How to Separate a Sectional Sofa: Easily Moving Heavy Furniture

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Sectional sofas are loved for their comfort, modularity, and room-filling design. But when it comes time to rearrange your living room or move homes, separating a sectional can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to start. Whether you're working with a reclining sectional, a chaise piece, or a modular design with unique clips, the process is easier than you think.

With the right preparation, moving a sectional sofa becomes much more manageable. This guide will help you understand how to take apart your La-Z-Boy sectional properly and avoid common mistakes. 

Key Takeaways:

• Always clear out enough space before separating your sectional.
• Identify what kind of sectional you have—stationary, reclining, or with alligator clips.
• Start disassembling from the left side (opposite of how it’s assembled).
• Disconnect all power cords to avoid damage to the reclining mechanisms.
• Have a second person help with heavier pieces like reclining sectionals.

In this Article…

1. Before You Begin
2. Clearing Stationary Sectionals
3. Disassembling Reclining Sectionals
4. Working with Alligator Clips
5. Problems to Avoid When Separating Sectionals
6. FAQs for Separating Sectionals

Before You Begin

Before doing anything, give yourself room. La-Z-Boy’s Ottawa delivery team strongly recommends creating at least two to three feet of space around the sectional. Jason Nurnberg, one of La-Z-Boy Ottawa’s delivery experts, explains, “If it is the last furniture item you have to worry about, that is an ideal scenario.”

Whether it’s a 3-piece sectional or a larger 6-piece setup, the more open space you have, the easier the process will be.

Additionally, unplug all power cords and reclining mechanisms in advance. Forgetting this step could cause electrical components to break or result in a tripping hazard. When dealing with large furniture, always have someone else help you, especially when separating heavier, reclining sectionals.

Clearing Stationary Sectionals

Stationary sectionals are the most straightforward type to disassemble. These use a simple metal bracket connection system that holds each modular piece together. The pieces typically lock together using vertical metal slots.

To separate stationary modular pieces, start from the left side of the configuration and gently lift each module up and away from its connecting bracket. Working from this side allows for smooth disconnection, avoiding the need to lift the entire assembly.

Jason Nurnberg adds that when it comes to setting up modular sectionals, “The proper way to assemble a modular sectional sofa is to always start on the right side.” This is because the modular pieces are built with left-side clips that lock into place. But for disassembly, the reverse logic applies: start on the left so you’re lifting one piece at a time without additional strain.

For best results, ensure each clip is fully disengaged before removing the module. Forcing pieces apart can damage the connector or unbalance the entire layout.

Disassembling Reclining Sectionals

Reclining sectionals take a little more effort to separate due to their dual-clip connection system and additional weight from internal mechanisms. These pieces are connected with both a horizontal clip and a vertical latch that must be released in a specific order.

To take them apart, begin from the left side, disconnecting the horizontal clip first, followed by lifting the vertical side out of its slot.

These connectors can be tough to manage solo. “One person can hold the back of the pieces in place while the other works to bring the vertical slots together,” says Jason. For that reason, it’s strongly advised to have two people handle this kind of sectional.

Also, keep in mind that reclining sectionals should always be placed at least 6 inches from the wall during reassembly to allow a full range of motion when reclining.

Working with Alligator Clips

Alligator clip connectors are a newer style seen on the Montrose sectional at La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston. These clips are unique in that they’re located underneath the furniture instead of on the sides.

To separate a sectional with alligator clips:

1. Slightly tilt or lift the piece to expose the underside.
   
   
2. Locate the clip system and disengage it by lifting the left-side module out of place.
   
   
3. Slide the connected piece away gently until fully detached.
   
   

Once connected, these clips lock securely into place with a satisfying click. They’re designed to be hidden from view and rotate beneath the frame, so they aren’t visible from the outside.

The Tahoe is currently the only La-Z-Boy sectional to feature alligator clips and is ideal for homeowners looking for flexible, modern modular options, particularly in tighter urban homes or condos in Ottawa.

To learn more about the Tahoe Sectional, take a look at this article.

Problems to Avoid While Moving Heavy Furniture 

Moving heavy furniture like a sectional doesn’t have to result in scratches, strained backs, or broken clips. Here are a few issues to avoid:

• Not clearing enough space: Give yourself 2–3 feet of clearance around your sectional to ensure safe disassembly. Small sectionals are easier, but 6-piece models will need more breathing room.
  
  
• Forcing the connection: If a piece doesn’t lift easily, double-check that all clips are disengaged. Forcing it could break the connector or throw off the alignment.
  
  
• Improper clip alignment: Always verify that clips are locked in securely during reassembly. As Jason notes, “If one piece looks loose, it’ll make the entire sectional look awkwardly placed, with one side looking higher or lower than the other.” This is especially true for stationary connectors.
  
  

Going solo: Larger or reclining sectionals are best handled by two people. Trying to lift heavy, metal-laden frames alone increases your risk of injury or damaging the sectional.

FAQs

Can I separate a sectional without any tools?
Yes! All La-Z-Boy sectionals are designed to be assembled and disassembled by hand. Just ensure clips are fully disengaged before lifting.

How do I know what kind of sectional I have?
Check the base of your furniture. If the connectors are underneath, it's likely an alligator clip sectional like the Montrose. Visible metal hooks on the sides suggest a stationary or reclining frame.

Is there an easy way to move a sectional between rooms?
Yes, start by separating the pieces following the guide above, then use furniture sliders or felt pads to move them. If you're in Ottawa, La-Z-Boy offers delivery and moving services to make this easier.

What's Next?

You now have the knowledge you need in order to properly disassemble and assemble your La-Z-Boy Sectional. These helpful steps will allow you to move your power furniture or stationary sectional more easily without worrying about your furniture feeling too heavy.

Now that you know everything about moving heavy sectional pieces, you might be interested in learning more about how to disassemble our other furniture frames.

Make sure to check out How to Disassemble Your La-Z-Boy Recliner for more information on that subject. You can also learn more about how to Take Apart Your La-Z-Boy Sofa and Loveseat with this article.

If you’re looking for a new stylish and comfortable sectional sofa to add to your living room, why stop by today? You can start shopping by visiting one of our local showrooms located in Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston. You can also schedule a visit online before coming in.

Our design consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how our furniture can fit in your home. To learn more about La-Z-Boy sectionals in general, take a look at our Sectional Buyer’s Guide.

Related Articles:

Paxton vs Alani: Sectionals at La-Z-Boy

Cuddler vs. Chaise: Which Modular Sectional Piece is Right for You?

Top Considerations for Arranging a Sectional Sofa