Hoisting Services

What Is Hoisting and When Is It Necessary in Moving?

Hoisting is a specialized moving service used when large or heavy items cannot be transported through traditional means like staircases, elevators, or doorways. This method involves safely lifting and maneuvering items through windows, balconies, or other exterior openings using ropes, pulleys, or cranes. Hoisting is essential in urban settings — especially in cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago — where tight spaces, narrow brownstone staircases, and high-rise buildings make standard moving methods impossible.

Whether you’re moving a bulky sofa, oversized bed, grand piano, or delicate artwork, professional hoisting ensures your belongings are handled with care and precision. At Poseidon Moving, hoisting is a core part of our residential and commercial moving services — not an afterthought.

When Do You Need Hoisting Services?

Hoisting isn’t needed for every move — but when it is, there’s usually no alternative. Here are the most common scenarios where hoisting becomes necessary:

● Item won’t fit through the door or stairway — common with king-size mattresses, sectional sofas, and oversized armoires in older buildings with narrow hallways or tight turns.

● No elevator access or elevator too small — many walk-ups and older high-rises have service elevators that can’t accommodate large furniture.

● Stairway is too narrow, steep, or winding — brownstones and pre-war apartments frequently have staircases that large items simply cannot navigate.

● Risk of damage to the item or building — forcing a heavy or awkward item through a tight space can damage walls, door frames, banisters, and the item itself.

● Item is too heavy for manual carry on stairs — grand pianos, marble tabletops, safes, and large appliances may exceed safe manual carry weight for stairways.

If you’re unsure whether your move requires hoisting, your Poseidon Moving consultant will assess the situation during the quoting process and recommend the best approach based on your item dimensions, building layout, and access conditions.

Common Items That Require Hoisting

Certain items are simply too large, awkwardly shaped, or heavy to fit through standard entryways, narrow stairways, or elevators — making hoisting the only viable option:

● Grand pianos and upright pianos

● Sectional sofas and L-shaped couches

● King-size and California king mattresses and box springs

● Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other large appliances

● Antique, oversized, or custom-built furniture

● Large artwork, sculptures, and framed mirrors

● Safes and heavy filing cabinets

● Hot tubs, gym equipment, and pool tables

These items require careful planning and handling to avoid damage to both the item and the building, which is why Poseidon Moving specializes in hoisting such challenging pieces.

How the Hoisting Process Works

Hoisting isn’t as dramatic as it sounds — when done by professionals, it’s a controlled, systematic process. Here’s what to expect:

1. Pre-Move Assessment

Before moving day, our team evaluates the item dimensions, building layout, window or balcony access, floor height, and any potential obstacles. This assessment determines the equipment needed, the safest entry/exit point, and whether permits or building coordination is required.

2. Item Preparation and Protection

The item is fully wrapped in moving blankets, stretch wrap, and corner protectors before any lifting begins. Window frames, sills, and building surfaces along the hoisting path are also padded to prevent damage.

3. Rigging and Lifting

Professional-grade ropes, pulleys, and rigging hardware are used to securely attach the item. The crew coordinates from both inside and outside the building, guiding the item through the window or balcony opening with controlled, steady movement. For extremely heavy or high-rise scenarios, a crane or lift may be used.

4. Placement and Final Check

Once the item is safely inside, it’s unwrapped, inspected, and placed in its designated location. The crew removes all rigging equipment and checks the window area and building surfaces for any issues.

Benefits of Professional Hoisting Services

DIY hoisting is risky and often ends in property damage, personal injury, or a broken item. Professional hoisting services eliminate those risks:

✔ Safety first — trained crews with proper rigging equipment, harnesses, and techniques prevent injury and damage.

✔ Building protection — walls, door frames, window sills, and floors are padded and protected throughout the process.

✔ Item protection — every piece is fully wrapped and secured before lifting, minimizing the risk of scratches, dents, or breakage.

✔ Efficiency — what might take hours of failed attempts through a stairway can be accomplished in under an hour through a window.

✔ Insurance coverage — professional hoisting is performed under the mover’s liability coverage, protecting you financially if anything goes wrong.

✔ Compliance — professional movers handle permits, building regulations, and coordination with property management.

Safety Measures During Hoisting Operations

Safety is our top priority during every hoisting operation. Poseidon Moving follows strict protocols to ensure the security of your belongings and the safety of everyone involved:

✔ Thorough pre-hoisting assessments to identify risks and plan the safest approach

✔ Use of high-quality, load-rated ropes, pulleys, and rigging hardware

✔ Crew trained in advanced hoisting and rigging techniques

✔ Items fully wrapped and secured before any lifting begins

✔ Building surfaces (window frames, sills, walls) padded and protected

✔ Adherence to local building codes and safety regulations

✔ Clear communication between ground crew and interior team throughout the operation

How to Prepare for Hoisting Services

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful hoisting operation. Here’s how to get ready:

✔ Measure your space: Confirm the item genuinely cannot fit through doorways, hallways, or the elevator before requesting hoisting. Measure door frames, stairway widths, and turns.

✔ Clear the area: Remove any obstacles from the pathway, windows, or balconies involved in the hoisting process. This includes furniture, plants, curtains, and window screens.

✔ Communicate with your movers: Share details about the item’s size, weight, and fragility with our team beforehand — ideally during the quoting process so we can plan equipment and crew accordingly.

✔ Notify your building management: Many buildings require advance notice for hoisting operations. Ask about elevator reservations, loading dock access, and any building-specific rules.

✔ Secure permits if required: Some cities and buildings require permits for hoisting, especially when cranes are involved or sidewalks need to be temporarily closed.

✔ Protect nearby surfaces: Cover walls, floors, and any surfaces that may be impacted during the process — or let our crew handle it with moving blankets and floor protection.

Hoisting Costs: What to Expect

Hoisting is priced as an add-on service and varies based on several factors:

● Item size and weight — a couch through a 2nd-floor window is simpler than a grand piano to a 5th-floor balcony.

● Floor height — higher floors require more rigging equipment and coordination.

● Access conditions — window size, balcony access, and exterior clearance all affect complexity.

● Equipment required — rope-and-pulley hoisting costs less than crane-assisted operations.

● Permits and coordination — if permits are needed or sidewalks must be closed, additional costs may apply.

Hoisting is quoted separately from your base moving estimate. During the quoting process, let your consultant know about any items that may need hoisting, and we’ll provide a clear price based on your specific situation — no surprises on moving day.