How to move a couch without a truck
By the BoxHauls team, reviewed by John Marcus IV
To move a couch without a truck, hire a truck and driver, rent a truck, use the store’s delivery, or borrow a pickup. For one couch across town, hiring a truck and driver is usually fastest, and often cheapest once you count rental fees, mileage and gas. Here’s how to do it either way without damaging the couch or your doorways.
Your options
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Hire a truck and driver | One couch, same day, no lifting alone | Helpers aren’t always included; ask |
| Rent a pickup or van | When you have two people and time | Rental fee, mileage, fuel, and you do the work |
| Store delivery | Brand-new couches | Delivery windows can be days out |
| Borrow a truck | A friend with a pickup and an afternoon | No insurance on the load |
| Roof rack | Don’t | Couches are too wide and catch wind |
Steps
Follow the steps below whichever way the couch travels. The measuring step prevents most failed moves.
Couch sizes
| Couch | Length (in) | Depth (in) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loveseat | 52–68 | 30–38 | 70–120 |
| Three-seat sofa | 72–90 | 32–40 | 100–200 |
| Sleeper sofa | 72–90 | 34–40 | 200–350 |
If you’d rather not do the lifting, see how couch delivery works with a truck and driver. To check whether it fits a pickup first, see will it fit in a pickup bed?
- 1
Measure the couch and every doorway
Measure the couch's length, depth and height, plus the narrowest door, hallway and stairwell at both ends. If the depth is less than the door width, it can usually go through on its side.
- 2
Pick how it gets there
Hire a truck and driver, rent a pickup or van, use the store's delivery, or borrow a truck. For one couch across town, hiring a truck and driver is usually the fastest and often the cheapest.
- 3
Prep the couch
Remove cushions and bag them, unscrew the legs, and wrap the couch in moving blankets or plastic. For a sleeper sofa, secure the mechanism so it can't open.
- 4
Carry it with two people
Lift with your legs and keep it close. Go through doors on its side or end, and tilt it upright to round tight turns.
- 5
Secure it in the vehicle
Lay it flat or on its back, with the tailgate down if it's long. Strap it with at least two ratchet straps anchored to the tie-down points.
Questions
What's the cheapest way to move a couch without a truck?
For one couch across town, hiring a truck and driver is often cheapest once you count rental fees, mileage and fuel. Borrowing a friend's truck is cheaper still, but the load isn't insured.
Can a couch go on a car roof?
It's a bad idea. Couches are wider than most roof racks, catch the wind at speed, and can come loose.
How many people does it take to move a couch?
Two, for almost every couch. Sleeper sofas and sectionals can take three on stairs.