External lift during relocation: When stairwells become costly An outdoor lift provides speed, safety, and predictability.
Do you want to keep costs under control and avoid damage—especially in stairwells, long corridors, and with heavy furniture? Your advantages at a glance:
✓ Less risk: Furniture and stairwells remain undamaged.
✓ Faster: Large items are transported directly via the facade.
✓ Better cost control: Less downtime, less additional effort.
✓ Clear planning: Lift, team, holding area – all neatly coordinated.
What is an external lift?
An external lift is a lifting platform that is located outside the building. It is used to move furniture and boxes through windows or balconies. This saves you from having to carry items up and down the stairs. And it reduces damage.
Typical applications:
- Narrow stairwells, narrow doors, tight corners
- Higher floors without a suitable indoor elevator
- Heavy goods (e.g., large cabinets, sofas, fragile items)
- Long distances from the house to the street (carrying distance)
External lift use: The 6 most important advantages for you
Faster relocation:
Less carrying, less maneuvering, less downtime.
More protection for furniture and buildings:
Fewer scratches, fewer breakages, less hassle.
Less disturbance in the house:
Hallways remain clear, fewer peak noise levels.
Keeping the cost lever “time” under control:
Fewer minutes on site = fewer items on the bill.
Better planning:
Clearer timing for team, truck, parking area, access.
Security upgrade:
Controlled lifting process instead of risky maneuvers in the stairwell.
How to recognize that an external lift is a good idea
✓ You live on the 2nd–5th floor (or higher) and the elevator is too small/not available.
✓ The stairwell is narrow, steep, or winding.
✓ The carrying distance is long (courtyard, hallways, steps).
✓ Parking is difficult. Without a no-parking zone, there will be downtime.
✓ You have high-quality furniture. Scratches are not a “minor problem,” but a source of expense and annoyance.
3 facts that determine feasibility
We don't need novels for clean planning. Three pieces of information are often enough for the initial check:
Parking space in front of the house:
In order to plan safely, we need to know whether there is enough space to position both the lift and the corresponding vehicle stably and securely.
Possible obstacles outside:
Check the surroundings for potential obstructions such as trees, streetlights, architectural protrusions, or permanently parked cars that could restrict the swivel range or access.
The exact target height:
In order to accurately calculate the required lift range, we need to know the number of floors or levels to which the removal goods are to be transported.
External lift, stair lift, or stair climber?
Not every location is lift-friendly. In that case, a plan B is needed—without compromising on quality.
- External lift (furniture elevator): if it is possible to use the facade and bulky furniture is involved
- Stair lift: more compact when streets are narrow or there is little space available
- Stair climber: if it is not possible to use the outside, but the stairs are technically feasible
Result: You get the solution that suits your building – not the one that is “currently available.”
Procedure on moving day: How to keep things under control
Setup & Construction
Position the outdoor lift, secure the installation area, setup usually takes 30–60 minutes (depending on access and space).
Security check
Define load limits, window/balcony access, walking routes, and communication. Obstacles are eliminated before starting.
Lift operation & timing
A trained team controls the lifting transport with clear hand signals and a fixed procedure. Bulky parts go directly over the facade.
Protection & Loading
Furniture is secured with packaging material and edge protection. This is followed by the careful securing of the load in the vehicle.
What DACHSER & KOLB requires from you
To ensure that the quote, schedule, and safety concept are correct, DACHSER & KOLB requires the following information in advance.
- Space conditions in front of the building (parking space for lift/truck).
- Accessibility & obstacles (trees, streetlights, parked cars).
- Number of floors / level of the apartment.
- Carrying distance from the building to the drop-off point
- Inform neighbors/property management about the time slot (minimizes friction).
- Define valuables/fragile items in advance (special packaging, handling).
What DACHSER & KOLB does for you
So that you don't have to juggle between authorities, technology, and your daily schedule, DACHSER & KOLB takes care of everything related to the external lift:
- Obtaining official approval (HVZ).
- Providing a suitable external lift (model selection based on location).
- Professional operation by trained employees (safe, smooth process).
- Protection concept for furniture and buildings (packaging, securing, handling)
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about external lifts
What is an external lift when moving house?
An external lift (furniture lift) is a lifting platform on the outside of the building. It is used to move furniture through windows or balconies—quickly and in a controlled manner.
When is an external lift worthwhile?
For narrow stairwells, higher floors, long carrying distances, or bulky furniture. Whenever carrying increases time and risk.
How long does it take to install an external lift?
Usually 30–60 minutes. Depending on space, access, and obstacles.
Do you need a permit for an external lift?
Depending on the city and parking space, yes. If a permit is required, it will be arranged in advance.
What is the carrying distance and why is it important?
The carrying distance is the way from the vehicle to the home. The longer and more complicated it is, the greater the time and personnel costs.
What if using an external elevator is not possible?
Then we switch to a plug-in lift or stair climber. The goal remains the same: safe, fast, predictable.
Contact us for a free consultation!
By using an external lift for your move, DACHSER & KOLB ensures that your move is efficient, safe, and stress-free. Contact us for a free consultation!
We are here for you
We couldn't answer your questions?
Then don't hesitate to contact us.
Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
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