Can You Move Me Out of an Edgewater Courtyard Walk-Up?

Can You Move Me Out of an Edgewater Courtyard Walk-Up?

Last updated: October 2026

Daily work. Edgewater's courtyards are classic walk-up moves, and we plan the stairs in advance.

Edgewater has some of Chicago's best vintage courtyard buildings. Apartments arranged around a garden, with separate entrances leading to stairwells instead of elevators. They're full of character. Lots of it. They're also three or four floors of stairs on moving day, often with narrow turns and old wooden banisters.

Planning the stairs

Every courtyard walk-up move starts with the stairs, since three flights of narrow steps shape everything about the day, from how many movers come to how long each trip from the apartment down to the truck will take. How many flights, how wide, and how tight the turns are at each landing. We plan that before moving day, so the crew knows what fits and what needs to come apart.

The right crew and gear

On walk-ups, we bring lift straps and shoulder dollies, and the crew is three or more movers. That keeps heavy pieces under control on every step. Read what's involved in a third-floor walk-up apartment move.

Protecting the building

Courtyard stairwells are shared with neighbors, and many still have original woodwork. The crew pads the banisters and protects the stairs. Floors, door frames, and stairs get protected on every move, at no charge.

When a piece won't make the turn

If a piece comes apart, we take it apart. Assembly and disassembly are always included in our hourly rate. If it won't come apart, our hoisting and crane service can bring it down through a window. If a piece truly won't work, we tell you before move day.

The courtyard walk

The truck usually can't park in the courtyard itself. Courtyards are for gardens, not trucks. That means a walk from the entrance, across the courtyard, to the street. We plan for that carry and keep the path clear for your neighbors.

Parking

Courtyard buildings are often on busy streets, and parking can be tight. Many Chicago blocks need temporary no-parking signs to hold curb space for the truck. Read do I need a parking permit to move in Chicago.

Neighbors and timing

Let your neighbors know your move date, especially the ones who share your stairwell. A heads-up makes the day easier for everyone.

Getting ready

Pack everything. Boxes taped and labeled before the crew arrives.

Measure the big pieces. Especially sofas and bed frames.

Clear the landing. Bikes and shoes out of the stairwell.

Tell us the floor. And whether there's a back stairwell.

Moving to a high-rise?

Many Edgewater moves go from a walk-up to a high-rise, or the other way around. Read how far ahead should Edgewater high-rise moves be booked.

Similar buildings nearby

Evanston has the same kind of courtyard buildings. Read do you move vintage walk-up apartments in Evanston.

Pricing

Walk-up moves are hourly, with a 2-hour minimum. Stairs add time, and the estimate reflects them. Our pricing doesn't change with the season.

For more on Edgewater, read Edgewater movers, how lake-adjacent moves actually work.

Courtyard walk-ups are covered on our Edgewater movers page and our apartment moving service, part of our moving services.

Call (773) 275-4100 or email info@wcmoving.com, and tell us which floor.