Can your bookshelf fit through the door and up the stairs? Tall, heavy when loaded, and awkward to carry. Measurements and tips for a safe move.
Always empty the bookshelf before moving — books add 200–400 lbs. An empty standard bookshelf (30–36" wide, 72–84" tall) fits through most doors and up most stairways when carried flat. Stair landing ceiling clearance is the main concern for taller units.
Empty it first — then check stair landing clearance.
Remove every book and shelf before moving. A loaded bookshelf can weigh 200–400+ lbs, but empty it drops to 50–150 lbs. Measure width, depth, and height. Standard bookshelves are 30–36" wide, 10–12" deep, and 72–84" tall.
Run the a Bookshelf Fit Through a Door CalculatorBookshelves are tall but relatively narrow. Most fit through standard 32" doors upright. If the bookshelf is wider than the door, tilt it on its side — the 10–12" depth easily clears. The challenge is height vs. ceiling clearance when tilting.
Run the a Bookshelf Fit Through a Door CalculatorCarry the empty bookshelf up the stairs on its back (face up). Measure stairway width and ceiling clearance. A 72" bookshelf fits most stairways when carried flat. Taller bookshelves (84"+) may need to be tilted, requiring extra ceiling clearance at the landing.
Run the It Fit Up the Stairs CalculatorInstall the free ItemFits extension — it reads product dimensions on IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon and tells you if it fits before you buy.
Learn proven techniques for moving heavy furniture yourself. Covers furniture sliders, dollies, straps, disassembly, and measuring doorways before moving day.
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