the couch and every opening on the route, and you will know whether it goes through whole or must come apart. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) ## Six steps to move a couch - Measure. Measure the couch's length, depth, height and width of the arms, then the doors, hallways, stair turns and elevator at both addresses. - Clear the route. Remove rugs, pictures and anything on the walls, prop doors open and mark tight turns. - Strip it. Take off cushions, legs and any removable arms or backs, and bag the hardware. - Wrap it. Cover the body with a blanket or pad, secure it with stretch wrap over the pad and protect the corners. - Carry it on its end or side. Tilt the couch, lead with the narrow end and keep it close to your body, with one person calling the turns. - Load it upright. Stand it on its end against the truck wall, strapped, with nothing heavy placed on it. A couch is not especially heavy for its size, but it is long, awkward and easy to tear. Most trouble comes from tight corners, not weight. A little planning at both ends saves scraped door frames and a ripped arm. ## The measuring rules A couch can usually pass through a door that is a few inches wider than its depth if it is tilted. Stairs with a tight turn need the couch's height and depth to clear the turn, and it helps to know how much clearance is above the landing. Write the numbers down and take a tape measure to the new home as well. ## Sectionals and sleepers Sectionals separate into pieces that are easier to carry. Sleeper sofas are heavy because of the folding frame and should be secured closed before lifting. Reclining couches can have their back removed on some models; check the manual. ## Leather and delicate fabric Leather scratches and fabric snags. Keep furniture off rough surfaces, wrap with a clean pad, and avoid plastic wrap on the upholstery. See [how to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/). ## When to call a crew If the couch has to go through a second-floor window, a tight stairwell or a long shuttle from a narrow street, a trained crew with the right equipment is safer than friends with good intentions. O'Brien's offers [in-home furniture moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/in-home-furniture-moving/) for single pieces and full moves; read [local moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/) for how a household move works. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [FMCSA, Protect Your Move](https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move) - [OSHA, Back Injury Prevention: Safe Lifting](https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [How to wrap furniture for moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-wrap-furniture-for-moving/) - [In-home furniture moving and rearranging](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/in-home-furniture-moving/) - [How to move a heavy dresser](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/) - [Local moving in Reno, Sparks and Carson City](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/local-moving/) Moving guides ## Read next - [How to move a heavy dresser](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dresser/) - [How to move a treadmill and exercise equipment](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-treadmill/) - [How to label moving boxes](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-label-moving-boxes/) - [How to pack fine china](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-pack-china/) - [How to move a fish tank or aquarium](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-fish-tank/) - [How to move a freezer](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-freezer/) - [How to move a stove or range](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-stove/) - [How to move a dishwasher](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/how-to-move-a-dishwasher/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Can a couch be tilted through a door? Often yes, by standing it on its end or side and turning it as it passes. Measure the door and the couch's depth first. ### Should I remove the legs? Yes where they unscrew. It saves height and prevents snapping. ### How do I protect a hardwood floor? Lay down runners or cardboard along the path and lift rather than slide. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) S Sonia P. August 4, 2023 Talk about organized people. I peeked in the truck about an hour into the job and was amazed at how well organized it was and how many of my things had protective coverings. Our bed is a mechanical one and a nightmare to us, but these guys had no issue with it at all. Although I have no desire to ever move again--but if I did, I would be calling these guys for sure!!! J Jennifer C. August 3, 2023 Customer service, packers, and loaders were very responsive, professional, and did an overall great job. C Christy R. March 25, 2023 All of the above! Have used o'briens several times in the past and always had great timely service! ### Owner's reply Christy thank you so much, not just for the 5 star review but also for continuing to stay a O'Brien's Customer. We appreciate your repeat business and you know we love talking with you anytime! You know where to find us when you need us! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070