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How Much Does a Sofa Weigh?

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The weight of a sofa will vary depending on the size, style and the materials used in its construction. A large sectional will weigh much more than three-seater sofa, and couches with frames made from wood will weigh more than those made with plastic. When hiring professional movers, you may want to attempt to calculate the weight of your furniture and belongings to get an idea of what your move will cost. Additionally, if you are renting a truck and transporting your own goods, you will need to determine the cubic footage of your possessions to know what size trailer you will need.

Type of sofaAverage weightCubic Footage
Three-seater 350 50
Four-piece sectional 1050 150
Five-piece sectional 1295 185
Loveseat (two-seater) 224 32
Futon 210 30

Packing your sofa

During a move, it's imperative to properly wrap your sofa with protective materials to shield it from dirt, dust, moisture, and sharp edges that can rip or tear the fabric. There are several ways to do this effectively.
  • First, remove the cushions from the sofa to wrap separately.
  • Wrap the entire sofa with furniture blankets, taping it securely with packing tape. Never let the tape come in direct contact with the sofa. Make sure to cover any finished wood (such as the legs) as well. Stand the sofa on its ends to make sure the entire piece is wrapped securely.
  • Alternatively, you can wrap the entire sofa in microfoam or paper pads, taping everything tightly just as you would do with furniture blankets. Then cover the sofa with shrinkwrap. Remember to never use shrinkwrap directly on the surface of the sofa--it can trap condensation and cause unsightly water damage. It can also cause detrimental damage to a leather sofa if it melts and sticks to the leather. Always use microfoam or paper pads (or both) as a barrier between your sofa and the plastic shrinkwrap.

Moving your sofa

It's important to exercise care and caution when lifting and carry heavy and cumbersome items like a sofa. In order to prevent damage to your furniture as well as self-injury, take note of the following tips:
  • Plan the route. Make sure you have mapped out the best way to get the sofa out (or into) the house before you begin moving it. Make sure the pathway is clear of all obstacles and that the piece will fit easily through any doorways or archways along the route. Take note of any twisting or turning of the sofa's position that you will have to do while carrying it so you can decide the easiest and safest way to accomplish it.
  • Get help. A sofa is heavy, and you will need help lifting and carrying it. Enlist the aid of a few strong friends if you are not hiring professional moving labor.
  • Lift properly. You can cause serious injury to your body by lifting heavy items incorrectly. When picking up your sofa, lift one corner first to judge its weight and to avoid straining. Have a helper grab the other end and carefully lift the sofa off of the ground together. Keep your back straight at all times, and bend at the knees, not the waist. Hold the couch close to your body as you carry it.
  • Take care on the stairs. When moving the couch up or down stairs, first analyze the surroundings and be aware of the path. Are there any uneven stairs or loose floorboards? Take notice of anything that could pose a hazard. Count the number of stairs you will be ascending or descending before beginning to move, and take note of the width and height of the stairway to plan the best possible method for moving the sofa. You can also build a makeshift ramp out of two boards. While slowly sliding the sofa down the boards, you can carefully back down in between them. Have a friend help you by supporting the sofa from the other side and directing your footing. Blankets can also be used to slide the sofa down short flights of stairs.
  • Use sliders. Purchase protective felt furniture sliders for your sofa's legs to prevent unsightly scratches to your floor when moving the sofa.

Loading your sofa

If you are using a rental truck or portable storage unit, you will want to maximize space to fit your belongings into the smallest trailer possible and transport your shipment in one trip. These tips will help you to effectively load your sofa into your trailer.
  • Carry the sofa into the trailer, using the ramp if you have one. If not, have a friend stand in the truck to help you safely lift it inside.
  • If possible, place the sofa on its end and lean it against the wall to make the most of your vertical space. Your heaviest items should be loaded in the front of the trailer (near the cab).
  • Make sure the bottom of the sofa is facing the wall--if the legs were not removed, pack filler items in the space between the sofa's bottom and the wall of the trailer (such as the sofa's wrapped cushions).
  • Secure the sofa to the trailer wall's hooks or panels with bungee cords or straps to keep it stationary during transit.

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on April 9, 2013

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