Typically, local moves involve either renting a moving truck and moving yourself or hiring local movers to do the job. For long-distance moves, options include hiring a full-service moving company that handles packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, or using a self-moving service where you load your belongings into a container or trailer and have it transported. Another option is hiring professional movers for labor-only services, where they assist with loading and unloading your rented truck. You can also opt for moving pods or moving containers that can be transported to the destination.

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.

Ultimately, the best option for your cross-country move depends on your budget, timeline, and the level of convenience you want. For a speedy and hassle-free experience, you can spend a bundle on full-service movers who take care of everything from packing to transport. Budget-friendly options include container services that allow you to pack your stuff at your leisure.

Logistics companies are responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the transportation of goods. They serve various clients and industries, typically offering truck, air, or ocean freight transportation. Movers, on the other hand, usually only serve individuals or small businesses. They are the professionals responsible for physically executing the move, performing tasks such as packing, loading, transporting, and unloading belongings.