AboutHarry Lipsky Expertise Moving your furniture. I would like to answer all questions dealing with the proper techniques of how to move ANY type of furniture, including difficult doorways and stairways. Also, all questions dealing with the proper packing of breakables including antiques. All general questions concerning the moving and storage industry will be answered. I cannot recommend a particular mover in a person`s neighborhood but i can explain how to obtain a company in good standing with the community. I have been in the moving and storage industry for almost four decades! I am located in Massachusetts.
Experience I have almost four decades of experience in the moving & storage industry. When I was a small boy my father introduced me into the moving business and I have been hooked ever since. At first I started out as a young laborer untill I was old enough to drive a furniture van. As time went on I drove 18-wheelers around the country moving small shipments as well as large corporate relocations. I was taught the old school methods by men that were craftsman in their field. I learned how to pack the most delicate of breakables as well as museum pieces. It was common practice to do estimates and even the actual ratings on interstate jobs. Doing commercial moves were a big part of my moving career over the years. Some of the big names that I delt with were "GE","MICROSOFT","FIDELITY INVESTMENTS" AND "AMERICAN EXPRESS". As the years went by my family retired and sold the business (not my choice). I went on to establish my own moving company which ran for 12 years before I phased out the physical moving itself. Today I have developed a consulting service where I advise future furniture buyers as well as people moving for the first time on what to expect from their upcoming adventure. Furniture buyers are advised on what size furniture will fit through their narrow doorways and tight hallways. By choosing furniture with the right dimensions will narrow down the probability of the furniture being returned back to the store. That is not a scenario people want after waiting 8-12 weeks for their new furniture. I can also help people to understand the proper procedures of a first time move in their lives. I tell them what is to be expected,how they can save money,how to choose a good mover and what is involved with getting the packing done.
I have question about the size of furniture to fit through a door.
We are looking at furniture for our basement that we just recently had finished.
We looked at queen size sleeper sofa that is part of a sectional unit that comes with two recliners and a wedge
The problem is the basement only has one access entry. To get to the basement you have to walk down 7 cement steps. Then, there is a 3’ 5” long by 3’ 2” cement slab that leads to the door. The door is 79” high and 29” wide (31” wide with the door removed)
So,
What is the maximum size of the furniture (sleeper sofa, recliner, wedge - W x D x H) that we can purchase that will allow it to fit through the basement door.
Thanks
Answer Hello Stan,
The most important measurement is the sofa back height. The door should be definately removed for wider access. I would look for a MAXIMUM sofa back height of 35".........maybe 36" but will be tight. Try to keep the length less than 90" per section. The wedge should be fine as long as it stays in line with back height that I stated previously. As far as the depth goes, I would keep it at a 38" max. This isn't written in stone and there is always a bit of extra room when trying to maneuver the sections. But I hope this gives you an idea of what you can look for when purchasing a sofa.
Also, I am assuming that the sofa can go through the door straight ahead with no wall in the way when making my recommendation.
