Moving can feel like a tough mountain trek with a wardrobe on your shoulders. With the right moving lift, your furniture will float up in one smooth movement and the coffee will still be warm when everything is inside. Read this guide to find out how to make it happen.
Why rent a furniture lift or moving lift?
You want to save time, prevent back pain and keep the plasterwork intact. Renting a moving crane provides that in one go. Instead of cramped stairwells, you use the outdoors as a highway for your belongings.
Advantages of a moving lift
| Advantage | What you notice |
|---|---|
| Efficiency | Within a minute, a load of moving boxes will be on your balcony. |
| Move safely | A certified operator operates the lift so you can pack in a relaxed manner. |
| Cost reduction | Less manual labor needed, so a lower bill. |
| Furniture protection | No scratches on your cupboard and no dents in the stairwell. |
| Heights up to 31 meters | You can also reach the eighth floor without breaking a sweat. |
Example
Bas from Leiden moved to an old warehouse with narrow steps. He rented a bus lift and did the job in four hours while two friends called the boxes. Without a lift he had expected three days.
How do I choose the right ladder lift?
Which moving lift is right for my job?
Height of ladder lifts
- First to third floor: a small stair lift will suffice.
- Fourth to eighth floors: Choose a trailer or bus lift that reaches 60–100 ft (18–31 m).
- Higher up or on a construction site: go for a truck crane with a platform.
Weight of moving lifts
- Pianos or Jacuzzis require lifts with at least 200 kg load capacity. If you want a quick rent a moving lift? Then contact Moving for no-obligation quotes from the best moving companies in your area.
Location and rent a ladder lift
- If the lift is on a public road, you need a permit.
- Soft ground? Lay down plates so that the legs do not sink. Especially the lifts with extendable legs need a hard ground on which the lift can remain upright.
Tip from a moving lift specialist
Send our planner two photos of the facade. Within ten minutes you will know which model is suitable. Do you need a moving company that is immediately available? Then request free quotes from Moving!
Can I get advice when renting a moving lift?
Yes. Call or email the moving company in question and a professional mover will go through the checklist with you. They will give free advice and help with the permit if necessary. Everyone knows how difficult it is to apply for a permit... whether this is for building materials or a moving lift.
Types of moving cranes, ladder lifts & moving lifts
| Type | Reach | Carrying capacity | Plus point | Daily price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demountable ladder lift | 8–18 m | 150 kg | Fits through a garden gate | from € 92 |
| Trailer lift | 18–31 m | 200 kg | To be connected to the back of your car | €105–€155 p/h (incl. 2 operators) |
| Bus/truck lift | 18–31 m | 250 kg | Self-propelled and quickly deployable | €60–€80 per hour |
| Spider lift | 25–42 m | 250 kg | Maneuvers through narrow alleys | on request |
A ladder lift technically falls under moving lifts although many people call it separate. Useful to know when looking for a quote. Moving companies that rent out the lifts know this of course.
Costs & rental prices 2025
Price structure
- Basic rate for lift and operator.
- Travel expenses outside 25 km from the location.
- Surcharges for weekend or emergency.
- Permit when you take up street space.
- Barriers such as parking signs or fences.
Rent a moving lift! Average rates
| Elevator | Working days | Weekend / evening | NB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladder lift (self-operated) | €100 per day | idem | Basic instructions for collection |
| Ladder lift + operator | €65 per hour | €95 per hour | Up to 6th floor |
| Bus lift | €60–€80 per hour | +20 % | |
| Manned moving lift (average) | from €49 p/h | – |
Example
Boels offers a 31 m ladder lift for €92 per day. Ideal if you want to load at your own pace.
Permit & exemption costs
| Local authority | Permit | Additional deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | €230–€500 | Temporary traffic measure ± € 90 |
| Rotterdam | €75–€150 | Deposit from €65 |
| Small municipalities | €20–€50 | Often no additional costs |
Do you need a permit or exemption?
