Moving furniture can be daunting, especially when it comes to bulky or heavy items like a recliner chair. Whether you’re rearranging your living room, deep cleaning, or preparing for a big move, knowing how to move a recliner safely and efficiently is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about moving a recliner chair by yourself, including helpful tips for troubleshooting common issues like when your recliner won’t open or how to keep your recliner position intact.
Unlike standard chairs, recliners are designed with complex mechanisms that allow them to recline and sometimes swivel or rock. This makes them heavier and more awkward to handle. The last thing you want is to damage your chair, your home, or yourself during the process. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and use the right techniques.
Before you start, make sure you have a clear path from the recliner’s current location to its new destination. Remove rugs, coffee tables, or any obstacles that could trip you up or damage the chair.
If your recliner won’t open or is stuck in a certain recliner position, now is the time to troubleshoot. Sometimes, debris or a jammed lever can prevent the chair from moving. Gently inspect the mechanism and ensure it operates smoothly. If you need to move the chair with the footrest extended or the back reclined, be extra cautious as this can make the chair even more unwieldy.
Many recliners have removable cushions or backs. Check your manufacturer’s instructions, removing these parts can significantly reduce the weight and make moving a recliner chair much easier. Usually, the back can be detached by releasing locking levers or bolts located at the base of the backrest.
Use moving blankets, old sheets, or bubble wrap to cover the recliner. This will protect the upholstery and prevent scratches on walls and doorways. Secure the wrapping with packing tape or stretch wrap, but avoid taping directly to the fabric or leather.
If you’re moving the recliner across hardwood or tile, lay down a protective runner or cardboard to prevent scratches and dents.
Before you lift, measure the recliner and the narrowest points along your route. Recliners can be surprisingly bulky, especially when the footrest is extended or the back is reclined. If the recliner won’t open fully, you may need to move it in its closed position.
If space is tight, consider temporarily removing doors from their hinges. This can give you the extra inches needed to maneuver the chair through tight spots.
When moving a recliner chair by yourself, always lift with your legs, not your back. Keep your back straight and bend at the knees. If the recliner is too heavy, don’t risk injury, ask a friend for help or use a furniture dolly.
You can use a furniture dolly. The furniture dolly is a lifesaver for heavy chairs. Tilt the recliner gently and slide the dolly underneath. Secure the chair with straps if needed. For carpeted floors, furniture sliders placed under each corner can help you glide the recliner across the room with minimal effort. The same sliders and dolly technique also helps when you need to move a couch by yourself.
Take your time, especially when navigating corners or stairs. If you need to set the recliner down, do so gently to avoid damaging the frame or mechanism.
Once you’ve reached your destination, carefully unwrap the recliner and reattach any parts you removed earlier. Test the mechanism to ensure it still works smoothly move the chair through its full range of motion, checking that the recliner position adjusts as expected. If the recliner won’t open or feels stiff, inspect for any obstructions or misaligned parts.
To keep your recliner position consistent after moving, make sure all locking mechanisms are engaged and that the chair is placed on a level surface. If the recliner rocks or feels unstable, check that all feet are touching the floor evenly.
While it’s possible to move a recliner chair by yourself, there are times when calling in the pros is the safest option. If your recliner is particularly heavy, valuable, or needs to be moved up or down multiple flights of stairs, hire a professional movers, they have the equipment and expertise to handle the job safely.
Learning how to move a recliner by yourself can save you time and money, but safety should always come first. By preparing your chair, protecting your home, and using the right techniques, you can make moving a recliner chair a manageable DIY project. Remember to troubleshoot issues like a recliner won’t open before you start, and always test the recliner position after the move. With a little planning and care, your favorite chair will be ready for relaxation in its new home.
Lift with your legs, not your back, and avoid sudden movements to prevent injuries or damage when moving your recliner. We recommend moving the bottom of the recliner first since it is heavier. After that, move the top part. Get help from a friend if needed.
The easiest way to tell if your recliner can be disassembled is by checking to see if the fabric at the base of your chair or sofa is detachable. It will either be velcro or a button closure. If it’s stapled, you cannot disassemble the recliner without damaging it. Pull up the detachable fabric to reveal the frame.
Thus it’s impossible to recline a powered version manually. The motor is responsible for all labor and requires power or batteries to operate. Electricity is used to electric power recliners. They have a motor (dual or single) that controls the adjustable elements and reclines the chair to your preferred position.
You can use a hand truck, 4-wheel dolly or appliance dolly. If you’re moving heavy furniture upstairs or down, a hand truck will be your best bet. No matter which you use, you want to make sure the item is balanced on the dolly and strapped in using any lifting straps or tie down straps.
Priority One Logistics LLC, based in the SF Bay Area, specializes in commercial and office relocation services. Their offerings include office relocation, warehouse services, data center relocation, e-waste recycling, office furniture solutions, and residential moving services. Feel free to call us at (408) 684-2220.
