How To Move Large Furniture Through a Tight Hallway?

Moving large furniture can be one of the most challenging parts of relocating to a new home. The excitement of setting up your new place can quickly become frustrating when you realize that your couch, bed, or dining table doesn’t fit through the hallway.

Several tricks and strategies can help make the job easier, if you’re dealing with narrow hallways, tight corners, or limited space.

Let’s go through some creative and practical ways to move large furniture through a tight hallway with ease.

Tips to Move Large Furniture Easily Through a Tight Hallway

1. Measure First: Know What You’re Working With

Before you start moving large furniture, take a moment to measure. It’s important to know the exact dimensions of your furniture and the hallway to avoid wasting time and effort.

You don’t want to end up struggling for hours only to find that your furniture is too wide or tall to fit through the hallway.

• Measure the furniture: Note down the dimensions (height, width, and depth) of the piece you're trying to move.
• Measure the hallway: Take measurements of the hallway, including the width, height, and any door frames or obstacles like light fixtures or radiators that might get in the way.

Knowing these measurements helps you plan and figure out whether you can angle the piece or need to take a different approach.

Check Out: How to Transport a Large Dining Table Safely?

2. Tilt and Twist: The Classic Solution

One of the best ways to move large furniture through a tight hallway is by using the "tilt and twist" method. This is especially useful for sofas, armchairs, and large mattresses.

• Tilt the furniture: Start by tilting the piece of furniture on one end. This reduces the overall width and might give you enough clearance to navigate the tight space.
• Twist and rotate: Slowly twist the furniture, keeping it angled to avoid it getting stuck. You may need to adjust your grip or angle to make sure it doesn’t bump against walls or door frames.

This technique works best for moving large furniture through tight corners or narrow hallways because it helps you adjust the shape and get through those tricky spaces.

3. Remove the Legs or Cushions

If tilting and twisting don’t work, you may need to disassemble part of the furniture to reduce its size. Many large pieces like couches, tables, and beds have removable parts that make the job easier.

• Remove the legs: If the piece has detachable legs (like many couches or tables), unscrew them to make the item slimmer and lighter.
• Take off cushions or detachable parts: For sofas or armchairs, removing cushions or backrests can create extra space and reduce the overall size.
• Take apart the bed frame: If you’re moving a bed, removing the headboard or disassembling the frame can help reduce its bulk and make it easier to maneuver.

Do Movers Offer Bed Disassembly? Find out!

4. Use Furniture Sliders and Moving Blankets

If you need to move large furniture through a narrow hallway, it’s important to protect both the furniture and the walls. Scratches and dents can easily occur when trying to navigate tight spaces.

Here’s where furniture sliders and moving blankets come in handy.

• Furniture sliders: Place sliders under the furniture to make it easier to glide across the floor. They reduce friction, which means less effort is required to move heavy items.
• Moving blankets: Wrap your furniture in moving blankets to protect both the furniture and the walls. These will cushion the piece and prevent it from getting scratched or damaged.

Here is the full guide to use the Right Tools & Equipment for moving large furniture

5. Try “Move Through the Window” Method

If your hallway is too narrow or the corners too tight, and the furniture just won’t budge, consider moving the furniture through the window or balcony. This is a strategy used by professional movers for oversized items that can’t fit through traditional entryways.

• Get professional help: Moving large furniture through a window or balcony requires specialized equipment, like hoists or cranes, and a team with the right expertise. If this option seems like it could work for your situation, it’s best to hire experts.
• Check safety: Always make sure safety is a priority. Don’t attempt this without the proper equipment and experience.

6. Use the Right Techniques for Moving Around Tight Corners

Moving large furniture around tight corners is a whole different challenge. Here are some effective strategies to tackle the situation:

• Leverage the "corner turn" method: If the hallway has a sharp corner, try to rotate the furniture until it is almost parallel with the wall before attempting to turn it. This will give you better control over the item and reduce the chances of getting stuck.
• Slide along the wall: Sometimes, it helps to slide the furniture along the wall rather than trying to lift or drag it. This works especially well if you have furniture sliders in place to help ease the movement.

Be patient, and take it slow. Moving large furniture around tight corners requires careful maneuvering, so don’t rush the process.

Best Professionals to Move Your Large Furniture - Trust Van Lines Move

When it comes to moving large furniture through tight hallways, having the right expertise makes all the difference.

Van Lines Move understands the challenges involved and provides the professional furniture moving services you need to get the job done right. With years of experience, our team is skilled in handling all types of furniture, from bulky sofas to delicate antiques, ensuring they make it through narrow hallways and doorways without a scratch.

But why do we stand out?

• Experienced Furniture Movers: Our team is highly trained in maneuvering large furniture through challenging spaces. We know the best techniques to ensure your items are moved safely.
• Specialized Equipment: We come prepared with the right tools, including furniture sliders, dollies, and lifting straps, to ensure everything moves smoothly.
• Fully Insured: For added peace of mind, insurance options are available if you choose to use them. This can provide extra protection for your furniture during the move, helping you feel secure throughout the process.
• Time-Saving: Moving large furniture can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Our team handles everything efficiently, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you with all your moving needs!

Related Articles:

• How to Move Heavy Furniture Without Damaging Your Floors?
• Top 5 Tips for Packing Furniture for a Move
• Why Should You Hire Movers to Move a Hot Tub?

Successfully moving large furniture through tight hallways requires more than just strength - it takes careful planning, patience, and the right techniques. From measuring your furniture and hallways in advance to employing methods like tilting, twisting, or even removing parts of the furniture, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth move.

However, it’s important to remember that when the task becomes too complex or physically demanding, getting professional assistance is always a wise decision.