Moving a house is a complex and labor-intensive process, which is why it can get so pricey, particularly if it’s a large home. In some cases, the house may need to be dismantled, moved in sections, and then reassembled at the new location, which can add significantly to the cost of the move. However, it’s typically less costly than building a new home.

Yes, many office moving costs are tax deductible, but only businesses are eligible to deduct moving expenses on their taxes. Personal moves, such as relocating for a new job or moving from an apartment to a house, are not deductible. 

However, not all business taxes are deductible by that business. Deductible business moving expenses are limited to the direct costs associated with relocating office supplies and equipment. This process encompasses brokerage fees for securing a new location, space surveys, packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking. Costs related to moving employees or other indirect expenses are not eligible for tax deductions.

Unfortunately, moving scammers exist, so it’s important to thoroughly vet your moving company before scheduling a service date. Your moving company is likely legitimate if the offer fits within the average cost range, they provide proper contracts and moving insurance, don’t require a large deposit, and have several positive and recent online reviews from previous customers. Feel free to request previous customer information from the moving service and contact them to inquire about their experience to ease any lingering concerns.

Start by removing any obstacles in the moving path, such as side tables, lamps, or other furniture. If your couch has legs, unscrew them. Measure the couch and the stairway to ensure you have enough room; if it seems unlikely, examine the shape and size of the couch and decide whether it might fit better up the stairway and through doorways on its side, held diagonally, or moved in an upright position.

Consider putting the sofa on a dolly to go up the stairs. It should be able to fit upright on a standard dolly with wheels. You’ll still need to lift the dolly—with the couch on it—up the stairs, but it will reduce the physical strain. The person holding the dolly should pull the couch up, while the helper should be on the other side, keeping the couch secure and steady.

If you don’t have a dolly, the person in front should lift the couch slightly higher than the person in the back to create more stability. The person in the back should also be the stronger mover, as most of the weight will be distributed there.