A typical household has many bulky pieces of furniture. And, working out how to wrap a couch for moving is likely one of your main concerns. To put it simply, sofas are really quite difficult to move. Especially when you have bigger pieces like say, a six-seater recliner, stylish love seat, or a Lawson. Of course, if you own a sectional, you’ve got a tough task cut out ahead.
Relying on Expert Movers is Always Advisable
Calling in the experts to wrap a couch for moving is advisable since they are experienced in handling ungainly pieces. The moving crew will make sure to transport your prized possessions with the minimum risk of scratches, staining, or breakage. They’ll also bring in the right materials to wrap a couch for moving and handle each piece with care. An expert touch can make the ultimate difference in it arriving at your new location in perfect condition.
Packaging Materials You’ll Need
If you’re planning on a DIY, here’s a quick overview of the packing supplies and other tips you’ll need:
- Stretch Plastic Wrap to wrap the furniture and protect it from dirt and grime, make sure to get products specially designed for moving.
- Moving blankets to cushion the fabric against impact and sharp objects
- Packing tape to secure the wraps and blankets
- Furniture dolly or a platform with wheels to move the couch without having to carry it manually
- Furniture sliders to help with moving the heavy pieces
- Rope to secure the pieces in the truck and prevent them from shifting during transporting in the truck
- Furniture moving straps to secure the piece to the dolly
- Paper or foam padding to cram into boxes with smaller items
- Toolkit for unscrewing the feet and packing separately
Ready to Get Started?
Before you read up on how to wrap a couch for moving, you may want to examine your furniture with a critical eye. If the sofa is sturdy enough to withstand the move, it makes sense to invest in transportation to your new place. If not, you could consider donating or selling it when decluttering your home before the move. But, if you’ve decided it’s a keeper, let’s get on with packing it properly.
Plan the move.
Purchasing the couch and installing it in your living room is easy. The piece probably arrived in a box, and you simply assembled it on site. But, now that you have to move it, you’ll plan the process down to the last detail. Work out if you can dismantle it, which is the easiest way. But, if you can’t, start by measuring the length, width, and height. Next, measure your doorways and the pathway to the truck. Once you’ve identified the tricky parts, you’re ready to begin.
Remove all the loose parts.
Remove the cushions, throw pillows, couch blankets, and other accessories. Pack them carefully in a box and label them. Next, use your screwdriver to detach the arms, legs, and other hardware. Most sectional couches are designed to enable dismantling and moving. Get zip locks to package the screws and other smaller parts, so you don’t lose them. Place the bags in the boxes along with the cushions. Once you’ve taken the entire couch apart, you can start packing it individually.
Wrap the couch in plastic.
After you have made sure that you have properly disassembled your couch, it is now time to wrap these individual parts into moving blankets. Next, use the protective kind of stretch wrap, which will protect the fabric from tears and dirt. Wrap the couch with multiple layers and secure the ends with tape. Remember to double layer the corners that are likely to bump and rip. A smarter option is to cover the corners with a layer of foam or packing paper before the plastic wrap. Leverage the hollow ends on both ends of the roll. Place your fingers in the gap and walk around the couch, unrolling as you go. The plastic should stick much like cling film. Cut off the ends using a pair of scissors.
Mount on a dolly.
If you have a clear path to the truck, you can mount the sofa on a dolly and tie it in place with straps. But, if you’re navigating stairways, you might have to go with sliders. Since you’ve measured the sofa and doorways, you’ll know whether to turn the piece on its side or leave it upright. If the couch is too wide, you may have to tilt it at an angle. Heavier or bulkier couches may need furniture sliders to move. That should cover the basics of how to wrap a couch for moving.
Clear a pathway to the truck.
Now that your sofa is packed and good to go, make a quick run to the truck, and check if the pathway is clear. Shift boxes and any other items out of the way. You’ll also want to use door stoppers to keep them open as the couch passes through. The professional movers will likely set up mini metal ramps to navigate curbs and cover the height of the truck.
Load the couch into the moving truck.
There are many ways in which you can move your couch into the moving truck. The main factors that will come into play are the size of your particular couch and the structure and limitations of the available space. Make sure that the frame of your couch is placed towards the front of the truck up against the driver’s cabin. This will help with the proper distribution of the weight of the couch and make sure it has proper balance while the truck is moving. You may also want to put the couch in the upright position to make space for any other things that you need to move. Remember not to place any heavy items on the couch or you risk damaging the springs.
Unwrapping and Reassembling
Now that we’ve covered how to wrap a couch for moving, let’s talk about the unwrapping. Cut away the plastic wrap carefully, making sure not to damage the fabric with nicks. Reattach the legs and replace the cushions. Most furniture needs cleaning when it arrives at the destination, so you may want to schedule a deep cleaning. Remember to collect the packaging materials, including the plastic and boxes, and place them in the recycle bin.
Yes, there’s a difference between knowing how to wrap a couch for moving and actually doing it! And, yes, it’s not as easy as it looks! Leave it to the professionals to manage the task for you. Contact us at Starving Students, and we’ll assign a trained crew to assist you. Have a quick question? Call us at this number: (888) 931-6683.