Get matched with top movers in Churchton, MD

Choosing a reliable moving company is critical because you’re entrusting all of your belongings to the professional movers, so you’ll want to make sure you consider the following:

• The experience of the movers and the number of years in the industry

• The add-on services provided, like packing and storage

• The warranty or insurance coverage to protect your belongings 

We also recommend confirming that the movers are properly licensed using Angi’s state licensing tool. You can check for certification from organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association.

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.

Tipping movers is not mandatory, and most professional companies do not expect it. However, it is a common way to show appreciation for their hard work and the care they take with your belongings and home. A standard tip is between 10% and 20% of your total bill, split among the crew, or about $10 per mover per hour, tipped individually. It's an especially good idea to tip if the movers work in difficult weather, handle specialty items like pianos or pool tables, provide extra packing services, or go above and beyond your expectations.

To move a couch through a narrow doorway, first measure the couch and the doorway to ensure it will fit. For a close fit, you can create more space by removing the interior door; tap out the hinge pins with a nail and shift the door sideways to remove it from its hinges. You may need to turn the couch on its side or move it in separate pieces, if possible. Using furniture sliders can also help you slide the couch through the doorway.