Do You Move Vintage Walk-Up Apartments in Evanston?

Do You Move Vintage Walk-Up Apartments in Evanston?

Last updated: October 2026

Constantly. Evanston's courtyard buildings are classic walk-up territory, and our crews pad and plan them well.

Evanston has a lot of vintage courtyard buildings, with apartments arranged around a central garden and entrances that lead to stairwells instead of elevators. They're beautiful places to live. Classic buildings. They're also three or four floors of stairs on moving day, often with narrow turns and old wooden banisters.

Planning the stairs

Every walk-up move starts with the stairs, because three flights of narrow, turning steps shape everything about the day, from how many movers come to how long each trip from the apartment to the truck takes. How many flights. How wide they are. How tight the turns are at each landing. With that, we know what will fit and what needs to come apart.

The right gear

On walk-ups, we bring lift straps and shoulder dollies. 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.

Padding the building

Courtyard buildings often have original woodwork, and the stairwells are shared with neighbors. 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

Old stairwells weren't built for today's sofas. 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. Read what if my furniture doesn't fit through the door.

Parking near a courtyard building

Courtyard buildings are often on busy streets with limited parking. Reserving curb space with Evanston's moving vehicle permit can make a big difference. Apply at least 10 business days ahead. Read do I need a moving truck permit in Evanston.

Neighbors and timing

Shared stairwells mean coordinating with neighbors. Let them know your move date, and try to avoid the busiest times of day. During Northwestern move-in season, buildings get busy fast. Read can you handle Northwestern move-in season.

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, shoes, and anything else in the stairwell.

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

Small moves

Many walk-up moves are one-bedroom or studio apartments. Read how much does a small move cost in Chicago.

Pricing

Walk-up moves are hourly, with a 2-hour minimum. Moving companies in the Chicago area charge at least one hour for travel. Stairs add time, and the estimate reflects them.

For more on Evanston, read Evanston movers, moving to or from the North Shore's front door.

Walk-up moves are covered on our Evanston 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.