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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.

The most cost-effective way to move is to DIY most of the moving tasks, including packing, driving the moving truck, and loading and unloading. While DIY moving is typically the least expensive option, it makes the process much more time-consuming and difficult. To eliminate some of the physical and time stress associated with DIY moves, consider hiring professional movers for the most essential tasks, such as loading and unloading furniture, and completing easier tasks on your own.

If you don’t have dividers, wrap each wine glass individually using bubble wrap or packing paper to cushion both the bowl and delicate stem. Secure the wrapping with tape and place glasses upright in a sturdy box, layering soft items like dish towels, crumpled paper, or clothing between them to prevent shifting. Fill any gaps with padding to keep glasses snug, and label the box “FRAGILE–HANDLE WITH CARE” to ensure careful handling.

Not all furniture needs to be disassembled. Smaller items or pieces that are easily transportable might not require disassembly. You only need to worry about assembling large pieces, like a sofa, in order to fit through existing door frames and hallways. Before you disassemble anything, take measurements of your furniture and talk to your moving company about what should be taken apart prior to moving.