Sofa doesn’t go up the stairs?

Here's what you can do.

If your sofa doesn’t go up the stairs, you’re not the first and definitely not the last. It happens way more often than people expect. You measure the sofa, plan the move, maybe even map out the whole route in your head… but forget one major detail: the actual path your sofa has to travel. That means stairwells, corners, low ceilings, and narrow landings. They all play a role and they can instantly turn a smooth delivery into a nightmare. The good news? There are smarter solutions than just forcing it or giving up.

Have you heard of a moving lift? Also known as furniture lift.

The solution to your sofa problem is renting a moving lift. A moving lift is a machine made for moving furniture like sofas, beds and pianos up from the outside of the building. You only need to measure if your windows on the street side are big enough for your couch to fit through.

When your dream couch becomes a moving day nightmare

A sofa too big for your staircase can quickly turn your excitement into frustration. You pictured it in your living room, feet up, relaxing — but instead, you're stuck halfway up the stairs with no clue what to do next. This problem is surprisingly common in places like the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Why? Well, the furniture is getting bigger but the staircases in many older buildings are still just as tight.

Ever noticed those hoisting beams on houses in Amsterdam? They're not just for decoration. They were designed to attach a block and tackle, so people could hoist up furniture from the street.

These days we rarely use those systems anymore because there’s a much better option: the furniture lift.

We measured everything… except the stairwell

Many people focus on the size of the sofa and the space it's going into but forget to measure the stairwell or hallway. That’s often where the real problem lies. A staircase with a sharp bend or a low ceiling can block even a moderately sized piece of furniture.

Why this happens more than you'd think

Most modern sofas are built for comfort and style, not for squeezing through 19th century staircases. Urban apartments, townhouses and older homes often have layouts that simply weren't designed with today's bulky furniture in mind. It's not just sofas — beds, pianos, fridges and more often face the same issue.

Sofa doesn’t fit through the door

You finally got the sofa up the stairs, but now you're facing a new problem: your sofa doesn’t fit through the door. Even after all that effort to get it inside the house, there’s another frustrating obstacle. You’ve tried every angle, twisted it every way, and it still won’t go through? You’re definitely not the only one, but the good news is, there’s a solution.

Tried every angle, and still no luck?

Even if your sofa is technically narrow enough, the angle might still be wrong. Long pieces often need to make a sharp turn right after entering and that’s where most attempts fail. Low ceilings can make it impossible to tip the sofa onto its side — which is often necessary to get the right angle. And even when you do manage to get it upright, a narrow hallway combined with a low door lintel will often block your way. In short, it might seem close, but that final squeeze is where most sofas and walls lose the battle.

Removing the door or frame: worth the effort?

Taking the door off its hinges might give you a few extra centimeters. Removing the frame? That’s more serious work. Sometimes it helps, but it’s not always worth the damage or effort. If you do decide to remove the doorframe, make sure you check whether you’ll be able to reinstall it properly. Damaging it will definitely cost you more than simply renting a moving lift.

Taking the couch apart, smart or risky?

Some sofas come with detachable legs or backs and removing those parts can really help. But others are glued or stapled and forcing them apart could completely ruin the structure. Make sure you know what you're doing before taking your couch apart — you’ve likely paid a good amount for that sofa. Getting it into your living room but not being able to restore it properly would be a real shame.

Through the window: a crazy idea or brilliant move?

Believe it or not, getting your sofa in through a window or balcony might be the most logical solution. That’s where a furniture lift comes in — and no, it’s not as extreme as it sounds. As we mentioned earlier, you're not the only one struggling to get a sofa into your home. We help multiple clients on a daily basis to bring their sofas inside through a window or balcony door using our moving lift.

Don’t panic, there are real solutions

Don’t let a stuck sofa ruin your day. From simple tricks to high tech tools, there are ways to fix the problem without wrecking your home or your new couch.

When to stop forcing it and change plans

If you're sweating, swearing and your sofa's still not moving, stop. You risk damaging your home, the furniture, or even yourself. Time to regroup. Usually, we say: if it looks like the sofa might just barely fit, it’s actually better not to try at all. In those situations, damage is almost guaranteed — a scrape on the wall, a ripped fabric, or worse. It’s just not worth the gamble.

Small hacks that sometimes help

Take the cushions off, unscrew the legs, maybe even stand the whole thing upright. These little tricks can sometimes make just enough of a difference if the sofa is almost small enough. But be careful — when you're forcing it, damage is just around the corner. Go slow, and if it starts to feel wrong, it probably is.

