Are you preparing to move to a new home? If so, you must think about whether to take your old sofa with you. In that case, we’ll give you our ten best sofa removal tips to follow.
When it comes time to move, you have to consider many things to ensure your new home living situation will be ideal. If you’re moving because of a new job, for instance, you may need a larger house that accommodates you and your family.
Alternatively, you may be looking to downsize to a mansion, and you’re now focusing on how to declutter your home. Regardless of why you’re moving, taking with you only what you need can help you get rid of extra and unnecessary clutter.
Whether you’re decluttering your home or not, you’ll need to consider how to remove a sofa from your property. You’re bound to have some other bulky items that you can’t leave behind as well.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Read on.
1. Collect the Proper Tool
When it comes to removing an old sofa, having the right tools is key. Collecting proper tools means you’ll have the right pieces of equipment when the time comes for sofa removal. These include:
- Furniture Dolly
- Furniture Strap
- Duty Poly Tarp
- Utility Knife
- Allen Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Screws or Nails
- Towels or Blankets
- Garbage Bags
A furniture dolly is a platform with wheels that helps you move heavy furniture. You can rent one from your local hardware store.
A furniture strap helps secure the sofa to the dolly so it doesn’t fall off while you’re moving it. Again, these can be rented or purchased from a hardware store.
A duty poly tarp will protect your floors from scratches, and a utility knife will come in handy for cutting through any fabric that’s attached to the sofa. An Allen wrench will disassemble the legs of the sofa if necessary.
A screwdriver, hammer, and screws or nails can secure the parts and loosen the bolts and hinges. Blankets or towels will help protect your floors and walls from scratches as you move the sofa out of your home. Garbage bags will hold any loose fabric or cushions that may fall off of your sofa during the removal process.
2. Put On Protective Clothing
Start by putting on a pair of old jeans or another comfortable pair of pants. You don’t want to be wearing your best clothes when you’re moving around a dirty sofa. Then put on a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from any potential scratches or bumps.
It is also important to wear sturdy shoes or boots for traction and support. And if you have a pair of knee pads, now would be the time to put them on too.
Don’t forget to put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands. You’ll be glad you did when you’re trying to maneuver the sofa out of your home later on.
3. Take a Measurement of the Sofa
Taking a measurement of the sofa will give you an idea of how much space you need to clear out in your home and whether you need to rent a dumpster or other type of container. It’s also a good idea to measure the sofa in case you decide to sell it or give it away.
Knowing the size of the sofa will help potential buyers know if it will fit into their home. Knowing the size of the sofa will also help you plan the job with time and cost efficiency.
Start by measuring the length along the back of the sofa. You will need a tape measure. Then measure the depth from front to back and width from side to side. Make sure that you measure from edge to edge, not just the seat cushions.
If you have removable cushion covers, measure those separately. Take note of any doorways or staircases. It could present a challenge when moving the sofa out of your home.
4. If Necessary, Disassemble the Sofa
Start by removing all the cushions and pillows from the sofa. Then, unscrew any legs or other removable parts from the sofa frame. Set them aside in a safe place.
If your sofa has a skirt or other fabric covering the bottom of the frame, remove it and set it aside. If the sofa has a wooden frame, take off the fabric or leather upholstery. You may need to use a screwdriver or other tool for this step.
Divide the sofa frame into manageable sections, if possible, and lift each section out of your home. Be careful not to lose any screws or other small parts.
5. Wrap and Secure the Sofa
To avoid damaging your sofa during the removal process, it’s important to wrap and secure it. You’ll need some heavy-duty furniture, blankets or moving pads, some tape, as well as some straps or ropes.
Start by wrapping the blankets or pads around the sofa, starting at the back and working your way around to the front. Secure the blanket in place with tape. This will help protect it from scratches or damage during the removal process.
Once the sofa is wrapped, use straps or rope to secure it. This will ensure that it doesn’t shift or move around during transport.
Label the sofa with its destination. This will help everyone involved in the removal process know where it needs to go.
If you’re using a moving truck, you can tie the sofa down with rope or straps. If you’re not using a truck, you’ll need to carry the sofa out of your home without damaging doorways or staircases. This may require disassembling the sofa into smaller pieces.
6. Set up a Pathway
Start by clearing a path from the room where your old sofa is located to the front door. Move any coffee tables, end tables, ottomans, or other pieces of furniture out of the way so you have a clear path. Then, if possible, open up any doors along the way so you can move the sofa through them.
