Nowadays office chairs are a critical component of your daily work environment, designed to support your posture, reduce strain, and enhance productivity. However, sometimes you might need to transport an office chair in your car.
Whether you are traveling, moving to a new place, or taking the chair to a repair shop regardless of the reason, this is the time when you think, can my office chair fit in a car or is it safe? or any alternative way. Then don’t worry In this article, we will discuss the 4 best ways with several options if your chair doesn’t fit. So let’s get started!
How Much Space Does an Office Chair Take Up in a Car?
Office chairs come in various shapes, sizes, and components. A standard office chair measures about 40 to 50 inches in height, 25 to 30 inches in width, and 25 to 30 inches in depth.
First, you should take a proper measurement including the backrest, seat, and base, which often includes a set of five wheels, and then compare it to the space available in a typical car.
The trunk of a sedan, for instance, usually offers around 12 to 15 cubic feet of space, with a width of about 36 to 45 inches and a height of 15 to 20 inches. But still, it seems spacious and can make it difficult to fit without disassembly.
So understanding these dimensions of your chair and the trunk is crucial, it will help you to determine whether the chair can fit as is, or if you’ll need to disassemble certain parts to make it work.
What Type of Office Chair Can Fit Easily in Your Car Trunk?
Not all office chairs are created equal some are Compact and Petite which are smaller and can be easily fit in the truck. On the other hand Folding Office Chairs, Armless Office Chairs, chairs that can be disassembled easily, and ergonomic Task chairs with a streamlined design.
First of all, You should see if you have any of the types from above, if yes then it will be much easier, just need to consider the best way according to the chair type.
So what are the best ways to fit this office chair in the Car?
1. Disassemble Only the Base and Fit in the Trunk
The first and most effective way to fit an office chair into your car trunk is by disassembling just the base. This method is especially useful if your chair’s base is too large or bulky to fit in the trunk as a whole.
How to do this?
To remove the base, make sure you have enough space to work around the chair. First, lay down a blanket or soft surface on the floor to protect both the chair and your car’s interior from scratches.
Most office chairs require basic tools such as a screwdriver or Allen wrench, so you can also see the chair’s assembly manual and gather the necessary tools according to this.
Also Read: How to Remove the Base Properly?
Remove the Base
- Locate the Mechanism: Identify the attachment points where the base connects to the seat. This is usually where you will find screws or bolts, and you need to unscrew them using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, depending on the type of fasteners used.
- Turn to Counterclockwise: You need to turn each screw or bolt counterclockwise until they are fully loosened, making sure to support the base as it becomes detached to avoid any sudden falls or damage.
- Separate the Base: Once the screws and bolts are detached, you can lift the base away from the chair.
Note: If the base has wheels or casters, they might also be removable if necessary, meaning that detaching them can further reduce the overall size of the base and simplify the packing process.
Fit the Base in the Trunk
- Position the Base: Now you need to Place the base in the trunk with the larger surface area facing down to maximize the use of space. Well, this fully depends on your trunk size and type (as we mentioned). You just need to Arrange it so that it fits snugly without forcing it.
- Secure the Base: SO if you are scared that it can damage your trunk, then you should consider using straps or rope. This helps prevent any shifting or movement during transit.
- Transport the Other Parts: Place the remaining parts of the chair, such as the seat and backrest, in the car. These parts are usually more manageable and should fit into the car’s interior or trunk without much difficulty.
Reassemble the Chair
Once you’ve reached your destination, reassemble the chair by reversing the disassembly process.
2. Fold the Chair If Possible
As we mentioned earlier, chairs with folding mechanisms can be an excellent option for simplifying transport.
You need to identify the parts, like most foldable chairs have a hinge or locking system underneath the seat or at the backrest. Also, look for any levers, buttons, or knobs that release or adjust these mechanisms. If these are immediately visible, then start folding it in the way we will guide.
How to Fold?
- Release the Locks: If the chair has any locking mechanisms that hold it in an upright position, then disengage it.
