Moving into a walk-up building can feel overwhelming—especially when you realize there’s no elevator in sight. Whether you’re relocating to a historic brownstone or an urban apartment, navigating stairs with bulky items is no easy task. Carrying furniture up multiple flights is physically demanding and time-consuming without the right preparation. That’s why understanding how to approach such a move is essential. With some smart strategies, planning, and support, your move can be smooth—even without elevator access. This guide shares 8 essential tips for moving to a building with no elevator, with a special focus on minimizing stress and maximizing efficiency. Whether you’re managing a residential move or hiring professional movers, these tips can help you protect your belongings—and your back!
Tip 1: Downsize Before You Move
The less things you have to move with, the easier it will be. Begin by decluttering weeks in advance, and sorting out your possessions as to what really needs to be taken with you. Items that are out of date, not used, or just not too heavy for the walk-up apartment should be sold/donated/thrown away. Bulky furniture such as large sofas or bookshelves may not even fit through narrow staircases anymore.
This is an excellent way to eliminate potential unexpected surprises when your moving day arrives. You can use this information to plan for what to take and what to replace during the move. Downsizing also helps you save money and labor when working with an experienced residential moving contractor like A&D Brothers Moving Company.
Try vacuum sealing clothes and soft goods in bags to save space. This also helps keep your load down as you get higher and lower ( as when there is no elevator ). Make the most of every step when there is no elevator; carry only what you really need.
Tip 2: Use the Right Packing Materials
Packing a moving load carefully is key for a staggered move. Use sturdy and reinforced boxes that won’t buckle under the weight if you carry them up a few flights of stairs. Use plastic bins with handles—they’re more durable and easier to grip. Label each box clearly by room and contents so it’s easy to identify your moving load at your destination.
Keep the weights of the boxes under 40 pounds—this allows you or your movers to carry them safely. So try not to overfill the bags/totes with items that are heavy, such as books or kitchenware. Divide the weight evenly, and use bubble wrap or padded packing paper when packing fragile items.
Wheeled suitcases will probably help with back pain when you are carrying heavy things like electronic equipment or documents. However, try to carry heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter ones to keep weight balanced.
You want someone with experience with packing and carrying items in difficult situations like this, such as A&D Brothers Moving Company. Dollies, straps and all the maneuvering skills to get around small spaces and long staircases.
Tip 3: Schedule Moving During Off-Peak Hours
Time timing can have a big impact on the move process, especially when you’re moving in an apartment or condo complex with shared stairwells. Try to move in during off-peak hours (early mornings or on weekdays) when there’s less traffic, and the stairs aren’t crowded as much.
They also make for a more efficient route to move the items as well as less likely to disturb your neighbors during busy times. If your building has strict move-in policies it ‘s best to check the allowed hours ahead of time ( this is especially true if the building is very old where there might not be any separate move – in dates).
So you can try and schedule your movers to arrive at the right time of day to avoid heat exhaustion, especially in multi-story walk ups. When you’re ready to plan, moving is much easier, and faster. And if that isn’t good enough, let A&D Brothers Moving Company do the lifting during these optimal times of the day so your move doesn’t interfere with the building or your own schedule.
Tip 4: Disassemble Bulky Furniture
Trying to get a full-size couch or king bed up 4 flights of stairs? That is just not fun. Disassembling furniture can help you save time, stress, and even injure yourself. Take out beds, take apart sofa legs, disassemble shelves, and separate hardware from other parts of the furniture in baggies.
IF possible, wrap pieces in blankets or plastic wrap to prevent dents and scratches during transportation. Also be sure to keep the instructional manuals nearby to assemble at your new address.
When you hire A&D Brothers Moving Company you know that you’re getting movers who know how to safely and quickly disassemble and reassemble furniture at the speed of lightening, come with the right equipment, protect your belongings, and navigate tight spaces without scratching walls or damaging woodwork. That can make all the difference in a no – elevator move.
Tip 5: Use a Human Chain or Relay Method
You also could try going with a relay system/ human chain if you are stuck on multiple flights of stairs. The idea is to have a bunch of helpers… on different floors, and pass everything in a steady stream passing each other. It reduces strain and speeds things up a bit.
Also means less chance of injury or damage to your belongings, especially in situations where the staircases are very narrow or steep. If friends/family are on hand you can talk up this strategy to minimize that risk. Or get professional movers trained in this way.
A&D Brothers Moving Company’s teamwork is what makes them the go-to company for walk-up moves – they use as much workforce as needed to get your belongings up each floor as quickly and smoothly as possible without you having to do any of the lifting.
Tip 6: Protect the Stairways and Walls
Old stairs are often narrow, fragile, or unprotected. Protect them before you start the moveCardboard runners, floor protection film, or moving blankets can be used to cover steps and landings. Secure corner grates and banisters to avoid scratches, dents or chipped paint during the move.
Also wrap sharp edge furniture to prevent accidental damage to the walls if there are moves into narrow sections of the house. Also ask your building manager ahead of time if any stairway protection or covering is necessary as part of move in protocol.
Professional movers like A&D Brothers Moving Company will have protective gear and know how to minimize costly building damage. Respecting the property is an important part of doing a responsible, smart move—especially when you have the only way in through the stairs.
Tip 7: Wear Proper Moving Gear
What you wear on moving day matters more than you might think. Think closed toe non – slip shoes with good grip for stairs. Think no loose fitting clothing that can get caught on handrails or door handles.
Support gloves will help you have good grip when your hands are sweaty or tired. Also if you ‘re doing the lifting yourself you ‘ll want a back support belt or lifting straps to help keep your back from getting stiff.
Also pack water, snacks and a small first aid kit if you get blisters, scrapes, or fatigue as it ‘s not a sprint to get into a building without an elevator.
To avoid injury or exhaustion you ‘re better off hiring the experts from A&D Brothers Moving Company who are also fully equipped with the right equipment, experience and safety knowledge.
Tip 8: Communicate with Your New Building
One of the most overlooked tips about moving into a no-elevator building is communication. Be sure to notify the building manager or landlord about your move-in date and time because they may have rules, such as having someone reserve the stairwell or designated entryways (especially in older/historic buildings).
If you are moving on a weekend or holiday, check to make sure there are no limitations. Some buildings may even require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company—something A&D Brothers Moving Company can do for you right away. Being prepared with the proper paperwork will keep your moving date from being delayed.
Also ask neighbors to be patient with you (especially if you’re going to be using shared hallways/ landings to stage things ). Being nice goes a long way in building up good community relations. And for moving with no elevator it shows every little bit of cooperation will make your transition much easier/less stressful.
Request a Free Quote Today
Convinced that you’ve seen it coming: packing up and moving into a walk-up building shouldn’t be stressful? A&D Brothers Moving Company provides residential move services for residences without elevators. Our team has been trained, experienced, and equipped with the skill and tools necessary to safely relocate these homes with ease. Request a quote today! At A&D Brothers Moving Company, we won’t get you any kind of hidden or unnecessary fees or surprises during the move. You’ll get exactly what you need, when you need it.
FAQs
Q: Is it more expensive to move into a building with no elevator?
Yes because it takes longer and more labor. Stair carry and more on-site manpower are often adding on to the cost.
Q: Can movers handle walk-up buildings?
Yes. A&D Brothers Moving Company is familiar with moving heavy/bulky items up many flights of stairs.
Q: Do I need to reserve time with my building for moving?
In most cases yes. You’ll want to talk to your landlord / building manager in advance to avoid problems.
Q: Should I tip movers for stair-only moves?
We are never against tipping. Because moving companies have physical jobs like carrying stairs.
