16 July 2026 · 4 min read
Moving a sofa: measuring doorways and stairwells
A stuck sofa costs hours and tempers. Here is how to know it will fit.
Measure the sofa
Height (back to floor), depth (front to back), width (arm to arm). Also measure with feet removed.
Measure the path
Doorway width, doorway height (allowing for the diagonal tilt), stairwell width at landings, hallway turns.
The wall trick
You can tilt a sofa diagonally to get an extra 15–20cm of effective height. Removable feet often add another 5–8cm of clearance.
FAQ
What if the sofa really will not fit?
Hire a sofa hoist (£200–£400) or use a removals firm with a window-removal specialist.
Can movers take legs off?
Most professional movers will. Always agree it before they start.
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