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How to Move a Recliner Without Damage

Published 2026-06-19 · Best Movers LA editorial team

A recliner is heavier than it looks and has a moving mechanism that can swing open, pinch fingers or snag a doorway. A little prep makes it manageable.

Secure the footrest and mechanism

Close the recliner fully and tie or tape the footrest and reclining mechanism so it can't pop open mid-carry — an open footrest is a finger-pincher and a snag hazard. For a power recliner, unplug it and secure the cord.

Remove the back if it detaches

Many recliners have a removable back — look for levers or clips where the back meets the seat. Detaching it makes the chair far lighter, easier to carry, and much more likely to fit through a narrow doorway. Bag any hardware.

Wrap and carry

Wrap the recliner in a moving blanket with stretch wrap over it to keep the upholstery clean and the mechanism closed. Carry it with two people; for tight doors, stand it on end and angle it through, leading with the smallest dimension.

The LA doorway test

Recliners are a common "won't fit" piece in older LA apartments. Measure the chair's smallest dimension against the doorway, and remember removing an interior door buys extra inches. Our crews detach backs, secure mechanisms and angle bulky seating through tight spaces as part of the move — see our couch moving guide, tight-spaces guide, and furniture protection guide.

Related guides

Related questions

How do you move a recliner?

Close it and secure the footrest and mechanism so it can't pop open, remove the back if it detaches, wrap it in a blanket with stretch wrap, and carry it with two people — angling it through tight doors.

Can you take the back off a recliner?

Many recliners have a removable back — look for levers or clips where the back meets the seat. Detaching it makes the chair lighter and far easier to fit through doorways.

How do I keep a recliner from opening during the move?

Tie or tape the footrest and reclining mechanism closed before wrapping it. An open footrest is a finger-pincher and snags on doorways.

Why won't my recliner fit through the door?

Recliners are bulky and deep. Measure the smallest dimension against the doorway, remove the back if it detaches, and angle it through on end. Removing an interior door buys extra inches.

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