Measure the constraining points
Record the narrowest stair width, inside turns, landing depth, door width and overhead clearance. Include handrails and door frames. Measure furniture in its carried configuration, with legs or cushions removed only where the design safely permits. Photos from both ends show details that a single width measurement misses.
Choose a feasible handling plan
A sofa may be dismantled, an alternate permitted entrance may offer clearance, or a specialist assessment may be needed. Do not book a window lift or exterior hoist on assumptions. Equipment, authorization, building protection and site safety must be assessed by the qualified provider. Montreal Movers must confirm any specialist arrangement in writing.
Keep the stair route usable
Check lighting, loose obstacles and wet or icy surfaces before the crew arrives. Keep neighbours’ access clear. Pause and ask for reassessment if a piece will not pass; forcing furniture through a turn risks the item, railing and people carrying it.
Measure the limiting points of the staircase
Photograph the full staircase, upper and lower landings, railing, doorway and any tight turn. Record available width and overhead clearance at the points where furniture must rotate. Include the furniture’s complete dimensions and whether parts can be removed as designed. A single measurement of the stair width cannot demonstrate that a rigid sofa can turn at the top. Send the information early enough for a handling assessment.
Choose between dismantling and a specialist assessment
Ask what can be safely dismantled and who completes that work. Keep manufacturer instructions and labelled hardware together. If the standard route is unsuitable, ask the mover to assess alternatives and identify any specialist, permissions or equipment required. Do not promise a balcony transfer or hoist based on photographs alone. Some items may need another destination or may be unsuitable for the available route; resolve that before loading.
Evaluate the whole stair route
A tape measurement is evidence for the assessment, not permission to force a heavy item through the route.
Prepare the surroundings, not a DIY carrying attempt
Clear loose objects from the stairs and landings, secure pets elsewhere and confirm exterior lighting. Arrange appropriate snow or ice treatment if relevant. Protect surfaces according to the agreed plan without obstructing the path. Keep a decision-maker available while the crew checks the assessed route. If the actual clearance differs, stop and review the plan; forcing furniture through a constrained stair can create damage and unsafe handling.
Ask for a furniture-by-furniture route assessment
A spiral staircase should be assessed using the actual geometry and each large item, not a general statement that the apartment is on the second floor. Share photographs of the staircase, landings, doorways and approaches, along with furniture dimensions. Identify whether legs or other parts can be removed under the agreed service and whether the manufacturer allows that preparation. Keep the route clear and ask who assesses a piece that may not fit. Do not attempt improvised stair handling or assume exterior lifting can be arranged without specialist evaluation and permissions. If a piece cannot use the intended route, decide whether it will stay, be replaced or need a separately confirmed alternative. Make that decision before the shipment inventory and handling plan are finalised.
Spiral staircase assessment worksheet
Send measurements and route photos for a handling assessment; dimensions alone do not approve a move.
| Measured point | Evidence to provide | Handling question |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture envelope | Height, width, depth and photos from each side. | Which parts can be removed before assessment? |
| Usable stair width | Narrowest clearance between fixed obstacles. | Can the item pass with protective wrapping? |
| Turning space | Curve photos and available space around the centre. | Can the item turn through the entire route? |
| Overhead clearance | Lowest overhead point on the carrying route. | Does tilting create a headroom conflict? |
| Landings | Landing dimensions and adjacent doors. | Is there room to reposition the item? |
| Railings and fixtures | Photos of rails, lights and protrusions. | Which fixed features limit handling space? |
| Exterior conditions | Stair surface, lighting and weather exposure. | What conditions could postpone the handling plan? |
| Alternative access | Possible entrances and building contact details. | Should a specialist assess an alternative route? |