Once you’ve created a clear path, it’s time to move the sofa. Assign someone to stand at the exit point and guide the workers to direct the sofa forward.
If you have someone helping you, lift one end of the sofa and carry it toward the door. If you’re working alone, tilt up one end of the sofa and roll it on its side so you can wheel it toward the door on its casters. Be careful not to strain your back while lifting, use proper form and technique, and take extra care when going down any stairs with the couch.
Either way, take things slow and be careful not to bang up. Once outside, clear plenty of space and place the couch in its desired location, and remove any coverings. Make sure the surface is even so the sofa does not get stuck.
7. Have Plenty of Helpers
If you’re not used to lifting heavy furniture, then having a few extra sets of hands can be a huge help. Just make sure that everyone knows what they’re doing before getting started.
Ideally, you should have at least two other people helping you with the removal process. But if you can’t find two other people to help, don’t worry – one other person will suffice. Just be sure that whoever is helping you is strong enough to lift and carry the sofa on their own.
Having plenty of helpers will not only make the process go more quickly, but it will also help to prevent any accidents or injuries. So, round up some friends or family members and get to work.
When recruiting helpers, ask friends or family members who are strong and in good physical condition. They’ll need to lift the sofa and carry it out of your home without too much trouble.
If you have any doubts about someone’s ability to help, it’s better to err on the side of caution and find someone else. The last thing you want is for someone to get injured while trying to help you remove your old sofa.
8. Locate a Professional Mover
Don’t tackle this project on your own. Sofa removal can be tricky and dangerous, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
To find a professional mover or to hire someone to pick up furniture in your area, start by doing a search online or contacting your local Chamber of Commerce. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.
When interviewing potential furniture house movers, there are a few important questions you should ask. Find out how long the company has been in the business. Ask about their insurance coverage and whether they are licensed and bonded. Be sure to ask for references so that you can check out the company’s customer service record for yourself.
Once you’ve found a few options, be sure to get quotes from each one so that you can compare pricing and services. When getting quotes, be sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as for stairs or long-distance moves. This way, there won’t be any surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.
Once you’ve found a furniture house mover you’re comfortable with, schedule a time for them to come and pick up your old sofa. Be sure to be available during this time so that you can point them in the right direction and answer questions they may have.
Before the furniture house movers arrive, clear out any areas around your old sofa that may be in their way. This will make the removal process go smoother and quicker. If you have any valuable or sentimental items on or around your sofa, be sure to put them away somewhere safe beforehand.
9. Donate, Recycle, or Sell the Sofa
Donate the sofa to a local charity or thrift store. This is a great option if the sofa is in decent condition and you want to help others in your community. Call ahead to see if the organization accepts throw-away furniture donations and what their requirements are.
Recycle the sofa by taking it to a recycling center that accepts large pieces of furniture. This is a great option if you’re looking to be more environmentally friendly and don’t mind putting in a little extra effort than to throw away furniture.
Sell the sofa online or any other website where people who buy furniture are there or at a garage sale. If you decide to list it online, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos and include all relevant information in the listing dimensions, materials, etc. This is a good option if you’re trying to make some extra money and the sofa is still in good condition.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to donate, recycle, or sell your sofa because you find it not worth it, be sure to contact a company that has been in the bulk trash pickup and removal business for years. They provide services such as dismantling the sofa, taking it away, and disposing of it responsibly.
10. Clean Up Afterward
After you’ve removed your old sofa, it’s important to clean up the area where it was located. This will help you avoid any potential accidents, as well as keep your home looking its best.
Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have been left behind. Then, wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue. If the area has any stubborn stains, you can use a mild cleaner and a scrub brush to remove them.
Once the area is clean, be sure to vacuum or sweep again to make sure that all the dirt and debris have been removed. Then, you can replace any furniture or decor that was moved in order to access your old sofa.
Remove Your Old Sofa With These Sofa Removal Tips
In conclusion, it is important to remember that old sofa removal can be done in many quick and efficient ways. Be mindful when taking yours apart, using the correct techniques to keep the area safe and the process stress-free.
Visit professional furniture removal experts if you have any doubts or concerns! Give these ten sofa removal tips a try today, and you’ll be on your way to a stress-free move.
Looking for more information? Our website has all the info you need. Look at some of our other blogs!
