How to move furniture in Brooklyn without a car

Step 1: Measure and weigh

Before you pick a method, know three things: the longest dimension of the item, its weight and how many pieces there are. Measure the doorways, hallways and stairs at both ends too. Many failed moves fail at the front door.

Step 2: Choose a method

Carry it or use a cart. Fine for a chair or a few boxes over a few blocks.

Rent a van. Works for a full apartment, but you need a license, you pay for parking, fuel and sometimes tolls, and you carry everything yourself. In Brooklyn, finding a spot at the pickup and again at the drop-off can take as long as the drive.

Hire a moving company. The right choice for a full apartment and a long distance.

Use a cargo bike courier. A good fit for a couch, a mattress, a desk, a few boxes, a Marketplace pickup or a studio move. There is no parking to find, no license needed and no fuel to buy.

Step 3: Check what fits on a cargo bike

At Hudson Shipping Co we run two bikes:

• Venture: enclosed, 13 ft³ box (34 × 21 × 34 in), standard packages up to 400 lb per trip. Good for boxes and bags.
• Flatbed: open trike, 5 ft × 38 in bed, 50 in of usable deck, 16 ft² load area, side rails. Good for furniture and awkward items.

Our fleet page has a “Will it fit?” table with common items.

Step 4: Prepare the item

• Disassemble what comes apart. Keep screws in a labeled bag.
• Wrap corners and glass.
• Empty drawers and shelves.
• Write the pickup and drop-off floor, and note stairs and elevators.

Step 5: Book

For a pickup from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, book the seller’s address as the pickup and yours as the drop-off. Add the item size in the notes. Someone should be at each end to hand over and receive the item. You will get a live tracking link and proof of delivery.

Book in the morning for same-day service, or call +1 (917) 409-6033.

Tips for Marketplace buyers

• Ask the seller for exact dimensions and a photo of the item in place.
• Confirm that the seller can bring the item to the door or the curb.
• Agree on a time window before you book.

How much does it cost?

Small moves are quoted per job. Get an instant quote on the booking page.

When not to use a bike

For a full apartment with many large pieces, a moving truck is the better tool. For anything smaller, read more about our small moves service.