You are here:

Moving Furniture/sofa through the window

Advertisement


Question
i have just move into thee story town house and the living room is on the middle floor. the sofa we have just had delivered will not fit up the stairs. the only thing we can think of is to take the window out and get a crane or something to lift it through but we don't know where to start looking about hiring one

Answer
Hello Claire,
Depending on where you are located in the country, there are many movers that have access to hoisting equipment for problems that arise like yours. The window may have to be removed by a carpenter or yourself.  Check the yellow pages for movers that advertise hoisting in your area. If you locate a company that can do the job, you need to ask them if they will remove the window or is it your responsibility.
Its good to use a professional mover because they will wrap and secure the sofa for protection and do all lifting and maneuvering that is necessary. If you were in the Boston area I could recommend someone but you should be able to find a company in your area. A mover will probably charge you a minimum hourly rate for 2-3 men and a truck, so it could get pricey. If you have anything else that you want to buy that is large for that same window, this would be the time do it.
It is possible to hire a hoist truck and driver and do the sofa moving yourself. Many sign companies will hire out their hoisting service with a driver for a minimum hourly rate but you would need to wrap the sofa, take out the window and move it into the room yourself. If this is something you are up to, make some calls to sign companies and see if they offer this service.

Let me know if this helps you out and if I can answer any further questions for you.

Please keep me posted,

Harry

Moving Furniture

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Harry Lipsky

Expertise

Moving your furniture. I would like to answer all questions dealing with the proper techniques of how to move ANY type of furniture, including difficult doorways and stairways. Also, all questions dealing with the proper packing of breakables including antiques. All general questions concerning the moving and storage industry will be answered. I cannot recommend a particular mover in a person`s neighborhood but i can explain how to obtain a company in good standing with the community. I have been in the moving and storage industry for almost four decades! I am located in Massachusetts.

Experience

I have almost four decades of experience in the moving & storage industry. When I was a small boy my father introduced me into the moving business and I have been hooked ever since. At first I started out as a young laborer untill I was old enough to drive a furniture van. As time went on I drove 18-wheelers around the country moving small shipments as well as large corporate relocations. I was taught the old school methods by men that were craftsman in their field. I learned how to pack the most delicate of breakables as well as museum pieces. It was common practice to do estimates and even the actual ratings on interstate jobs. Doing commercial moves were a big part of my moving career over the years. Some of the big names that I delt with were "GE","MICROSOFT","FIDELITY INVESTMENTS" AND "AMERICAN EXPRESS". As the years went by my family retired and sold the business (not my choice). I went on to establish my own moving company which ran for 12 years before I phased out the physical moving itself. Today I have developed a consulting service where I advise future furniture buyers as well as people moving for the first time on what to expect from their upcoming adventure. Furniture buyers are advised on what size furniture will fit through their narrow doorways and tight hallways. By choosing furniture with the right dimensions will narrow down the probability of the furniture being returned back to the store. That is not a scenario people want after waiting 8-12 weeks for their new furniture. I can also help people to understand the proper procedures of a first time move in their lives. I tell them what is to be expected,how they can save money,how to choose a good mover and what is involved with getting the packing done.

Organizations
I have a FACEBOOK page for PRE-MOVE STRATEGIES. Please become a fan! I would like to have all people that I have helped to leave their comments on the FACEBOOK page.

Education/Credentials
I have a high school diploma from Swampscott High School............Swampscott, MA. Immediately after high school I entered the family business where I stayed for 20 years before moving on to my own business endeavors.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.