How Many People Does It Take to Move a Sectional Sofa?

Quick Answer

Most sectionals take 2–4 people to move safely.

• 2 people: small/modular sectional + no stairs + short carry
• 3 people: average L-shape + tight turns or a flight of stairs
• 4+ people: oversized, reclining/sleeper sectionals, multiple flights, or long carries

If you’re unsure, plan for 3 people. That extra set of hands is often what prevents scuffs, drops, and awkward “stuck on the landing” moments.

Measure doorways and hallway turns before you lift—this is where most sectional moves fail.

What Determines How Many People You Need?

1) Sectional size and configuration

• Modular sectionals usually separate into manageable pieces (but each piece can still be bulky).
• Fixed-frame or large chaise sections often require more help because they’re awkward to grip and pivot.

2) Weight and built-in features

If your sectional has any of these, assume it’s heavier than it looks:

• Recliners
• Sleeper pullouts
• Solid wood frames

These are common reasons moves shift from 2 people → 3–4 people.

3) Stairs and tight geometry

Stairs change everything. Even a “not that heavy” piece becomes risky on:

• narrow stairwells
• short landings
• sharp turns
• older buildings with tight door frames

4) Carry distance and loading

Long carries—parking lots, elevators, hallways, store pickup zones—add fatigue, which increases the chance of losing grip.

How Many People You Need (By Scenario)

Scenario A: Ground floor + wide path + short carry

Recommended: 2 people
You can usually do this with two capable adults when:

• it’s modular or smaller L-shape
• there are no stairs
• the pickup point is close to the exit/loading area

Scenario B: Apartment + standard hallway turns + one flight of stairs

Recommended: 3 people
The third person isn’t just “extra strength”—they’re control:

• spotting corners
• stabilizing during pivots
• protecting walls/railings
• helping reset grip safely

Scenario C: Oversized sectional, recliner/sleeper, multiple flights, or long carry

Recommended: 4+ people
Choose 4+ when:

• you can’t pause safely mid-lift
• the weight shifts unpredictably
• the route has multiple “pinch points” (landings, tight doorways, stair turns)

Can One Person Move a Sectional Alone?

Generally, no—not safely.

You can move cushions, legs, and sometimes small modular pieces on sliders. But carrying a meaningful section alone risks:

• injury
• tearing upholstery
• damaging walls/door trim
• warping connectors/joints

Practical rule: If you can’t lift and set it down under control, you need more help.

Straps can improve control and reduce strain, but they don’t replace having enough people for stairs and turns.

Tools That Reduce Effort (But Don’t Replace People)

Tools can make the move smoother, especially on flat surfaces:

• Furniture sliders (best for in-home repositioning)
• Moving straps/harnesses (best for bulky items)
• Furniture dolly (best for long flat carries—limited on stairs)
• Moving blankets + stretch wrap (protection and grip)

For ergonomics, organizations like NIOSH publish tools for assessing lifting risk and emphasize controlling variables like distance, frequency, and posture not just “raw strength.”

Simple Decision Checklist

If you answer “yes” to two or more, plan for 3–4 people (or hire help):

• Any stairs involved?
• Any recliner/sleeper components?
• Any tight turns (narrow hallway, sharp landing)?
• Long carry from parking/store pickup?
• You only have one person helping you?

DIY Help vs Hiring Help

Friends/family: cheaper on paper, but less reliable, harder to coordinate, and more likely to rush.
Paid helpers/movers: faster, safer, and typically worth it when there are stairs or tight spaces.

If your goal is “get it done without damage,” the cost of one hour of help is often less than:

• repairing a torn armrest
• repainting scuffed walls
• replacing a broken sectional leg/frame joint

FAQ

How long does it take to move a sectional?

• Easy route: 20–45 minutes
• One flight + turns: 45–90 minutes
• Multiple flights / complex path: 90 minutes+

Do sectionals come apart?

Many do. Check underneath for latches/brackets, and remove cushions/legs first.

Bottom Line

Most sectionals take 2–4 people:

• 2 for simple ground-level moves
• 3 for apartments, stairs, and tight turns
• 4+ for oversized, reclining/sleeper sectionals or long carries

Sources

CDC/NIOSH: Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (lifting risk assessment background)