No! Not when your sofa has been dismantled and reassembled by a professional team of craftsmen like the team at Sofa Assist. Our specialist upholsterers have years of experience with sofa disassembly and reassembly. If we take your sofa apart and put it back together again, it will be as perfect as it was to start with and no one would ever know.
Moving bulky furniture, such as a sofa, can be much easier if it is first disassembled. Disassembling a sofa not only simplifies the moving process but also ensures that the furniture is handled safely and efficiently.
There are two main reasons for disassembling a sofa, moving house and disposal. One will require more careful dismantling than the other. If you want to move your sofa to a new home/location, we would suggest using professional furniture disassembly experts like our team at Sofa Assist. This way, you are sure to have a sofa that still looks as it did before and is 100% safe to sit on. However, if you are disassembling it for disposal, you may wish to do this yourself.
Preparation
Before diving into the disassembly process, preparing yourself and your workspace is crucial. Start by gathering all the necessary tools, such as a screwdriver, Allen wrench, and staple puller. The right tools will make the process smoother and more efficient. Ensure your workspace is clear and free of clutter to avoid any obstacles or potential damage to the sofa. Remove any loose items like cushions and pillows, and set them aside in a safe location. If you plan to reuse parts like the upholstery or cushions, label and store them properly to keep everything organised.
DISASSEMBLING A SOFA FOR MOVING WITH A FEW DIFFERENT TOOLS
You are moving house and realise that your sofa won’t fit through the doorways of your new place. Fear not, there is always a solution and one of those may be to dismantle it and rebuild it once you are in your new home. This can significantly ease the moving process.
The first thing to note is that you will need to be very careful not to damage the sofa when taking it apart. You will also need to be able to reverse the steps of disassembling to put it back together again. If you are planning on reassembling the sofa, you want to try and undo as little of the upholstery as possible.
This is why we recommend getting a professional to do the job. It is the most stress-free way of dismantling your sofa for ease of removal.
If your sofa has removable seat and back cushions, take those off first and set them to one side.
The next thing you will want to do is remove the legs of the sofa. Turn your sofa upside down and see how they are attached. Some will just need to be unscrewed. Others will need to have the screws that hold the legs in place, on the sofa frame, removed with a screwdriver. This may be all you need to do to fit your sofa through the door.
The next step would be to pull out the staples that are holding the cover under the sofa. We would recommend using a staple remover, but a flathead screwdriver and pliers will also work. Carefully roll the covering to expose the sofa frame. Repeat this process on the arms to expose the fasteners that hold them in place.
Detachable arms are particularly important as they can be unscrewed from the main frame, making the couch lighter and easier to handle.
You can now remove the bolts or screws that hold the arms in place using a wrench, Allen wrench or screwdriver. When the arms are loose, you can carefully remove them. As mentioned above, try to minimise the amount of upholstery you roll back for ease of rebuilding.
Repeat this process for the bolts that hold the seat and the back together if needed.
Pro Tip:
Make a diagram of the sofa at each stage of disassembly to make it easier to reverse the process. Keep screws and bolts in numbered packets so you know what goes where. Be careful when reaching inside the couch’s frame as there may be sharp edges.
Consider cutting the frame into more manageable pieces for easier transport, especially if you are handling the removal yourself.
Removing the Frame and Arms
Taking apart the frame and arms of your sofa can be a bit challenging, but it’s a crucial step in the disassembly process. Begin by locating the visible screws that hold the frame and arms together. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws carefully. If the arms are detachable, you might need a few different tools, such as a wrench or a socket wrench, to remove the bolts or screws securing them. Gently pull the arms away from the frame once the screws are out. After removing the arms, set them aside and focus on disassembling the rest of the frame.
Organising and Storing Parts
As you disassemble your sofa, it’s essential to keep all parts organised to avoid losing any screws, bolts, or other hardware. Use zip lock bags or small containers to store these small items, and label each bag or container accordingly. This will make reassembly much easier and prevent any confusion. Store the parts in a safe, dry location, away from children and pets. If you plan to reuse any parts, such as the upholstery or cushions, ensure they are stored in a clean and dry place to prevent any damage.
Protecting the Sofa During Moving
Protecting your sofa during the move is vital to prevent any damage or scratches. Use bubble wrap or furniture blankets to wrap the sofa, paying special attention to the corners and delicate areas. Secure the wrapping with tape or rope to keep it in place during transit. If you’re moving the sofa to a new house, measure the doorways and hallways to ensure the sofa will fit through them. Consider using a dolly or furniture sliders to move the sofa, as it can be heavy and cumbersome.
Different Types of Sofa
Of course, there are many different types of sofas, including corner sofas, recliners, U-shaped sofas, sectionals, and sofa beds. Depending on your type of couch, you may need to adjust the way you approach the dismantling.
Corner/sectional and U-shaped sofas will need to be taken apart in their sections. These are usually clipped together with male/female clasps or clips. You will need to separate the clips to take the pieces apart.
Recliners will need the reclining mechanism removed before separating the back from the seat.
Sofa Beds will need the bed frame pulled out before attempting to take any of it apart. Follow your manufacturers’manufacturer’s guidelines on this.
For more information on dismantling a sofa using our professional team contact Sofa Assist today.
Reusing and Disposing of Parts
After disassembling your sofa, you may have parts that can be reused or need to be disposed of. Consider reusing the upholstery or cushions on a new sofa, or donating them to a local charity. If you need to dispose of parts, follow the proper disposal guidelines in your area. You can also recycle metal or wood parts or donate them to a local charity. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disposing of any hazardous materials, such as foam or fabric, to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.