Last updated: March 2026
Will It Fit Up the Stairs?
Enter your item dimensions and stairway measurements to plan the move — landings, turns, and clearance included.
Whether it fits depends on measurements most people get wrong.
Key Measurement
Landing depth and width vs. item length
Standard Dimensions
Item: Varies — measure your specific item's length, width, and height
Space: Standard residential staircase: 36" wide, 80" ceiling clearance
Actual clear openings are usually 1–2″ smaller than the labeled size.
Your exact dimensions probably aren't "standard." Small measurement errors cause big problems — 1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
Related Resources
Verdicts are calculated by comparing all 6 item orientations against the space dimensions using verified building code standards. See our methodology
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1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
“Wish I'd used this before trying to force a fridge up the stairs.” — Lesson learned
Standards Referenced
- IRC R311.7Stairway width, headroom, and riser/tread dimensions View source
- IBC Chapter 10Means of egress — commercial corridor and door widths View source
Measurements verified by the ItemFits engineering team · Based on IRC R311.7, IBC Chapter 10 · Our methodology
Check Your Exact Fit
Standard sizes say it works — but your measurements are what matter.
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Related Reading
How to Measure Your Staircase for Moving: Every Dimension That Matters
Most people measure stair width and call it done. The landing, ceiling height, and turning angle are where furniture actually gets stuck.
Moving Heavy Items Upstairs Safely: Techniques & Equipment
Moving a 200-pound dresser or appliance upstairs without injury requires the right technique and equipment. Here's how professionals do it safely.
When to Hire Professional Movers for Stairs
Not every stair move needs professionals. But some absolutely do. Here's the line between "you can handle this" and "call the pros."
Related Item Guides
Complete Moving Scenarios
Multi-step guides for real-world moves
Related fit checks
What to Measure
- 1Item length, width, height, and weight — build a measurement matrix before touching the staircase so you know which dimension is the constraint
- 2Stair clear width at the narrowest pinch point (below handrails, at newel posts, and where wall-mounted fixtures intrude)
- 3Landing footprint (depth × width) — compare it against your item's longest dimension, since this is where you must pivot
- 4Weight-to-carrier ratio — divide item weight by the number of carriers to ensure no one bears more than 50–60 lbs on an incline
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the measurement matrix — checking only one dimension when the staircase constrains length, width, height, and weight simultaneously
- Measuring stair width above the handrail instead of at banister-bracket height, where the actual clearance is 3–5 inches narrower
- Not rehearsing the multi-person coordination before the carry — the person at the bottom bears 60–70% of the load on a 35-degree incline
- Checking the straight run but ignoring the step-by-step clearance at each ceiling overhang, soffit drop, and light fixture along the route
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the banister to get more space?
Most wooden banisters are bolted at the top and bottom with lag screws. Removing a banister can add 3 to 5 inches of usable width. Mark bolt positions before removal so you can reinstall it afterward. Metal railings may be welded and cannot be easily removed.
How do I measure the turning radius at a landing?
Stand at the landing and measure the shortest distance from the inside corner to the opposite wall. Then measure the landing depth (parallel to the upper flight). Your furniture must be able to pivot within this rectangular space — long items may need to be tilted vertically to clear the turn.
Should I hire professional movers for stairs?
If the stairway has a 90-degree or 180-degree turn with less than 40 inches of landing depth, professional movers with stair-climbing equipment are strongly recommended. They carry furniture blankets, straps, and shoulder dollies that make tight clearances safer for both the item and the walls.