How to Move a Sofa Safely (Without Damage or Back Pain)
A practical guide to moving a sofa — measuring doorways, protecting fabric, lifting safely and when to call a two-man crew.
1. Measure twice
Measure the sofa's diagonal depth (corner-to-corner), the doorway opening width, and the stairwell turn. If the sofa's diagonal is wider than the door opening + 2 inches, you're tilting it on its end.
2. Strip and protect
Remove cushions, take feet off if possible, and wrap the arms and back in blankets or a sofa cover. Tape protects fabric better than expecting "we'll be careful."
3. Carry technique
Two people, one on each end, both lifting at the same height. Walk the sofa upright on its short edge through doorways — never flat, you lose 6 inches of clearance.
4. Stairs
The person at the bottom takes the weight. Move one step at a time. If the turn is tight, tip the sofa onto its back going around the corner.
5. When to call us
If you're solo, the stairs are narrow, or the sofa is heavy (recliners, sofa beds), a single-item furniture delivery with a two-man crew costs less than a back injury. We do sofa moves across BH1–BH25 from £45.
Need a hand with your move?
Local, insured, 21 five-star Google reviews. From £35.