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Harlem and Washington Heights Walk-Up Moves: Stairs, Hills and Planning the Day

Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood have beautiful old apartment buildings and some of the hardest moves in the city: tall walk-ups, long hallways, steep streets and very little curb space. A little planning makes a big difference to how long the day takes.

Walk-ups: plan the carry, not just the load

In a five-floor walk-up every box goes up or down every flight. That is why box size matters more than box count. Use small boxes for books and kitchen items, and medium boxes for clothes and bedding. Large boxes full of heavy things slow the crew and are more likely to break.

  • Tell us the floor number and whether there is an elevator on both ends.
  • Send photos of the staircase turns and the apartment door.
  • Take apart what you can the night before, or ask us to; we take furniture apart and put it back together.

Hills and curb space

Washington Heights and Inwood sit on hills, and some blocks are steep. The truck has to stand where it is safe to load, which is not always right at your door. When you request an estimate, mention if your building is on a steep street or up a set of outside steps.

Which roads a moving truck can use up here

The Henry Hudson Parkway is closed to commercial vehicles from 59th Street to the Westchester line, and so are the Bronx’s Mosholu and Pelham parkways (NYC DOT: parkway restrictions for commercial vehicles). In New York State, commercial traffic is not allowed on parkways but can use the interstate highways (NYSDOT: highways for commercial traffic). For upper Manhattan that usually means the local truck routes and roads such as the Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95).

Moving to New Jersey across the George Washington Bridge

Many moves from Washington Heights go straight across the George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority requires all trucks to use the bridge’s upper level, and tolls are collected only entering New York, not entering New Jersey (Port Authority of NY & NJ: Truckers Guide (January 2026)). A move to New Jersey is an interstate move, so it falls under our federal license, U.S. DOT No. 967970 (MC-432549). The federal FMCSA: your rights and responsibilities when you move page explains what your mover must give you.

Elevator buildings in upper Manhattan

Upper Manhattan also has many large prewar elevator buildings. Their elevators can be small and shared by every resident, so ask the super if movers can reserve it and at what hours. Many buildings also want a certificate of insurance (COI); send us the sample and we send the certificate the building asks for.

What to tell us when you ask for an estimate

Floor numbers on both ends, elevator or stairs, whether the street is steep or the entrance has outside steps, and the three largest pieces. With those details, the written estimate and the crew size match the real job.

Before moving day

  • Change your address with USPS and allow at least 7 to 10 business days (USPS: change your address).
  • If you move to New Jersey, the state gives new residents 60 days to transfer a driver license (NJ MVC: moving to New Jersey).
  • Keep the hallway clear and tell neighbors about the move.

Questions we hear

How long does a walk-up move take?

It depends on the floors, the amount of furniture and the box sizes. Send the floor numbers and photos with your estimate request so the plan is realistic.

Can a moving truck use the Henry Hudson Parkway?

No. NYC DOT closes it to commercial vehicles north of 59th Street.

Do trucks pay a toll on the George Washington Bridge to New Jersey?

According to the Port Authority, tolls are collected only entering New York. Trucks must use the upper level.

How do I get a written estimate?

Call (646) 588-1374 or use the quote form on our home page.

Free written estimate: call (646) 588-1374 or use the quote form on our home page. Family business since 1999 · U.S. DOT No. 967970 (MC-432549) · NYSDOT 34875 · NJPM 000930 · Company facts

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