If you are moving to a place without an elevator, you better get your game face on because it will be a workout!
That might sound dramatic, but moving into a building with no elevator is no joke!
In fact, did you know that around 25% of apartments in cities like New York are located in walk-up buildings?
So, if you’re in that boat, you’re far from alone.
It doesn’t matter if you're eyeing that cute apartment on the third floor or moving into a building with five flights of stairs; tips for moving to a building without an elevator are essential.
Now, don't start panicking. Sure, you might think, "How am I going to get my giant couch up those stairs?" or "I've got a ton of boxes; how do I even start?"
Relax!
With the right mindset and a couple of game-changing strategies, moving without an elevator is totally doable.
Here’s the deal: staircase moving strategies are not just for bodybuilders or professional movers.
With a little planning and the right equipment, you can also move that bulky furniture and all your stuff without breaking your back.
Let’s give you all the tips for relocating to high-rise apartments without elevators so you don’t have to stress out about lugging everything upstairs.
Know When to Move
So, the first thing is timing. When should you make your big move to that walk-up apartment?
You don’t want to pick the hottest summer day or that rainy Thursday when everyone is crammed into the hallway.
The best time to move into walk-up apartments is usually during the fall or spring.
Why?
Simple. The weather’s not too hot, not too cold, and you won’t have to worry about sweating buckets or slipping on wet stairs.
Pro Tip: If you’re in the U.S. (or anywhere with lots of people moving at once), try to avoid the summer rush—it’s usually when movers get booked up, and you’ll be dealing with a bunch of people on the stairs. If you’re flexible, move on a weekday for less crowd action.
Declutter Like a Boss
Before you even think about lifting a box, declutter your life.
There’s nothing worse than having to drag boxes full of clothes you haven’t worn in a year up 4 flights of stairs.
Here’s how to do it:
- Donate or sell anything you don’t use (old shoes, mismatched furniture, things you didn’t even know you had).
- If it doesn’t spark joy or you haven’t touched it in forever, get rid of it. Less stuff means less to carry.
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Get Ready for the Stairs
Moving all that stuff up those stairs is where the hard work happens.
But don’t sweat it. It’s not as bad as it sounds if you use smart strategies.
Staircase-moving strategies are effective, but you need to think efficiently.
Try these out
- Furniture Sliders: They help you slide heavy furniture like couches and desks up the stairs without damaging the walls or making your back scream for mercy. You can get some for less than $20, and it’ll make moving much smoother.
- Hand Trucks/Dollies: Do you have a lot of boxes or heavy furniture? Get yourself a dolly or a hand truck. You can load up multiple boxes and roll them up those stairs instead of carrying each box one by one like a human forklift.
Now, a moving heavy items upstairs tip: disassemble whatever you can.
That dresser? Take it apart!
That bed? Break it down!
Smaller pieces are way easier to carry.
Invest in Essential Equipment
You’re not going to haul a king-sized bed on your back (unless you’re a superhero).
So, invest in some essential moving equipment that’ll make your life 1000% easier.
Here’s a checklist of essential moving equipment for stair navigation:
| Equipment | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Dolly or Hand Truck | For easy transport of heavy boxes and furniture |
| Furniture Sliders | To slide large items up without scratching |
| Stair Climbing Dolly | A specialized tool that makes stair-moving easy |
| Moving Blankets | Protects your furniture (and walls) from damage |
| Straps & Ropes | To secure your items for a safe trip up the stairs |
Get Some Help: Don’t Do It Alone!
Unless you’ve got the strength of a bodybuilder, you’re going to need help.
Moving without an elevator is a two-person (or more) job. Get friends, family, or professional movers to help you out.
It’s a team effort, and you don’t want to try and carry everything up the stairs yourself.
Speaking of pros, if you can afford it, hire professional movers who specialize in apartment relocation without elevators.
They’ve got the gear, the experience, and the muscles to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Looking for a team that can move your stuff up those crazy flights of stairs without breaking a sweat? Book your moving squad today!
Be Smart About Your Safety
We get it: you want to move quickly, but safety has to come first.
When you’re hauling heavy items, you can get tired, and that’s when accidents happen.
Don’t be like the guy who trips halfway up with a mattress on his back.
Here’s a quick list of things to keep in mind:
Take Breaks: Don’t try to move everything at once. Take breaks to rest and hydrate.
Lift Properly: Use your legs, not your back, when lifting. A bad back is not worth it.
Use the Right Gear: Don’t skimp on equipment. Sliders, dollies, and moving blankets will protect your body and your stuff.
How to Move Furniture in Buildings Without Lifts
When it comes to moving furniture in buildings without lifts, the strategy is all about being smart. Remember:
Measure Everything: Before you even start moving, make sure your furniture fits through doorways and stairwells.
There’s no worse feeling than getting stuck halfway up with a giant sofa that doesn’t fit through the hall.
Break It Down: Again, if it’s big and heavy, take it apart first. It’ll save you so much time and effort.
Need more tips on getting that bulky furniture up the stairs? Check out our guide on Helpers To Move Furniture for all the tricks to make your move easier!
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
One of the biggest stressors is feeling rushed or disorganized.
Instead of panicking when you can’t find that box of socks, just stay calm.
Plan ahead, keep a checklist of tasks, and remember: moving is a marathon, not a sprint.
Here’s another thing to remember: the challenges of moving into buildings without elevators include narrow staircases, awkwardly shaped furniture and sweat.
But with the right attitude and tools, you'll get through it with no problem.
Hire a Moving Service?: To Do or Not to Do
We know the whole "how to move furniture in buildings without lifts" thing might sound overwhelming.
If you're not feeling up for it or have a lot of heavy, bulky stuff, consider hiring a moving company specializing in this kind of work.
These professionals know the tricks of the trade and have efficient moving techniques for multi-story buildings.
Still unsure about hiring movers? Learn all abouthow to hire movers for just 2 hours in our detailed guide and make the decision easier!
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