Moving Out of a Walk-Up: What to Do With the Big Stuff

The Walk-Up Move-Out

A walk-up move-out is where furniture gets damaged — on the stairs, not in the truck. Here's how to get the big stuff down intact.

The Couch Down the Stairs

A couch goes down on its end, long side vertical. Two people, one at the top and one at the bottom, feed it one step at a time. At a landing turn, rotate the couch slowly — don't force it.

The Fridge Straight Down

A fridge goes down on the dolly, upright, two people. The stairwell must be wide enough; a fridge jammed on a landing is a disaster.

Wrap Every Corner

A stairwell wall is scratched by the furniture's corner, not the wall's fault. Wrap every corner in a blanket before the piece leaves the apartment. Tape the blanket.

The Bookcase On-End

A tall bookcase goes down on its back (if the stairwell allows) or on its end. Remove the shelves first — a shelf that falls out mid-carry is a hazard.

Protect the Stairwell

Some NYC buildings require a padded stairwell for a move-out. A mover hangs blankets on the railing and the wall corners. Check with the building.

Pre-Map the Route

Walk the route down before carrying. Note the turns, the railing, the fixtures. A stuck piece halfway down a walk-up is a four-person problem.

Book NYC moving labor for walk-up move-outs.