Do you charge extra for stairs or a long walk to the truck?
On Spartan local moves, stairs and long walks carry no fee; they only add time. Interstate moves by weight may include stair and long-carry charges.
Get a free quote01Not on a local move
Third-floor walk-up, long path from the street, steep front steps: none of these add a fee on a local Spartan move. Local moves are billed by the hour, so stairs and distance only matter in the time they take, and that time shows up in your total.
02How it works by move type
| Move type | Stairs | Long carry |
|---|---|---|
| Local, hourly | No fee, time only | No fee, time only |
| Within California, by weight | No delivery charge | No delivery charge |
| Interstate, by weight | May be an accessorial | May apply past 100 ft |
| Reserved truck, flat fee | Not added | Not added |
Details for out-of-state moves are on our long-distance page.
03When stairs change the crew
Stairs can affect how many people the job needs. An upright piano with a flight of stairs is a four-mover job; without stairs, three movers can handle it. A grand or baby grand always gets four. There is still no separate piano fee, only the hourly rate for the right team. Home size sets the standard crew: three movers at $175 an hour for most homes, four at $235 for three bedrooms over 1,800 sq ft or four or more bedrooms.
04Tell us ahead of time
- How many flights at pickup and at delivery
- Whether there is an elevator, and if it is reserved
- Rough distance from the curb or driveway to the front door
- Any spiral or very narrow staircases
This helps David suggest the right team size and time estimate. A home with several flights and a long path to the street is a different job from a ground-floor unit with the truck at the door, even with identical furniture.
Our moving cost guide and residential moving page explain what else the hourly rate covers.
FAQQuestions and answers
Is there a per-flight stair charge?
Not on local moves. Each flight just adds the minutes it takes.
What counts as a long carry on an interstate move?
A carry of more than 100 feet between the truck and the door can be an accessorial on interstate shipments.
Will stairs mean I need more movers?
Sometimes. Heavy pieces on stairs, like an upright piano, call for four movers.
Can the crew carry a sofa up a narrow staircase?
Usually, and they can take apart sectionals and beds to make the turn. Send a photo of a really tight stairway if you are unsure.
Ready to move?
Tell us your date and zip codes. A real person calls you back, or call us now.