The truck arrives at eight in the morning and the movers discover the lift is only 28 inches (70 cm) wide. Or that the residents’ association doesn’t allow moves before ten. Or that the furniture hoist they were expecting doesn’t exist. Scenes like these happen more often than you’d think, and they’re almost always avoidable with a 20-minute check beforehand.
Checking access at your building entrance before the big day isn’t extra red tape: it’s what separates a move that flows from one that gets complicated from the very first metre. Here’s what you need to check so the team arrives prepared and with no surprises.
Why entrance access defines how the move begins
The entrance and communal areas of a building are the first filter for any move. If the access points aren’t clear or don’t meet the required dimensions, the work slows down, unexpected costs appear and, in some cases, the furniture or walls can end up damaged.
The building doesn’t have to be old for there to be limitations. Many modern buildings have narrow lifts designed for everyday use, not for carrying a three-seater sofa or a fitted wardrobe. Checking beforehand is far cheaper than finding out on moving day.
What to check at the entrance before the move
The lift is the first thing. Measure the door width, the depth of the car and the clear height. With those three figures, the moving team can anticipate which pieces will go up by lift and which will have to go by the stairs or up the façade. A standard lift is 28 to 31 inches (70–80 cm) wide: enough for boxes and medium-sized items, not enough for many large pieces of furniture.
Check whether the building has a furniture hoist or goods lift. Not every building has one, but if yours does, it can be an advantage worth making the most of. Also ask which floors need the gate lowered, or whether there are any usage restrictions.
The residents’ association rules deserve a specific enquiry. Many associations have permitted hours for moves—typically 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.—and some buildings require prior written notice. Finding this out beforehand avoids conflicts on the day of the move and possible fines.
Access to the garage or loading area matters too. Check whether there’s an entry ramp, enough clearance for the moving truck, and whether you need to reserve a space or request authorisation. In urban areas like Barcelona, many streets have loading and unloading restrictions worth knowing about in advance so you can apply for the municipal permit if needed.
Finally, the state of the landing and the corners. If there are narrow spots or tight angles on the staircase, the team will take them into account when planning how to move each piece without damaging the walls or the furniture.
When you need a furniture lift platform
There are situations where the building’s interior access isn’t enough, no matter how thoroughly it’s been checked. If the lift is too narrow, if the staircase has impossible bends, or if there are large-format pieces that can’t be disassembled, the solution is to work from the outside.
Furniture lift platforms let you raise and lower furniture directly up the façade, from the street to the relevant floor, in complete safety and without putting either the items or the property at risk. Mudanzas Trallero offers this service for cases where the building doesn’t provide a viable interior access route.
How do you know if you need one? The entrance check beforehand will give you the answer. If measuring the lift shows that some pieces won’t fit, or if the staircase has tricky sections, raise it with the team before moving day. Planning ahead is always more efficient than improvising on the spot.
Request a quote and leave it all in the hands of professionals.
