7 Tips for Moving into a Walk-Up Apartment in NYC

Whether you’re moving into a classic NYC walk-up with no elevator or dealing with an out-of-service elevator on moving day, the challenges can feel daunting. But with the right planning and help, your move can still go smoothly. As a leading NYC apartment moving company, Shleppers is here to help you navigate these situations with ease. Here’s how to make your move manageable, no matter the number of stairs or the state of the elevator.

1. Declutter Before You Move

When stairs are involved, every unnecessary item adds to the workload. Decluttering beforehand lightens your load and saves time. Donate what you don’t need or use Shleppers’ storage and moving company services to safely stow non-essentials until you’re ready for them.

2. Pack Strategically

For moves involving lots of stairs, smaller boxes are your best friend — especially for heavy items like books. Pack and label boxes clearly to make unloading easier and prioritize a few “essentials” boxes with items you’ll need immediately. If the elevator is out of service, this ensures you can access the necessities without unpacking everything.

3. Hire Professional Movers

Navigating a tight stairwell or dealing with a non-functional elevator can be tricky. A professional NYC moving company like Shleppers specializes in handling these scenarios with care and efficiency. Whether it’s a bulky sofa or fragile decor, we ensure everything arrives safely, even in challenging conditions.

4. Protect Your Belongings and the Building

For stair-heavy moves, wrap fragile items securely and invest in protective materials for your furniture. To avoid damage to your building’s walls, railings, or floors — especially in elevator-free buildings — Shleppers uses high-quality moving pads and corner guards.

5. Time Your Move Wisely

Plan your move during quieter times, such as mornings or weekdays, to minimize stress. If you’re moving to a building with a temporarily out-of-service elevator, coordinate with management to confirm if elevator repairs will align with your schedule or to reserve an alternate moving window.

6. Communicate with Your Movers

Whether your building lacks an elevator or it’s temporarily unavailable, provide your movers with as much detail as possible. Sharing information about stairwell layouts or elevator downtime ensures your movers are prepared for every step of the process.

7. Stay Comfortable and Energized

Moving stairs — or improvising when there’s no elevator — can be exhausting. Take breaks and stay hydrated, especially if you’re helping with some of the carrying. Have snacks and water on hand for quick energy boosts.

Conquer Moving into a Walk-Up with Tips from Shleppers

Moving to a walk-up or handling an elevator outage doesn’t have to derail your plans. With Shleppers, one of the best moving companies NYC residents trust, you’ll have expert movers equipped to handle any challenge. From professional packing to seamless execution, we ensure your move is as stress-free as possible.

Contact us today to learn how Shleppers can make your NYC move smooth, efficient, and worry-free — even when stairs are part of the deal!