Moving with a crane
Most moves never need a crane. But when one is needed — and you only find out on moving day — it ends in delay, an extra charge or a sofa left outside. Here is how to know in advance.
When you need a crane
- An item will not go through the stairwell. Corner sofas, tall wardrobes that do not come apart and large fridges usually get stuck at the turn of the stairs, not at the door.
- An item will not fit in the elevator — even in a building that has one.
- High floors with no elevator, where carrying everything by hand would take longer and cost more than lifting.
- Very heavy items such as a piano or safe, when the stairs do not allow a safe carry.
How to check in advance
Measure the large items (height, width, depth) and the narrowest point on the way: stairwell width at the turn, the elevator interior and the doors. If an item fits "just about", assume it will not.
Outside, check there is a window or balcony wide enough, and space to set up a crane next to the building. On narrow streets or with limited parking, this sometimes needs arranging ahead of time.
Window hoisting or crane?
Not every outside lift needs a crane. On low floors, movers sometimes hoist an item with ropes through a window or balcony. On the MoveIL form these are two separate services — "crane service" and "hoisting through window/balcony". Tick the one that fits, or both if you are not sure, and add a note.
How to book on MoveIL
In the request, give the floor and elevator for each address, add the large items to the list and tick "crane service". Movers see it before they price, so the quotes you get already include the crane — no awkward phone call mid-move and no surprise extra.
Describe your move once and get quotes from verified movers.
Post a moving requestFrequently asked questions
Does every mover come with a crane?
No. Some movers own a crane and some work with an outside crane operator. When you tick crane in the request, quotes come from movers who can provide one.
Do I need a permit to put a crane on the street?
In some places, yes — mainly on narrow or busy streets. Check with the mover and the municipality before moving day.
Can I book a crane for just one item?
Yes. Tick crane and say in the notes which item needs it — everything else can go by stairs or elevator as normal.