Do Movers Use Alley Access in Lincoln Park?

Do Movers Use Alley Access in Lincoln Park?

Last updated: October 2026

Whenever it's the better route. Many Lincoln Park homes load faster and safer through the alley than the front door.

Lincoln Park front entrances are beautiful, and they can be hard to move through. Steep stone steps up to the front door. Narrow vestibules. A tight interior staircase right behind the entry. Out back, though, many homes have a garage and a back gate. The path to the alley is often much straighter. When that's the easier route, we use it, and on a lot of Lincoln Park blocks that one decision can shave real time off the day, because the crew isn't carrying every box down a stoop and across a busy sidewalk to reach the truck.

Why the alley can be better

Fewer steps. Many back entrances are closer to ground level than the front.

Wider paths. Back doors and gates can be easier to fit big pieces through.

Closer parking. A truck in the alley can often park right behind the house.

Less street traffic. No fighting for curb space on a busy block.

When the front is better

The alley isn't always the answer. Sometimes it's worse. Some alleys are too narrow for a moving truck. Some homes have no back access at all. And some front entrances, especially in buildings with elevators, are simply easier. We look at both and choose the route that's faster and safer for your home.

Telling us about your alley

Is there an alley? Not every block has one.

How wide is it? Can a truck fit?

What's in the way? Garages, fences, dumpsters, and parked cars.

Where's the back door? And how many steps lead up to it.

Photos help. A quick look at the alley and the back of the building tells us a lot.

Parking permits

Even with an alley, many moves still need street parking. Lincoln Park moves almost always need permits. CDOT permits with posted signs are standard. Read do I need a parking permit to move in Chicago.

Greystones and narrow stairs

Many Lincoln Park homes are greystones with narrow staircases. Sometimes the back stairs are wider than the front. Sometimes neither works and a piece needs to be hoisted. Read can you move furniture up a narrow greystone staircase.

Protecting the home

Whatever route we use, floors, door frames, and stairs get protected on every move at no charge. Back entrances get the same care as the front.

Other neighborhoods

Alleys matter all over the city. In Portage Park, alley access handles most moves without any street permits. Read are you actually located in Portage Park.

Pricing

Lincoln Park moves are hourly, with a 2-hour minimum. Moving companies in the Chicago area charge at least one hour for travel. A shorter carry through the alley keeps the hours down.

For more on Lincoln Park, read the practical playbook for moving in Lincoln Park.

Alley access is covered on our Lincoln Park movers page, alongside our moving services.

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