Why a moving lift is often the fastest, cleanest option

Using a moving lift, also known as a furniture lift, is one of the most effective ways to get bulky furniture into high or narrow spaces. No scratches, no strained backs and no broken doorframes. Renting a moving lift is almost always cheaper than repairing a scratch in the wall. Have you ever heard of a plasterer or carpenter doing a job for less than €200? Renting a moving lift will usually cost you less than that.

The ultimate solution: a moving lift

A furniture lift can feel like magic. It solves problems traditional movers can't fix. Especially if your sofa doesn’t fit up the stairs or through the door, a lift offers a clean, professional solution.

What is a furniture lift, and how does it work?

A furniture lift is a mechanical platform designed to lift large items like sofas, beds or wardrobes from street level up to a window or balcony. It’s operated by trained professionals and takes just minutes to set up. These lifts can reach up to the 10th floor, and sometimes even higher (max 30 meters). Here's what you can do with a load capacity of 400 kg, you don’t have to worry — no sofa is ever too heavy.

Can it really lift a sofa to the 5th floor?

Yes. Whether you live on the second or the sixth floor, a furniture lift can usually reach up to the 10th floor, as long as there’s a clear access point like a large window or balcony. It's also important to make sure there are no obstacles in front of the window that could block access.

Will it damage my couch or building?

Not at all. In fact, using a lift is often safer than carrying heavy furniture through narrow hallways and tight staircases. Everything is padded, properly secured and supervised by professionals. If you want to be extra cautious, it's actually smart to leave the plastic wrapping on the sofa — it helps prevent dirt and adds an extra layer of protection.

Where can the lift be set up?

You usually just need a bit of space on the sidewalk or street outside your home. In some cases, you might need a short term permit, but a reliable lift company will guide you through that. If you're not sure about your specific situation, just send us a photo via WhatsApp and we’ll provide you with the necessary information.

Lift Express: fast, safe and not as expensive as you’d think

Lift Express specializes in exactly these types of moves. The service is surprisingly affordable and can often be arranged last minute, even same day. Interested? Check our current rates.

What to know before booking

A bit of planning makes all the difference when using a moving lift. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Can anything be lifted this way?

Almost anything: sofas, beds, wardrobes, fridges and even pianos. As long as it fits the platform, doesn’t exceed the weight limit of 400 kg and isn’t longer than 4 meters, it can go up. The maximum height we can reach is 30 meters — roughly the 10th floor.

Do you need a city permit or to notify neighbors?

In about 99% of the cases, we can carry out the work without needing a permit. But there are exceptions. If we have to block an important road or pedestrian path for a longer period of time, then it’s definitely a good idea to look into getting a permit. In those cases, the local city council may require official permission, especially in busy urban areas or near traffic heavy spots. A professional lift service can usually advise you and help arrange this if needed.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the height and location, but most people are surprised by how affordable it is — especially when you factor in the cost of potential damage without it.

Can you book last minute?

Yes. Last minute service is actually something we handle all the time. It’s pretty much part of our daily routine. That said, booking early is always better — not just for scheduling, but also because it can be more cost effective. Planning ahead gives us more flexibility to work around your specific needs and you might even save some money compared to a same day booking.

What if it rains or the weather’s bad?

A little rain? No problem. We can usually keep going just fine, even in less than ideal weather. But if it’s really pouring or there’s heavy wind, safety becomes the priority — for both your furniture and our team. In those rare cases, we might have to pause or reschedule. Still, it’s good to know that even during heavier rain, we often keep working as long as conditions allow.

Worried about items that can’t get wet, like mattresses or sofas? You can wrap them in shrink wrap to keep them dry. It’s simple, effective and gives you peace of mind. We recommend this anytime rain is in the forecast. That way, even if the weather turns, your things stay safe and dry.

Light rain usually isn’t an issue. Heavy wind or storms might cause a delay, because the safety of your furniture and movers always comes first.

FAQ

Our sofa is stuck in the hallway — can you help?

Absolutely. In many cases, a moving lift can get your sofa inside through a window or balcony, avoiding further stress.

Is this safe for delicate or vintage furniture?

Yes. Please use padding to protect your most fragile pieces. The platform of the lift will do the rest.

Can you lift it over a railing or balcony ledge?

Definitely. Most balcony or window barriers are no problem.

What’s the max weight for a furniture lift?

Usually up to 300–400 kg, depending on the equipment. That covers most if not all af the normal household items.

How long does it take?

Setting up the lift usually takes no more than five minutes. In more complex situations it might take a little longer, but that’s rare. Once the lift is in place, the job goes quickly. Breaking it down afterwards also takes just about five minutes. Lifting a standard sofa that comes in two or three parts? That often takes no longer than fifteen minutes. So from start to finish, the whole process is surprisingly fast — often under an hour.