Furniture Lift (Möbellift)

When it becomes necessary

Typical cases: older buildings with narrow spiral staircases, buildings without an elevator from the third floor upwards, attics reachable only through a hatch in the floor, bulky single items such as pianos, safes or large wardrobes, and properties where the stairwell has to be protected from damage.

The furniture lift is often cheaper than it looks. What two people carry down six floors over several hours, the lift handles in a fraction of the time — the labor saved frequently covers the rental cost in full.

Requirements at the property

The lift needs a stable set-up position with enough space, clear access for the carrier vehicle, and a window or balcony of sufficient size. Trees, overhead lines, canopies and balcony parapets can rule the lift out — that has to be checked in advance.

If the lift stands on public land, a permit is required. In the City of Zurich it is issued by the Dienstabteilung Verkehr (the city's traffic department) and has to be applied for several working days in advance.

Safety

The area beneath the lift has to be cordoned off while it is operating. It is operated exclusively by trained personnel. Damage to the façade, the blinds or window frames is possible if it is used improperly — a further reason why the contractor's insurance cover is particularly relevant here.

What it means for your budget

Judge the lift by the total, not by the line item. CHF 250 to CHF 700 of rental including operation typically replaces several hours of two-person carrying, plus the risk of damage to the stairwell that the landlord would charge back at the handover. Ask for the quote to show both variants — with and without a lift — so the comparison is visible rather than assumed.