How To Move A Recliner Sofa Safely & Easily

So, you’ve decided to rearrange your living room and that trusty recliner sofa – the one that’s cradled your dreams, witnessed your Netflix binges and occasionally doubled as a makeshift bed – needs a change of scenery. But how do you move it without summoning the spirits of chiropractors past? We’ve got your back (and your lumbar support) covered with some useful tips for how to move a recliner sofa safely & easily.

Don’t Skip This Bit

Alright, before you roll up your sleeves and get stuck into moving that fabulous recliner sofa, here’s a friendly reminder. The advice provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional moving services. Shifting heavy furniture, like a recliner sofa, can be a bit risky, think potential backaches or bumps on the walls.

We wouldn’t want any mishaps. Remember, we’re here to help, but ultimately, you’re in charge of your move. Always lift with your knees, not your back, and don’t hesitate to call in professional movers if things get tricky. Stay safe.

Why Moving A Recliner Sofa Can Be Tricky

Let’s talk about why moving a recliner sofa is no walk in the park. These pieces of furniture can weigh up to 90kg or more, depending on their size and material. The sheer weight is just one part of the problem, the bulkiness makes them difficult to navigate through doors and tight corners. Plus, recliner sofas can have delicate parts like springs, cables, motors and hinges that can easily get damaged if not handled properly.

But don’t worry – armed with the right tools and techniques, you’ll be able to move your recliner sofa without a hitch.

Plan Before You Move It

Before you get started, a bit of planning goes a long way. Here’s how you can prepare:

Measure Everything
Start by measuring your recliner sofa. Note its dimensions and then measure your doorways, hallways and the space where you plan to place it. This will help you figure out the best path to take and ensure it fits through all necessary openings.

Clear The Path
Remove any obstacles that might be in your way. This includes furniture, rugs and decorative items. A clear path will make moving much easier and reduce the risk of damage to your sofa or home.

Strip the area like a decluttering ninja. Move aside coffee tables, side tables and any decorative items that might trip you up. Rugs and carpets? Roll ’em up and stash them away, we don’t want the sofa snagging on anything during its grand migration. And if you’re navigating through doorways, make sure those doors are wide open. If necessary, temporarily remove them to create a more spacious passage. Safety first, folks.

Gather Your Tools
Have everything you need on hand before you start. Essential tools include moving blankets, packing tape, a trolley and possibly some screwdrivers if you need to disassemble parts of the sofa.

The Right Way To Move A Recliner Sofa

Lifting and Securing
Now that the path is clear, it’s time to lift that recliner. But wait. Don’t grab it by the back or footrest, that’s a rookie mistake. Instead, channel your inner weightlifter and lift from the sides. Those locking levers? Lift ’em up (you might need long-nose pliers) and slide the back straight up to remove it from the recliner. And oh, the footrest. Tie it in place so it doesn’t spring open like a surprise party popper.

Disassemble If Possible
Many recliner sofas come with detachable backs or other parts that can be removed to make moving easier. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to see if this is an option for your sofa. If so, carefully disassemble the parts, making sure to keep screws and other small components in a safe place. This will make the sofa lighter and less bulky to move.

Protect Your Sofa
Wrap your recliner sofa in moving blankets to protect it from scratches and dents. Secure the blankets with packing tape to ensure they stay in place during the move. If you don’t have moving blankets, old quilts or thick blankets can do the trick.

Protect Your Floors
Use floor protectors or cardboard to avoid scratching your floors while moving the sofa.

Use A Trolley
A two-wheeled trolley cart can be a lifesaver when moving heavy furniture. Carefully lift one side of the recliner sofa and slide the trolley underneath. Make sure it’s balanced and secure before you start moving. This will take a lot of the weight off your back and make it easier to manoeuvre the sofa through tight spaces.

Moving Up Or Down Stairs
If you have to move your recliner sofa up or down stairs, it’s best to have at least one other person to help. One person should be at the top, guiding and supporting, while the other is at the bottom, lifting and pushing. Move slowly and carefully, taking one step at a time to maintain control.

Navigating Tight Corners and Doorways
Getting a recliner sofa through tight corners and doorways can be tricky. Tilt and pivot the sofa as needed to navigate these tight spots. It might take a bit of trial and error, but with patience, you’ll get there. Sometimes removing the sofa’s feet can give you the extra clearance you need.

