Can You Move Furniture Up a Narrow Greystone Staircase?

Can You Move Furniture Up a Narrow Greystone Staircase?

Last updated: October 2026

That's the defining Lincoln Park job. And when the staircase wins, our hoisting crew brings pieces in by window or balcony.

Lincoln Park's greystones are some of the most beautiful homes in Chicago. Stone fronts and high ceilings. Original woodwork. Staircases built more than a century ago. Those staircases are narrow, steep, and often turn at the landing. Getting a modern sofa or a king-size bed up one takes planning, skill, and sometimes a different route entirely.

Planning the staircase

Measure twice.

Before anything moves, we look at the stairs. How wide they are, how tight the turns are, and how much clearance there is under the ceiling at each landing. Then we look at the furniture. If it fits, we plan how it turns. If it doesn't, we know before anyone tries.

Protecting the greystone

Greystone staircases often have original banisters and woodwork that can't be easily replaced. The crew pads the banisters and protects the stairs before the first piece comes up. Floors, door frames, and stairs get protected on every move, at no charge.

Taking it apart

Many pieces come apart. Sectionals split. Bed frames break down. Tables lose their legs. Assembly and disassembly are always included in our hourly rate.

When the staircase wins

Some pieces just won't make it, no matter how many ways the crew tries to angle them around the landing, and forcing them only risks gouging the walls and the banister. When that happens, the window or the balcony is the next option. Our hoisting and crane service lifts large pieces in from outside the building. Padding, strapping, and controlled rigging protect the piece better than forcing a staircase ever would. Read is hoisting safe for the furniture.

If a piece truly won't work any way, we tell you before move day, not after.

Alley access

Many Lincoln Park homes load faster and safer through the alley than the front door. Read do movers use alley access in Lincoln Park.

Parking

Lincoln Park moves almost always need parking permits. CDOT permits with posted signs are standard. Read do I need a parking permit to move in Chicago.

Moving out, too

The same staircase works in both directions. If a piece came in through the window years ago, it may need to leave the same way. Read can movers hoist furniture out of a building as well as in.

High-value furnishings

Greystones often hold art, antiques, and high-value furniture. Read can you handle high-value furnishings and art in Lincoln Park.

What to tell us

The staircase. Width, turns, and landings.

The big pieces. Measurements help.

The windows and balconies. Photos, if hoisting might be needed.

The alley. Whether the back of the building has access.

Pricing

Greystone moves are hourly, with a 2-hour minimum. If a piece needs hoisting, it's planned into the estimate. Read how much does hoisting cost.

For more on Lincoln Park, read vintage buildings and tight streets in Lincoln Park.

Greystone moves are covered on our Lincoln Park movers page, alongside our moving services.

Call (773) 275-4100 or email info@wcmoving.com, and tell us about the staircase.