Should I Hire Movers If I Have Stairs at Both Places?

Moving is already a complex task, but when stairs come into the picture—at both your old and new homes—it adds another layer of challenge. If you’re weighing whether to hire professional movers for a local move that involves stairs, you’re not alone. Many homeowners and renters ask this same question.OCNJ Daily has observed a trend toward hiring help for apartment moves, especially in buildings with multiple flights of stairs. To help you decide, this post covers everything from what counts as a local move, to what local movers really do, to how stairs impact pricing.

What Counts as a Local Move?

The term local move generally refers to moving within a limited geographic radius. While definitions can vary, most industry pros, including those featured on This Old House, define a local move as one with a distance roughly between 50 and 100 miles. Here’s why that matters:

Price Structure: Local moves often charge by the hour instead of by distance or weight, which is more common in long-distance moves.
Familiarity: Movers working locally tend to know the area well, helping them avoid surprises like construction detours or tricky parking.
Quick Turnaround: Local moves can generally be completed in a single day, which keeps costs reasonable and convenience high.

So, if you are moving less than 50 to 100 miles, you are almost certainly looking at a local move with local movers.

What Do Local Movers Actually Do?

Local movers go far beyond just ferrying your boxes from point A to point B. Here’s a breakdown of the usual services included:

Packing: Many local movers offer packing services. This means they bring supplies and carefully pack your belongings to minimize damage.
Loading: Moving bulky furniture and heavy boxes onto the truck requires skill. Movers use dollies, padding, straps, and protective wraps to keep your stuff safe.
Driving: Professional movers have the insurance and experience to drive moving trucks legally and safely, saving you the hassle of renting and maneuvering large vehicles yourself.
Unloading: Once at your new home, movers unload all items, place furniture in designated rooms, and often help unpack essentials.

In addition, some movers include or offer basic assembly and disassembly of furniture at no extra cost or a nominal fee. This can be a huge relief, especially if you’re dealing with beds, tables, and modular shelving units.

How Do Stairs Affect Your Move?

If you live in a multi-story home or an apartment without an elevator, stairs add complexity. Stairs can:

Increase the time it takes to move items in and out. Carrying bulky furniture up or down stairs is slower and requires more care.
Raise the risk of damage or injury. Movers need to take extra precautions to protect both your belongings and themselves.
Require additional manpower or equipment. Items may need extra carriers or special tools like stair rollers or lifting straps.

Because of these challenges, many companies incorporate a stairs fee into their quote. This isn’t a hidden charge but rather a realistic adjustment to the hourly pricing to account for the extra effort. When you ask for an estimate, always confirm whether stairs and long carries are factored in—never assume they are.

Sample Stairs Fee Quote Breakdown

Service Base Hourly Rate Stairs Fee (per flight) Estimated Additional Time Moving Truck + 3 Movers $120/hr $25 per flight 10-15 minutes extra per flight

Keep in mind that the number of stairs at both your old and new locations is additive. For example, three flights going out + two flights going in means movers may add five flights of stairs total. This increases your move time and final cost.

Do I Need Apartment Move Help If I Have Stairs?

Apartment moving is frequently cited as a primary reason to hire professional movers, according to aggregated reviews on Thumbtack. Here’s why:

Apartment buildings often lack elevators or have tight ones, making bulky moves tough.
Hallways and doorways tend to be narrow, complicating the maneuvering of large pieces of furniture.
Limited parking or loading zones means loading/unloading must happen quickly, favoring experienced crews.
Lease agreements sometimes regulate when and how moves take place; movers can help coordinate timing.

If you have stairs at both your current and future apartments, professional help is highly recommended. Movers bring the know-how, equipment, and manpower to handle these challenges efficiently and safely.

Hourly Pricing and What Changes the Rate

Understanding movers’ pricing can help you budget and anticipate costs. For local moves, hourly rates usually cover:

Number of movers and truck size
Estimated move duration (loading + transit + unloading)
Additional services like packing, furniture assembly, or specialty item handling
Travel distance within local limits (usually 50-100 miles)

Think about it: however, stairs can affect this pricing substantially:

Stairs Increase Time: More time to carefully carry items, slowing the whole process.
Stairs Fee Quote: Additional fees per flight of stairs may apply to cover added labor.
Long Carries: If your parking is far from your door, moving crews might charge for extra carrying distance.

Always ask for a detailed written estimate that includes all these factors. As I always ask myself before booking a move: "Is that in writing?" This protects you from bait-and-switch ocnjdaily.com pricing or surprise surcharges.

Tips to Prepare Your Move with Stairs at Both Locations

Measure Your Stairs and Doorways: To confirm your furniture will fit and to alert movers of any tricky spots.
Label Boxes and Keep Pathways Clear: Ensure smooth walking room for movers to navigate stairs safely.
Disassemble Large Furniture: Smaller pieces are easier to carry up and down stairs.
Confirm Stairs Fees in Your Contract: To avoid any confusion or unexpected charges on moving day.
Choose Movers Insured and Experienced with Stairs Moves: This protects your property and their workers.

Final Thoughts: Should You Hire Movers With Stairs?

I remember a project where made a mistake that cost them thousands.. Moving with stairs at both your old and new residence adds complexity that novices may underestimate. While DIY moves can save money on simple, ground-floor transitions, the risks and effort increase significantly with stairs involved. Local movers handle everything from packing, loading, driving to unloading—and they have the training and tools to protect your belongings and their own safety.

Follow advice from reputable sources like OCNJ Daily, This Old House, and professional service platforms like Thumbtack—get written quotes, compare stair fees, and consider apartment move help for the smoothest experience.

In my experience leading moving crews, those who plan for and pay a little extra for stairs moves are glad they did. It’s not just time saved—it’s peace of mind.