How to Get a Couch Out of a Door: A Practical Guide

Moving a couch from one room to another—or out of your home entirely—may seem straightforward, but it often becomes unexpectedly complex. Getting a couch out of a door involves more than just lifting and pushing. If not done correctly, the process can result in damage to the furniture, the door frame, or even the walls.

This article outlines a step-by-step method to help you understand how to get a couch through a door safely and efficiently, whether you’re rearranging a room or preparing to bring in a new piece of furniture.

Understanding the Challenge

The difficulty of getting a couch out of a door depends on a few key factors:

• The size and shape of the couch
• The dimensions of the doorway, including the height, width, and angle
• Any obstructions, such as narrow hallways or tight corners nearby
• Whether the couch is modular or fixed-frame

Before attempting to move your couch, it’s important to assess all of these elements to determine the best approach.

Step 1: Measure the Couch and Doorway

Begin by measuring your couch’s:

• Height
• Width
• Depth (front to back)
• Diagonal length from the bottom rear corner to the top front corner (this is often the most important)

Then, measure your doorway:

• Width (between the inner edges of the frame)
• Height
• Any protrusions such as trim or hinges that may reduce usable space

The goal is to determine whether the couch can pass through as-is, or if you’ll need to tilt or rotate it.

Step 2: Remove Loose or Detachable Components

Many couches, especially modern designs like Sohnne® sofas, have parts that can be removed easily to reduce bulk and weight. Before moving:

• Take off all cushions and pillows
• Unscrew and remove legs, if detachable
• Check if the backrest or arms can be safely removed or loosened
• Secure any loose fabric or attachments with tape or protective wrap

Reducing the couch’s profile can make a significant difference when trying to fit it through a door. This is especially true for low-profile, modular sofas like the togo couch, which is designed to be lightweight, floor-hugging, and easy to reposition in smaller spaces.

Step 3: Plan the Path

Think beyond just the doorway. Trace the full path the couch needs to travel and identify:

• Narrow corridors
• Tight corners
• Low ceilings
• Stairs or sharp turns

Clearing obstacles along the way will help avoid last-minute issues and allow smoother movement.

Step 4: Rotate and Angle the Couch

In many cases, a couch won’t go through a door flat or horizontally. Instead, try these approaches:

• Stand it upright and move it in vertically
• Tilt it diagonally so the back and seat form a “V” as you guide it through
• Go back-first, especially if the arms are wide and block clearance

Work slowly and adjust the angle as needed. Involving a second person to help guide and lift is highly recommended.

Step 5: Remove the Door (If Needed)

If the couch still doesn’t fit and you’re close on space, consider removing the door from its hinges. This typically provides an extra 1 to 2 inches of clearance, which can make the difference.

Use a screwdriver or drill to remove the hinge pins, then lift the door away carefully. Set it aside in a safe, flat place to avoid damage.

Step 6: Use Protective Padding

Protect both your furniture and your home by using:

• Moving blankets over the couch’s corners
• Towels or padding along the door frame
• Furniture sliders or cardboard under the couch when dragging over floors

This helps prevent scratches, dents, and other avoidable damage—especially important if you’re planning to resell or reuse the couch.

Step 7: When Professional Help Is the Best Option

If you’re working with oversized furniture, narrow doorways, or multi-floor layouts, it may be safest to call a moving company. Professionals have the tools, experience, and techniques to handle complex situations—sometimes even involving furniture hoists or window removal.

However, if you’re using a modular or lightweight sofa like those from Sohnne®, you may be able to complete the process on your own with proper planning and care.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get a couch out of a door comes down to three core principles: accurate measurement, strategic disassembly, and careful maneuvering.

With the right preparation and the willingness to be patient, most homeowners can complete this task without hiring help or causing damage. It’s also a good opportunity to reflect on furniture choices that offer easier mobility and better long-term flexibility.

Sohnne® designs its sofas with exactly these challenges in mind—prioritizing modular construction, tool-free disassembly, and compact forms that are not only elegant, but also practical for real living spaces. From high-performance foam to sleek, low-slung silhouettes like the togo couch, every detail is made to move with you.