For a move without an elevator in Montreal, count the boxes, locate the large furniture and note the floors at both addresses. NordTrans recommends in particular three movers for 40 or more boxes in a home on the second or third floor without an elevator. A team of three is also recommended if the departure and arrival are both on the second floor or higher, without an elevator.
Moving without an elevator in Montreal: describe the two staircases
Imagine the journey of a dresser, from the current room to its place in the next home. How will it move to get out of the room? Where will it have to be turned? Where will the team be able to approach the truck? Do the same exercise on arrival. You will get a much more vivid description than just the mention «one floor to go down».
In a plan, specify whether the staircase is inside or outside, straight or curved. Note the doors that open onto a landing, the ramps that reduce the available width, and the turns where a long piece of furniture may lack clearance. If your main entrance and your back entrance both lead to different staircases, describe the two routes and check which one can be used.
Also indicate the distance between the door and the place where the truck can stop. At NordTrans, a truck-door distance of 60 m or more may incur additional fees. This accuracy even applies to a ground-floor apartment if the team has to cross a courtyard or travel through a long corridor.
For a 4½, start with what you bring with you
Two apartments of the same size may require different teams. In the first, the furniture is disassembled and the boxes are already closed near the exit. In the second, a full library, a freezer in the basement, and a sofa that barely fits through the vestibule add to the contents of the rooms. The mention «4½» is appropriate to start the conversation. Your inventory allows you to continue the conversation.
Take a tour of the accommodation with your phone. Note the beds, mattresses, appliances, and furniture that will remain assembled. Add the contents of the balcony, closet, and basement. For the boxes that still need to be done, give an estimate and specify what remains to be packed. Once the packaging is complete, you can correct the number.
Mention separately the items whose weight or shape makes transportation difficult. A massive dresser and a floor lamp sometimes take up as much space on a list, but their passage up a staircase is prepared differently. If you know the weight indicated by the manufacturer, include it with the dimensions.
When NordTrans recommends three movers
Here are the situations for which NordTrans generally recommends a three-person team as part of a Residential move :
- You have 40 or more boxes in a second or third-floor apartment without an elevator.
- Both apartments are on the second floor or higher, and neither of them has a usable elevator.
- You are moving a house or a large apartment, for example a large 5½ that is well-filled.
Consider the case of a 4½-story building with 45 boxes and a delivery on the ground floor. The volume of boxes and the staircase at the start already correspond to a situation where NordTrans recommends three people. Conversely, for a small load located one floor above the street, first describe the furniture and access points. The team can assess your case without you having to choose a number of movers yourself.
If you are undecided between two team compositions, ask what motivates the recommendation for your addresses. You will then be able to compare the price, the estimated working time and the terms of the submission on the same basis.
What photos should I send before booking?
For a difficult passage, take a general view and a closer photo. The first shows the bend in the staircase. The second shows the precise point that concerns you, like a step in front of a door frame. Add the dimensions of the furniture and the free width at that location. A photo taken from very close up can make a passage appear wide or narrow without giving a reliable reference point.
Identify the photos by address and item. For example, «departure, top floor, passage from the sofa» immediately gives the image meaning. If you still do not have access to your next accommodation, please indicate what you know and complete the file after your visit. Also declare any fragile or valuable items before packing to clarify the conditions of the delivery.’insurance and protection.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 4½ without an elevator always require three movers?
The recommendation depends on the volume, the furniture and the floors in both addresses. Provide an estimate of the boxes and describe the stairs to get an appropriate response.
What to do if the building has an elevator, but prohibits its use for furniture?
Specify which items will need to be carried up the stairs. Check with the manager if another elevator or reservation slot is available for the move.
Should I try to move the furniture up the stairs before asking for a quote?
First, send us the dimensions and photos of the route. The team can tell you what information is missing to assess the passage.
