Last updated: October 11, 2026
The East Village and the Lower East Side are walk-up neighborhoods. Most homes are in old tenement buildings without an elevator, so most moves here are stair moves, and good planning matters more than anywhere else in Manhattan. Here is how to plan one, with the city rules that apply to the truck. For a free written estimate, call (646) 455-1930.
A neighborhood of tenements
The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the East Village/Lower East Side Historic District on October 9, 2012. It covers about 325 buildings on all or part of 15 blocks between the Bowery/Third Avenue and Avenue A, from East 2nd Street to St. Mark’s Place. Many are “pre-law” tenements, built before the Tenement House Act of 1879, and “old-law” tenements built under that act (NYC City Planning Commission report). Buildings like these were made for walking up: narrow stairs and small landings.
How to plan a walk-up move
- Floors and stairs. Tell us the floor at both addresses and send a photo of the stairs. The number of flights is one of the biggest factors in how long the job takes.
- Measure the turn. The tightest landing decides what fits. Measure it, the apartment door and your largest pieces.
- Take things apart. Bed frames, table legs and shelves often have to come apart to get down the stairs; tell us which pieces you have.
- Use small boxes. Books, dishes and tools go in small boxes so every carry is safe on narrow stairs. We offer full packing and packing materials.
- Clear the path. Keep the hallway and the stairs free of bikes, strollers and boxes you are not moving.
- Start early. A morning start gives the crew more time and finds more free curb space.
Building rules still apply
Even a small walk-up has rules in the lease or from the landlord: when moves are allowed, which door to use and quiet hours for neighbors. Newer elevator buildings in the area usually also ask for a booked move time, a reserved elevator and a certificate of insurance (COI). We send the COI your building asks for.
The street and the truck
Below 14th Street, a commercial vehicle may double park only for quick pickups or deliveries, and only when no parking space or marked loading zone is free within 100 feet on either side of the street. A truck must also stay 15 feet from a fire hydrant (NYC Department of Finance). A walk-up move takes hours, so the truck needs a legal spot at the curb close to the door. Our guide to moving truck parking rules in NYC has the full list.
The FDR Drive is closed to commercial vehicles (NYC DOT), so trucks come in on local streets, and the whole area is inside the Congestion Relief Zone toll (MTA).
Moving to Brooklyn or Queens
Many moves from here cross the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge carries no trucks (NYC DOT), so a moving truck uses another crossing. Read our guide to moving between Brooklyn and Manhattan, or movers in Queens and Astoria if you are heading to Queens.
Moving out of a walk-up: a short checklist
- Ask the landlord about move hours and the door to use.
- Measure the stairs, the door and the large pieces; take photos.
- Book the date early if it is near the 1st of the month.
- Pack a bag with keys, documents, medicine and chargers that stays with you.
- Take photos of the empty apartment for your security deposit.
Common questions
Can a moving truck use the FDR Drive?
No. The FDR Drive is closed to commercial vehicles (NYC DOT), so moving trucks reach the East Village and the Lower East Side on local streets.
How long does a walk-up move take?
It depends on the floors at both addresses, how much you have and how far you are going. Tell us the floors and your main items and we give you a free written estimate before moving day.
Do you move from fifth- and sixth-floor walk-ups?
Yes. Tell us the floor, the stairs and any tight turns, so we send the right crew.
Is the East Village in the congestion toll zone?
Yes. The zone covers Manhattan’s local streets from 60th Street south (MTA). Ask us to include tolls in your written estimate.
Get your free written estimate
Call (646) 455-1930 or send the quote form on this page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. You get a free written estimate before moving day, and we can come to see the job 7 days a week. A & A Alliance Moving Inc (Two Guys And a Truck NYC) is a family business since 1999, licensed by New York State for moves inside the state (NYSDOT 34875) and by the U.S. DOT for moves between states (U.S. DOT No. 967970, MC-432549). More about us: company facts.
City rules change. We checked every official link on this page on October 11, 2026; confirm on the linked page before moving day. This page is general information, not legal advice.