Moving into a flat with no lift is very doable, but it needs more planning than a ground-floor move. Measure your doorways and stairwells before moving day, know where the van can legally park, pick a quieter time, and let the building management know you are coming. Those four steps prevent most of the problems we see on flat moves in Liverpool.
Below we go through each one, including what to do if your sofa or wardrobe simply will not fit up the stairs.
Why moving a flat with no lift in Liverpool needs extra planning
Liverpool has a lot of converted terraces, older blocks and city-centre apartments where the only way up is a staircase. Common landings are often narrow, banisters get in the way, and the entrance door may be on a busy road. On top of that, many streets are permit-only and city-centre loading bays fill fast.
None of that stops a move, but it does mean moving a flat with no lift in Liverpool takes longer than a house move of the same size. The more you know in advance, the smoother and quicker the day goes.
Measure doorways, stairwells and landings first
The single most useful thing you can do is measure. Do it for both the flat you are leaving and the one you are moving into, ideally on a viewing or when you collect the keys.
What to measure:
- The width and height of the main entrance door and your flat’s front door.
- The width of the stairs at the narrowest point, including where handrails stick out.
- The headroom on the stairs, especially under any low ceiling or beam.
- Every turn and half-landing. Tight turns cause more trouble than straight flights.
- Internal doorways, hallways and the room the item is going into.
Then measure your largest items: sofa, wardrobe, bed base, mattress, fridge-freezer and any large table. Note length, width, height and, for sofas, the diagonal depth. Take photos of the stairwell and send them along with the measurements when you ask for a quote.
What if the sofa will not fit?
It happens more often than people think. If your measurements suggest a big item will be too tight, you have a few options:
- Remove what comes off easily. Feet, cushions, headboards and doors on wardrobes can make a real difference.
- Take it apart. Many beds, wardrobes and some sofas are designed to come apart. Ask about dismantling when you book so we can tell you what is possible for your particular item.
- Leave it behind. Sometimes it makes more sense to sell, donate or dispose of an item that will not fit, and buy something that comes flat-packed for the new flat.
If you decide to get rid of an old sofa or armchair, bear in mind that the Environment Agency treats waste upholstered seating as likely to contain persistent organic pollutants, so it has to be kept separate and incinerated rather than landfilled. A licensed carrier will handle that properly, and we can usually take unwanted items away on the day of your move if you mention them when booking.
Sort out parking before moving day
Parking is where flat moves most often go wrong. A van that has to park round the corner means a long carry on top of the stairs, which adds time.
- Check whether your street is permit-only and what the restrictions are on the day and time you plan to move.
- Ask your building management if there is a loading area or private car park the van can use.
- If you are in the city centre, find out where the nearest loading bay is, and remember these fill fast.
- Check Liverpool City Council’s website for current parking rules and whether a parking arrangement is available for your road. Rules can change, so look at liverpool.gov.uk before booking.
Tell us what you find when you book. Access, including parking and long carries, is one of the factors in the price, and knowing it up front means the price we agree will not change on the day.
Book a quieter time
Shared stairwells are easier to work in when nobody else is using them. Weekday mornings or later in the evening are often quieter than Saturday lunchtimes. We are open 24 hours, seven days a week including bank holidays, so early or late slots are usually possible. Same-day and overnight jobs are priced differently, so ask when you get your quote.
Also think about the time of year. September is our busiest month because of student moves, and city-centre blocks can have several moves happening at once. If you are moving then, book early.
Tell your building management
Most managed blocks like to know when a move is happening. A quick email a week or so beforehand can save a lot of hassle. Ask them:
- Whether there are set hours for moves.
- Whether the main door can be propped open, or if someone needs to let you in.
- Whether there is a loading area, bin store or car park the van can use.
- If they want the stairs or walls protected, and whether they have rules about that.
Let your neighbours know too. A note on the noticeboard saying when the stairs will be busy is a courtesy most people appreciate.
On the day: a short checklist
- Have keys, fobs and door codes for both buildings ready.
- Clear the stairwell and landings of bikes, plants and shoes.
- Pack boxes to a weight one person can carry safely on stairs.
- Keep a small bag of essentials with you rather than in the van.
- Leave the lifting to the driver, who does all the lifting and loading.
For smaller flat moves with just a few items, our man with a van service may suit you better than a full removal.
FAQs
Does a flat with no lift cost more to move?
Access is one of the things that affects the price, along with the volume of items, item types and timing. Stairs and long carries take longer, so tell us the floor number and whether there is a lift when you ask for a quote. The price we agree before booking does not change on the day.
What if my sofa will not fit up the stairs?
Measure it and the tightest point on the route first. If it will not fit, the options are usually removing legs or cushions, taking it apart, or choosing not to move it. Ask about dismantling when you book so we can tell you what is possible for your item.
Where will the van park outside my flat?
That depends on the street. Many Liverpool streets are permit-only and city-centre loading bays fill fast, so check the rules for your road with your building management or Liverpool City Council and tell us what you find when you book.
Do I need to help carry things up the stairs?
No. The driver does all the lifting and loading. It helps if you keep the stairwell clear and have the door codes or keys ready.
If you are moving to or from a flat with no lift, send us your measurements and a few photos on WhatsApp, or call 07743 183272. You will get a free, fixed quote and you can decide from there. Our house removal service page has more on how we handle moves.