How to Protect Your Sofa During a Move (Because Your Future Self Will Thank You)

You’ve invested in a stunning sofa from Glara. It’s everything you always dreamed: soft cushions, elegant lines, fabric you actually love touching. And now you’re facing a moving day. Without proper protection, that beautiful piece can pick up scuffs, tears, stains or worse. 

Below I’ll share expert moving tips so you can get your couch from Point A to Point B in one piece and look like you know what you’re doing.

1. Plan ahead, don’t wing it

The best protection starts before the movers show up. Walk through the route (doorways, hallways, elevators). Measure your sofa and compare it to tight corners. Remove doors or railings if needed so there’s wiggle room. Lay down old rugs, drop cloths or cardboard to protect floors. The fewer surprises, the better.

2. Disassemble what you can

Many sofas can be taken apart—legs off, cushions off, and sometimes even the frame. Removing detachable parts reduces weight, bulk, and risk. Keep all screws, bolts, and small hardware in labelled bags. Wrap parts separately so nothing gets lost or scratched.

3. Wrap like you mean it

This is where most damage happens. Use high-quality moving blankets or quilted pads. This is one step where it pays not to cut corners. Wrap the entire sofa (front, back, arms) and secure with stretch wrap or tape that’s safe for fabric (blue painter’s tape is your friend). For corners and vulnerable edges, add extra padding (folded towels, foam inserts).

Don’t forget to cover cushions separately. If possible, wrap cushions in breathable covers so they stay clean and free from dust.

4. Load smart: lean, don’t push

When loading into the truck, use furniture sliders or glides if the floor allows. Slide gently and avoid jerking or forcing it through. Always carry from the frame, not the arms or cushions (arms are weak links). Use lifting straps when possible.

Ideally, lean large pieces upright (if safe), not flat. This reduces pressure on the surfaces. Stack lighter items around (never directly on top). Secure with tie-downs so nothing moves mid-transit.

5. Control the climate & environment

Temperature, moisture, and dust can betray even the best wrapping. If your move is during damp or humid weather, keep your sofa covered and sealed until just before unloading. Avoid dragging over wet floors. If rain threatens, tarp the truck’s open sections.

At the destination, don’t rush to unwrap if there’s still dust or foot traffic around—let it settle, then unwrap in the clean zone.

6. Hire professionals (because sometimes pride costs you)

A professional moving team brings more than muscle. They bring experience, tools, insurance, and logistics know-how. They can:

• Assess tricky moves (narrow staircases, tight corridors).

• Use proper equipment (pads, straps, lifts).

• Coordinate timing so your sofa doesn’t sit waiting in the rain or sun.

• Minimize handling, which reduces damage risk.

Think of it as an investment. For a sofa you love, it’s usually cheaper (and a lot less traumatic) than repairs, insurance claims, or buying new cushions. That’s why booking one of Vancouver’s best moving teams really pays off.

7. Final checks & settling in

Once in the new space, check all surfaces before removing wraps. Look for hidden scrapes, stains, or dents. Let the sofa rest. Give the fabric a little time to settle before sinking into it.

If there are minor scuffs, many upholstery cleaners or repair kits can touch things up (test in a hidden spot first). For serious damage, consult a professional upholsterer, preferably before you live on it.

Your sofa deserves better than “oops”

You didn’t choose just any couch, you chose something that makes your space feel like yours. At Glara, we curate sofas that combine comfort, design, and quality. Protecting them during the move shows respect for your style and your investment.

The above steps help ensure that your sofa arrives in showroom shape. Once it’s in your living room, all that’s left is to sink in, relax, and watch it become part of your new chapter.