Crane

When do you need a crane for a move, and when can you skip it?

How to tell if your move needs a crane, and what to check before booking one.

A crane sounds like an expensive extra, but sometimes it's exactly what turns a long, risky move into a quick, simple one.

When you almost always need one

  • A high floor in a building without an elevator
  • A sofa, closet or fridge that won't fit in the elevator
  • A penthouse with a large balcony
  • A private home with large furniture upstairs

When you can do without

In a building with a large elevator, when the furniture fits and there's easy access from the lobby to the truck, a crane usually isn't needed.

What to check first

  • There's room for the crane next to the building
  • The balcony or window is wide enough for the largest item
  • No power lines or trees between the truck and the balcony

Easiest of all: send us a short video from the balcony and the street, and we'll tell you if you need a crane.