Why We Ask About Stairs, Elevators, and Parking for a Move

“Fourth floor” is useful information, but it does not tell the whole story. A working reserved elevator and nearby loading area create a different carrying route from several flights of stairs. We ask about access at pickup and delivery to anticipate the work and estimate the time.

Hourly labor is based on time and the agreed crew

For pickup and delivery inside I-270, our published rate is $50 per man-hour with a two-hour minimum for each agreed crew member. For hourly moving, there is no separate labor fee per step or floor. Stairs can affect the time required, and therefore the agreed billable labor, rather than triggering a step-count price.

Describe both ends of the move

• Floor level and actual flights of stairs.
• Elevator availability, reservations, and building time windows.
• Parking location and approximate carrying distance.
• Gates, narrow doors, landings, or tight turns.
• Large items that may be difficult to move through the route.

If you are unsure, describe what you can see and send safely taken photos. Do not guess that an item fits an elevator or doorway simply because the building has one.

Include building arrangements early

For an apartment or condominium, tell us who controls access and whether management needs to coordinate parking or elevator use. Put the property or management company in the optional field on the moving request when relevant. We still need the person requesting the move and the actual addresses.

Update the plan if conditions change

If the elevator becomes unavailable, the entrance changes, or another stop is added, tell us before work proceeds on that changed scope. The written estimate confirms billable time, included travel and equipment, and other charges. Send the details through the proposed work-order form so the route is part of the discussion from the start.