Teamwork is your secret weapon. Communicate with your fellow movers (or imaginary friends – we won’t judge) and coordinate your steps. Pivot, twist and shimmy as needed. And remember, patience is key. If the sofa seems stuck, take a deep breath, channel your inner Gandalf and say, “You shall pass!”

Prime Positioning
Place your recliner sofa in a spot where you can easily recline without hitting walls or other furniture. Make sure there’s enough space behind the sofa for it to fully recline.

Think like an interior design wizard. Consider the room’s flow – does the sofa enhance the ambience? Is it the focal point, inviting guests to sink into its plushness? Position it strategically and watch the room come alive.

Setting Up Your Recliner Sofa
Once you’ve successfully moved your recliner sofa to its new spot, it’s time to set it up. If you disassembled any parts, carefully reattach them following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure all mechanisms are working correctly before you start using the sofa. This is a good time to check for any damage that might have occurred during the move and fix it if needed.

Maintenance: Don’t Forget The TLC
Keep your recliner sofa looking its best by regularly vacuuming it and wiping down any leather or fabric surfaces. Check the moving parts occasionally to ensure they’re working smoothly.

Tips For Easy Sofa Moving

Get Help
Don’t try to move a recliner sofa on your own. Enlist the help of friends or family members. Not only will it make the job easier, but it’s also safer for you and your furniture.

Use Sliders
Furniture sliders can be incredibly helpful, especially on hard floors. They allow you to glide heavy furniture across the floor with minimal effort and without scratching the surface.

Lift Properly
When lifting, always bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid injury. Lift with your legs, not your back, and take your time.

Take Breaks
Moving heavy furniture is hard work. Take breaks as needed to avoid overexertion. It’s better to take your time and do it safely than to rush and risk injury or damage.

Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated, especially if you’re moving in a hot environment.

Conclusion: The Sofa Saga

And there you have it – a recliner sofa moved with finesse, grace and a dash of magic. Remember, safety, precision and teamwork are your trusty companions on this furniture-moving adventure. So go forth, my fellow home decorators, and conquer the recliner relocation quest. May your sofa cushions always be plump and your tea never go cold!

KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT MOVING A RECLINER SOFA

The DOs of Moving Recliner Sofas

• DO Plan Your Route – Map out the path you’ll take to move the sofa, removing any obstacles in advance.

• DO Lift Properly – Always bend your knees and lift with your legs to avoid back injuries.

• DO Get Help – Enlist friends or family members to assist with the move, especially for navigating stairs and tight corners.

The DON’Ts of Moving Recliner Sofas

• DON’T Neglect Safety Gear – Use gloves and appropriate footwear to protect yourself during the move.

• DON’T Rush – Rushing can lead to accidents and damage. Take your time with each step.

• DON’T Drag The Sofa – Dragging can damage both the sofa and the floor. Lift and carry or use sliders.

Do Other Sofa Experts Have Any More Advice Or Moving Tips?

“If you’ve got bulky items to move, one of these best furniture-moving dollies will help.”
Allison Robicelli at Family Handyman

Read More: The 5 best furniture-moving dollies to get heavy jobs done

“Of course, the most selfless approach to editing down your space is donating furniture you no longer want. Look up your local donation centres, which may be small non-profits or national alternatives.”
Jessica Cherner at House Beautiful

Read More: Moving in 2024? Here’s what to do with furniture you don’t want

“In the living room, consider moving the sofa right under a window. This is also a great way to distract attention away from it and use the window and the vistas outside as the focal point.”
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari at Livingetc

Read More: I’m a renter – here’s how I learned to love my furnished apartment’s ugly sofa

Recliner Sofas – Great Deals

Belmont Power Recliner Premium Leather 2 Seat Sofa, Putty (£1,099)

Denver 2 Seat Premium Leather Electric Recliner Sofa, Sage (£1,199)

Recliner Sofas Available Online Now – View All

Our retail outlets are bursting with an even wider selection of recliner sofas, armchairs and other furniture. With new stock arriving daily, including clearance stock from leading UK furniture brands at 50% off their original RRP, there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover. And the best part? Our stores are open 7 days a week, so why wait? Visit us today and explore the amazing deals and beautiful furniture waiting just for you.

Denver Leather Recliner Sofas At Furniture Outlet

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Please note that the pricing/availability information displayed in this blog article, including photos and videos, were correct at the time of sale and may be subject to change without notice.