Moving a sofa bed can feel like a workout you didn’t sign up for. With tricky hinges and hidden weight, it’s a job that needs a smart plan, not just strength.
Key Takeaways
- Moving a sofa bed doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right prep, tools, and a bit of patience, you can disassemble, move, and reassemble it safely on your own.
- Keep parts organised, label screws, and wrap every piece to prevent scratches or damage during transport. A careful move means less hassle later.
- If moving your sofa bed sounds like a workout you’d rather skip, Ecosa’s sofa beds in a box make life easier, and our mattress toppers can make your sofa bed mattress even more comfortable.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to move your sofa bed safely and smoothly, even on your own.
From lightening the load to reassembling it with ease, you’ll get simple, practical steps that make the whole process less of a headache.
Jump to a section:
- How To Move A Sofa Bed By Yourself
- Extra Moving Tips on How to Transport a Couch
- Consider A Sofa Bed in a Box
How To Move A Sofa Bed By Yourself
Moving a sofa bed solo can be done if you plan it right. These steps will help you strip down, prep, and move your sofa bed safely without risking a strained back or scratched floor.
1. Unzip and Set Aside the Sofa Bed Covers
Start by unzipping and removing the sofa bed covers. This helps keep them clean and makes the frame easier to grip.
Store the covers in a plastic bag or tuck them neatly into one of your moving boxes so they stay dust-free and easy to find later.
2. Take Off Cushions to Lighten the Load
Next, take off all the seat and back cushions. These add unnecessary bulk and make the sofa bed harder to lift or angle through tight spaces.
Stack them neatly and wrap each one in plastic or a light sheet to protect the fabric during the move.
Note: If your sofa bed has a mattress attached, it can be a bit trickier to remove, so consider getting professional help to avoid damaging the mattress.
3. Take Photos of the Mechanism Before You Take It Apart
Before loosening any screws, grab your phone and take a few clear photos of the mechanism of your sofa bed.
Focus on how the hinges, bolts, and frame connect. These pictures will be your cheat sheet when putting it all back together.
If you still have the original manual, keep it nearby for reference. Lost it years ago? Don’t stress. Most brands post digital copies on their product pages or can send you one by email if you contact support.
4. Unscrew & Detach the Sofa Bed Frame
Once the cushions and mattress are off, close the sofa bed frame to make it easier to reach the screws and bolts.
Follow these steps to keep things organised and damage-free:
✅ Use the correct screwdriver or wrench to loosen each screw slowly and carefully.
✅ Keep the frame steady while working to prevent parts from shifting.
✅ Place all screws, bolts, and small pieces in a labelled bag or container.
✅ If your sofa bed has side arms or metal rails, unscrew and remove them next.
✅ Set each part aside carefully to avoid scratches or bending.
Take your time here. Some types of sofa beds might need a gentle tilt or an extra pair of hands to lift the frame free without strain. If it feels too heavy to lift safely, please wait until you have a family member, friend or neighbour to help.
5. Wrap & Move Each Part Carefully
Now that your sofa bed is in pieces, it’s time to move each part safely.
✅ Wrap the frame, arms, and legs in blankets or bubble wrap to protect the fabric and edges from scratches.
✅ Use tape or rope to keep the wrapping secure, but avoid sticking tape directly on the upholstery.
✅ If the pieces are heavy, ask a friend for help or use a dolly or furniture sliders to roll them across the floor.
✅ Always lift with your legs, not your arms, and take it slow through doorways or corners.
When it’s time to load everything into a van, place the frame toward the back where heavier items sit best. Strap it in firmly so it stays in place during the trip.
6. Wash Covers & Wipe Down the Frame
Cleaning your sofa bed now saves work later. Do this before reassembly so everything goes back fresh and dry.
✅ Read the care label first. Check the sofa bed fabric type, temperature, and wash symbols. Use this quick guide as a reference:
| Fabric Type | Recommended Care |
| Cotton or Linen Blend | Machine wash on a gentle, cold cycle |
| Polyester or Microfibre | Hand wash or machine wash on a delicate setting |
| Velvet | Spot clean with a damp cloth |
| Leather or Faux Leather | Wipe with a soft, damp cloth and use conditioner if needed |
| Removable Upholstery Covers | Follow the label instructions carefully and zip covers closed before washing |
For the sofa bed frame:
✅ Vacuum crumbs and grit. Get into corners and along seams.
✅ Wipe surfaces. Use a damp microfibre cloth with a small amount of mild soap. Dry with a clean towel straight after.
✅ Protect metal parts. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust, then add a light silicone spray to hinges and moving joints. Wipe away excess.
✅ Touch up scuffs. Use fabric cleaner on marks or a tiny bit of matching furniture polish on wooden legs and trims.
Let everything dry completely before the next step. A dry frame and fully dry covers help avoid smells, marks, and squeaks later.
7. Reassemble & Set It Up in Place
You’ve made it to the finish line. Now it’s time to put your sofa bed back together.
✅ Start with the main frame and use the photos you took earlier as a guide.
✅ Reattach the arms, rails, and any support brackets using the labelled screws and bolts.
✅ Slide the bed mechanism back into place and check that it folds and unfolds smoothly.
✅ Once everything feels sturdy, lay the mattress on top and add your cushions and covers.
Take a few minutes to make sure all screws are tight and the frame feels stable. Then give the fabric a quick fluff or vacuum to freshen it up.
Just like that, your sofa bed is ready for its new spot.
Extra Moving Tips on How to Transport a Couch
A few smart habits can make the move smoother and save you from small headaches later.
- Measure your path. Check doorways, stairwells, and tight corners before lifting anything. It’s better to find a new route now than halfway through with a stuck frame.
- Get a helping hand. Sofa beds are heavy. Ask a friend or two to help lift and steady it while you guide the way.
- Label everything. Use small bags or containers for screws, washers, and bolts, then label them by part. Future you will thank you!
- Protect your floors. Slide cardboard or blankets underneath before moving the frame to prevent scratches.
- Take your time. Rushing leads to bumps, scuffs, and frustration. Move slowly, lift safely, and check your grip before every turn.
Small steps like these can make all the difference between a stressful move and a smooth one. And if you break a sweat along the way, at least you’ve ticked off your workout for the day.
Consider a Sofa Bed in a Box
If all this moving talk has you rethinking your setup, we get it.
Traditional sofa beds can be bulky, awkward, and heavy to shift. That’s why ours arrive neatly boxed and ready to assemble in minutes. No drama, no power tools, no sore backs.
Explore our range of boxed sofa beds built for comfort and convenience, all delivered straight to your door. And if you’re after extra cushioning, our mattress toppers fit sofa bed mattresses perfectly, giving every guest (or you) a better night’s sleep.