- Fold the Backrest: Gently fold the backrest down towards the seat, and also ensure it aligns properly with the base.
- Collapse the Seat: Fold the seat towards the backrest if the chair is designed to collapse in this manner.
- Place the Chair in the Car: Now you can Position the folded chair in your car’s trunk by arranging it in a safe position to make the most of available space and protect it from damage. You can also consider rope or straps for this purpose.
3. Adjust the Chair in the Front Seat
If you can’t choose the above two options, or your chair is not able to be disassembled or folded, then another effective method is to adjust and position the office chair in the front seat of your car.
How to do it
- Move the Seat Back: First of all, Push the front passenger seat as far back as it will go to create maximum space for the chair.
- Recline the Seat: Tilt the seatback down to allow more room for the office chair’s backrest and base.
- Position the Office Chair: Once the space is ready to place the chair, now start by positioning, it so that the backrest faces toward the rear of the car.
- Angle the Seat: Tilt the seat of the office chair slightly upward to help it fit more snugly in the space available. The chair’s base can rest on the car’s floor, and the backrest should align with the car seat.
Secure the Chair
Now you need to secure the chair using the car’s seatbelt or an additional strap. This will help prevent the chair from shifting or tipping over while driving.
4. Transport your chair through a Roof Rack or Hitch Carrier (If available)
If your office chair is too large to fit inside your car, then the last option you can consider is using a roof rack or hitch carrier. This can be effective, but only for cars that have these accessories already installed.
First, you need to ensure your roof rack or hitch carrier can support the weight of your office chair, meaning if you have a particularly heavy or bulky chair, you must check the load capacity of the rack or carrier.
- Secure Padding: Place padding, such as blankets or foam, on the roof rack or carrier so any of your chair components won’t damage the floor.
- Align the Chair: Place the chair on the roof rack or hitch carrier, aligning it so that it sits as flat and stable as possible.
- Disassemble If Necessary: If the chair is too tall or bulky, you can also consider removing the base or backrest to make it more manageable and reduce wind resistance during transport.
- Secure the Chair: Lastly Fasten the chair securely using strong straps or bungee cords, make sure the chair is tightly anchored and won’t move while driving.
Tips to Consider While Fitting Your Office Chair in the Car
Once you have chosen a method and are ready to transport, there are some tips and precautions you should keep in mind, before starting:
- You should re-measure the available space in your car and also inspect each component to ensure that it is not attached to any delicate parts that could be damaged during transport.
- Make sure all attachments, such as armrests, headrests, or wheels, are securely fastened or removed if necessary.
- Ensure that no part of the chair is under strain that could cause it to snap, bend, or break while fitting it into the car.
- Try to avoid bumpy or rough roads that could cause the chair to shift or become unstable.
Additional Recommendations:
When planning to transport an office chair, the distance you need to travel significantly affects how you should prepare. Generally, it is not recommended for you to transport too long, but if it is necessary, then thorough disassembly and secure packing become crucial to prevent any shifting or wear.
Additionally, ensure the chair is well-protected with padding and regularly check its stability during breaks. And for shorter journeys, as we have mentioned, simple security tips like folding or removing the base might suffice.
What to Do If the Chair Doesn’t Fit? Any Alternatives?
If any of the above methods does not work or you are not satisfied with them, then there are several alternatives to consider:
- Delivery Services: You can contact a professional moving or delivery service that can handle larger items.
- Disassemble Fully: If you haven’t already, try disassembling the chair into its components, means you will need to disassemble each component, Removing the backrest, base, and armrests and also more, can make it easier to fit the parts into your car.
By considering these alternatives, you can find a practical solution, even if it initially doesn’t fit in your car.
Conclusion
In summary, whether your office chair can fit in your car depends on the chair’s size and your vehicle’s capacity. By following the methods outlined above, you can find the best solution for your situation. If none of these work, consider professional help or full disassembly.
