Moving in New York City has its own unique challenge, and for a lot of people, not having an elevator in their building is an extra piece of complexity. Hauling heavy furniture and boxes up several flights of stairs is intimidating, but with careful planning and the right strategy, your move can be less stressful than you imagine. This guide will give you the tips and tricks necessary to navigate those stairs and deliver your stuff to your new (or old) walk-up apartment safely.
Planning Your Walk-Up Move
Mastering a walk-up move in NYC starts long before moving day. Approach it as a military operation. It all comes down to precise planning and awareness of the specific needs of carrying items up stairs. A little forward thinking is worth it.
Declutter Like a Pro Before You Pack
Less to move. That’s it. Your new best friend when faced with infinite steps. A good cleanout makes your move easier on your back and your bank.
Do a pre-move cleanout. Sort through everything. Donate unwanted clothes to Housing Works or sell furniture online via local NYC venues. Soak up the benefit of lighter weight and mass for the journey up.
Mastering the Art of Stair-Climbing Packing
Your choices on what to pack can make or break how smoothly things go up the stairs. Imagine hauling a massive, heavy box up five flights. No fun, right? Smart packing lightens the weight load and protects your stuff.
Use smaller, lighter boxes. Medium boxes are your friend for most items.
Pack heavy items, like books or dishes, in very small boxes. Keep them manageable. Label boxes thoroughly with contents and the room they belong in. It makes unpacking, too. Your movers will appreciate easier individual handling of boxes.
Obtain an Accurate Knowledge of Your Building's Layout
Don’t have tight corners catch you on moving day. Knowing your building’s layout in advance is key. You don’t want last-minute emergencies. Measure twice.
Take measurements of stairways, hallways, and doorways in both buildings.
Check for any potential choke spots or tight turns. Where might a sofa become wedged?
This information avoids surprises. It also ensures that everything you have will fit.
Building Your Stairway Support Team: The Right Assistance
Working with a walk-up, you can’t manage it alone. Proper manpower is absolutely necessary. Determining who helps you is all the difference. Hire the right team to your side.
Looking for Professional Movers
Choosing the right moving company is key to an elevator-free move. All movers are not created equal. Ask the right questions before you hire someone.
Always ask if a moving company services walk-up buildings.
Find out the charge for additional stairs to haul goods up. Be upfront with your building. Look for reviews or testimonials specifically stating their walk-up experience. This ensures your movers are prepared and in shape for the task at hand.
Friends or Fitness?
Employing friends and family members to perform a walk-up move is budget-friendly. It does, however, come with an honest assessment. Is your friend group ready to engage in a day of cardiovascular fitness?
Assess friends who offer services voluntarily on the basis of physical capability. Can they actually cut it with all the heavy lifting? Be prepared to compensate friends for time and effort. Food, drink, or a legitimate payment speaks volumes about your gratitude.
A do-it-yourself move can reduce average NYC moving costs, but it invests a lot of sweat equity into it.
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If you’ve decided on moving with professionals, then you’re only one step from having a magical journey! Get a free quote and enjoy your move with Magical Moving & Storage.
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