Moving tasks

April 15, 2008 7:36 PM

Moving tasks

Hey Mefis,

I work part-time in my school facilities management. This question is how to easily move things on stairs. There are no elevators in this building.

Need to move boxes of stuff on 6 flights of stairs. Any easy way to do this without breaking backs, cranes are not possible since the opening between the stairwell is not big enough to accomodate boxes through holes.

posted by radsqd to work & money (8 comments total)

How big/heavy are the boxes?
Are they going up, or down, or both?
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:38 PM on April 15

Get a handtruck with air wheels .

most have metal 'runners" that assist for sliding on stairs. you can pick one up for $ 40-70 at your local Home depot, Staples, sam's club, probably even rent one from U-Haul as well
posted by Mr_Chips at 7:49 PM on April 15

At most universities, this is what work-study students are used for.

If the boxes are really heavy, there are moving dollies with special stair-climbing attachments, also usually operated by low-paid work-study students.
posted by Forktine at 7:51 PM on April 15

(moving question needs a "moving" tag... just sayin')
posted by crapmatic at 7:56 PM on April 15

Builder's hoist, or pulley and rope outside your windows.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:01 PM on April 15

U-Haul sells these straps you hold that makes it much easier to carry big things. It should help things somewhat.

http://store.uhaul.com/product_detail.aspx?id=2744
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 8:36 PM on April 15

Any easy way to do this without breaking backs

If you are that worried about it, I wouldn't recommend having your regular employees who aren't experienced at this doing this task. It sounds like the boxes are heavy enough that someone could get really hurt if this goes wrong. Call in some moving pros.
posted by yohko at 10:22 PM on April 15

Put a flyer up in the gym and pay the football / lacrosse / hockey teams with beer and pizza.
posted by tiburon at 9:03 AM on April 16