Reclining Sofas offer exceptional comfort, but their mechanical structures, metal frames, and extended depth make them challenging to move through narrow hallways, staircases, and doorways. Many homeowners face difficulties when relocating, especially when the reclining mechanism adds extra weight and thickness to the furniture. Disassembling the reclining sofa before transport can greatly reduce the risk of damage, protect the internal components, and make the moving process manageable.

Modern recliners—such as those from HANHAN, designed with modular backrests, removable seats, and user-friendly locking mechanisms—are specifically engineered to simplify assembly and disassembly. Their detailed structure makes moving easier without compromising long-term durability. You can explore HANHAN’s Recliner Sofas here:
HANHAN Recliner Sofa Collection

The following guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of how to take apart a reclining sofa safely and efficiently, including preparation steps, mechanism understanding, component removal, and reassembly considerations.

1. Preparing the Workspace and Tools

Before attempting to take apart a reclining sofa, preparing the space ensures safety and prevents unnecessary damage. Reclining sofas consist of multiple moving components, including release levers, metal mechanisms, connecting brackets, and power modules (for electric models). Adequate preparation helps you handle each part correctly.

Start by clearing the floor area around the sofa. Move small furniture, carpets, and decorative items away to create space for rotation and lifting. This prevents accidental scratches or dents. Cover the floor with a protective cloth or blanket to place removed components safely.

Essential tools typically include:

• A Phillips and flathead screwdriver

• Socket wrench set

• Pliers

• A small flashlight

• Protective gloves

• Sealable bags for screws or bolts

Electric recliners may also involve wiring or plug connections. In such cases, ensure the sofa is unplugged and the power module is switched off. HANHAN’s recliner sofas feature simplified wiring layouts that allow the user to disconnect components with minimal effort.

2. Understanding the Reclining Mechanism

Taking apart a reclining sofa becomes easier when you understand how its structure works. Reclining sofas usually consist of three major sections: the base frame, seat and back modules, and the reclining mechanism or motor system. These sections are connected by brackets or locking levers that can be released manually.

Most reclining sofas—including those made by HANHAN—use side-mounted locking bars or rear-release levers to attach the backrest to the seat frame. When engaged, these locks hold the backrest tightly in place during daily use. When disengaged, the backrest lifts upward and detaches smoothly.

There are typically two types of locking mechanisms:

Manual recliner mechanism

Uses cable-operated levers or side handles. The backrest is usually attached with metal clips or locking tabs.

Power recliner mechanism

Uses electric motors, control boxes, and wiring harnesses. The backrest remains removable, but additional steps are required to unplug the power components safely.

Some recliners also include modular arms or removable seats. If the sofa is from a modular series like HANHAN’s, the sections are intentionally designed to detach easily to aid moving.

Understanding these components gives you clarity on the disassembly steps to follow.

3. Removing the Backrest Safely

The backrest is usually the first part to remove because it reduces the sofa’s weight significantly and makes the reclining system more accessible. Although designs vary, the general method for removal remains consistent.

Begin by reclining the sofa slightly to expose the locking mechanisms more easily. The backrest typically attaches to the seat frame using a metal slide-and-lock bracket system. The locking levers or clips are located at the lower back portion of the sofa.

Steps for removing the backrest:

• Locate the locking levers using your flashlight; they may be hidden behind fabric flaps

• Lift the lever or pull the clip outward to release the lock

• Gently lift the backrest by pulling it upward along the slide channel

• Avoid twisting or forcing the backrest to prevent bending the metal bracket

Once released, the backrest can be moved separately. Lift straight upward rather than pulling forward—this prevents damage to the alignment track. Products from the HANHAN recliner collection use reinforced brackets to prevent deformation during frequent removals.

Always store the backrest in an upright position to protect the internal padding.

4. Detaching the Seat and Recliner Base

After the backrest is removed, focus on the seat section. The seat of a reclining sofa connects to the base through hinges, rails, or mechanical arms. Some models allow the seats to slide forward or lift up for cleaning; these features also make disassembly easier.

If your sofa has removable seat cushions, remove them first. For powered recliners, carefully disconnect any electrical wiring leading to the seat panel.

Key points during seat removal:

• Tilt the sofa forward to expose the bottom frame

• Identify bolts or screws securing the seat to the reclining tracks

• Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove fasteners

• Lift the seat upward to disengage it from the metal base

In some models, especially modular sofas, seats detach simply by lifting because the brackets slide-out directly. For heavier reclining units, it may be necessary to remove the metal footrest or reclining arm before the seat can be detached fully.

Many advanced recliners—like those produced by HANHAN—use segmented bases to reduce weight during transport. This means the seat unit can be carried separately from the reclining hardware.

Once detached, the seat should be wrapped in protective cloth or foam padding to prevent tears or scratches.

5. Disconnecting the Reclining Mechanism and Support Components

The reclining mechanism is the most complex part of the sofa. It includes metal arms, a pivoting frame, and in power models, electric motors, control boxes, and wiring harnesses. Removing it requires patience and careful handling.

For manual recliners

Manual recliners rely on mechanical linkages activated by side levers. After the seat is removed, the mechanism is fully visible.

• Identify the pivot points and hinge arms

• Remove screws securing the mechanism to the base frame

• Detach the footrest linkage, if present

• Lift the mechanism away carefully to avoid bending any arms

For power recliners

Power units include motors, control modules, and cables.

• Unplug the sofa completely

• Locate the wiring harness under the seat area

• Disconnect the motor plug, control box connector, and power cable

• Remove bolts holding the motor assembly in place

• Lift out the motor unit safely

During this process, take care not to twist wiring or apply excessive pressure on metal components. HANHAN’s power recliners use clearly labeled wiring and accessible mounting structures to simplify disassembly.

Proper removal of the reclining mechanism significantly reduces the sofa’s weight and bulk, making transport much easier.

6. Organizing Components and Preparing for Reassembly

Once all major parts are removed, the final step involves organizing and protecting the components. Disassembled sofas include many small fasteners—bolts, screws, cable clips, retaining washers—that must be labeled to prevent confusion during reassembly.

A simple organizational approach includes:

• Using labeled bags for screws (e.g., “backrest screws,” “seat bolts,” “mechanism screws”)

• Wrapping mechanical arms in cloth to prevent scratches

• Storing electrical components separately

• Photographing each stage of disassembly for reference

Below is a simple organization table:

Reassembly is essentially the reverse of disassembly. Aligning the brackets and reinstalling the backrest requires precision. Sofas from HANHAN are designed with intuitive alignment tracks, making the process faster and reducing the chance of misalignment.

Properly organizing parts ensures the sofa returns to full functionality once moved to its new location.

Conclusion

Taking apart a reclining sofa for moving requires preparation, understanding of the internal mechanism, and careful handling of each component. By removing the backrest, seat, and mechanical assembly step by step, the sofa becomes significantly lighter and easier to maneuver through tight spaces.

Whether your recliner is manual or powered, following a structured disassembly method protects the frame, padding, and electrical components. High-quality recliners—such as those from HANHAN—are specifically engineered with modular elements that simplify both disassembly and reassembly, ensuring long-term durability even after multiple moves.