Moving apartments is stressful enough. But moving into a building without an elevator? Just picture the sweaty trips carrying awkwardly sized boxes and flustered corridor introductions with your new neighbors. Is anyone else wishing they could crawl back under their duvet?

In this scenario, full-service movers are best. Hands-on moving companies quickly turn this demanding task into a breezy experience.

Here are nine essential tips to make moving less stressful – even without an elevator. 

Pexels: Carrying a box up a flight of stairs.

1. Master Your Move with Strategic Planning 

Every successful move has a strategic game plan. Measure the hallway beforehand so you know which furniture requires flattening or disassembling. And ruthlessly declutter when packing so you’re only carrying what’s truly necessary up all those stairs. 

Get organized, and you’ll benefit tenfold on the day. Winging it is a recipe for disaster when moving into a building without an elevator.

2. Pack Wisely for a Walk-Up Move

Don’t bother packing valuables into flimsy, collapsing, or awkward-sized boxes. It’s better to pack ten smaller containers than five large boxes that are impossible to carry. At least there’ll be no torn boxes, sprained ankles or shoulders, shattered items, and last-minute decanting into smaller containers.

3. Get the Right Support for Your Elevator-Free Move

The Incredible Hulk might be hard to pin down for removal services. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find super-strength help with plenty of experience. Calgary movers are a premium option when choosing moving companies, helping with extra tasks like disassembling and storing.

Also, check what experience the movers have with managing buildings without elevators — you want calm, strong, and reliable hands on deck. Be aware of potential hidden surcharges, too.

4. Pick the Perfect Time for Your Move

Rush hour on a Friday morning? Probably best avoided. 6 am on a Sunday morning? The banging up the stairs is a one-way ticket to your new neighbor’s bad graces. Icy weather or torrential rain storms? You get the point. It’s important to pick your move time carefully; it matters.

5. Prioritize Safety for Your Belongings and Your Body

Safely moving house means keeping your belongings and body intact. The risk of injury and breakages is high, so take it steady and take precautions. To protect your valuables:

• Ensure all the insurance is up to date.
• Wrap valuables in foam or bubble wrap.
• Place liquids together and in sealable bags.
• Mark boxes clearly as delicate.
• Choose strong transporting boxes and containers.

To protect yourself, you might:

• Get professional help to avoid injury when lifting heavy objects.
• Start early and take breaks.
• Wear proper footwear.
• Bring a pair of thick protective gloves.
• Stretch plenty and keep refreshments handy.
• Learn how to lift with your legs, not your back.

6. Coordinate with Building Management Before Moving Day

Getting locked out is rubbish at the best of times. Getting locked out with dozens of boxes and an expectant moving company charging you by the hour is arguably worse. Coordinate your move with building management to eliminate these frustrating hiccups.

7. Secure the Best Parking Spot for Easy Access

Nobody wants to carry heavy boxes across a busy street or five minutes across a car park — especially when there’s no elevator inside the building. Reserve the best parking spot beforehand (tactically leaving a vehicle there in the early hours or politely speaking with building management).

8. Finish Strong with Final Moving-Day Touches

Sometimes, all the preparation in the world can’t beat great last-minute ideas. A selection of cold drinks in a cooler is a thoughtful and savvy moving-day touch. Bringing refreshments is always a good idea; moving is heavy work. 

9. Consider Hiring Professionals for the Heavy Lifting

The average person can carry 20 to 25% of their body weight. However, experts at Healthline emphasize the importance of starting small. The reality is that lifting heavy objects can lead to injury — especially if awkward-sized containers cause poor form. While you might have no trouble with smaller boxes, it’s worth hiring professionals to handle the heavy lifting.

Pexels: A dachshund in a moving box.

In Conclusion

Moving into a building without an elevator is always going to be sweaty work. But, with these essential tips, it will go as smoothly as possible.

The most important things to remember are reserving a good parking space, coordinating with building management, and hiring great professional assistance. Don’t overlook the “small” details either, like proper clothes and refreshments on the day. Every little helps.