If you place the lift on the public road, the municipality will ask for a permit. Submit your application at least ten working days in advance. Don't want any paperwork? We'll be happy to arrange it. Placing a moving lift can sometimes be difficult, but with a professional moving company is this easy and fast arranged. Would you rather rent a lift yourself? Pick up the moving lift yourself from one rental company and get started!
Have the signs placed 48 hours before moving day. This will prevent someone from taking the parking space.
Step-by-step plan: reserve a moving crane in 7 steps
- Make an inventory of heavy furniture and large boxes. If you have little furniture, renting a small moving lift is often fine.
- Measure the balcony width and the sidewalk. This way you know what kind of furniture lift or ladder lift you will need.
- Request three quotes so you can compare prices. This is necessary for a moving lift because you naturally want to go for the cheapest and best rates.
- Book the lift by phone or online. With the professionalism of the moving companies, your move will go smoothly.
- Submit the permit or authorize our planner. The rental specialist knows exactly what is needed.
- Get the moving van ready and mark the parking spot. This way, your belongings can be moved upstairs or downstairs during your move.
- Moving day: our operator lifts, you direct. This is so advantageous!
Move easily with our practical tips
| Mistakes | Consequence | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| No parking ban | Fine and delay | Signs 48 hours in advance |
| Wind force 6 | Elevator stays down | Keep an eye on the weather and plan a reserve day |
| Too small plateau | Bank does not fit | Measure in advance and choose a larger model |
Additional advice
- Lay down rubber mats to protect tiles.
- Sort loads from heaviest to lightest.
- Offer your neighbors a cup of coffee; good neighbors are worth their weight in gold.
FAQ moving lifts & ladder lifts
1. How much does it cost to rent a moving lift per hour?
The rates for renting a moving lift in Amsterdam vary depending on the offer and the services included.
2. Do I always need a permit in Amsterdam?
In Amsterdam, placing an object on the public road, such as a moving lift, is subject to regulations. In many cases, a permit or notification is required. Placing a moving lift on the sidewalk or in a parking space usually requires an object permit. It is advisable to discuss this with the moving company and the municipality in good time to avoid fines or delays. Consult the municipality's website for more information about permits.
3. Can I operate the elevator myself?
Operating a moving lift requires experience and knowledge of safety procedures. Therefore, it is generally not allowed to operate the elevator yourself. Most moving companies provide the moving lift including an experienced operator who is responsible for operating it. This ensures a safe and efficient move, minimizing the risk of damage or accidents. When the lift is operated, the moving lift will arrive at your door together with the mover. The moving lift will of course return after the move. This way you will no longer have to move anything via the stairs and everything will go faster.
4. How high can you get?
The maximum height a moving lift can reach varies by lift type and provider:. Standard moving lifts typically reach up to 27 meters, which is about the 8th floor. The minimum is often eighteen meters. SSome suppliers have lifts that can reach up to 37 meters. This is also called a special ladder lift. It is suitable for buildings up to the 12th floor. When planning your move, it is important to discuss the height of your home and elevator accessibility with the moving company.
Alternatives & additional services
- Disassembly service for cabinets that do not fit through the door to fit. You can also choose to take all the furniture apart.
- Stair runners and furniture trolleys for small moves. Every moving company rents and delivers throughout the Netherlands. This is so easy. This way you can easily have your furniture moved.
- Balcony lifting service if you have one heavy piece of furniture. Get your moving lift out of the closet. Even if it's just one piece. When lugging is not necessary, this is always nice.
- Storage containers when your new home becomes available later. If you can't move all your stuff upstairs or you have a sofa that you don't want to take with you, you can have it stored for a longer period.
Downloadable checklist “moving day with moving lift”
- Permit arranged. If you need a permit, it is wise to do so can be arranged quickly.
- Lift confirmed and order number noted. Pay close attention to the small and large heights of certain lifts.
- Items sorted from heaviest to lightest. High quality movers can help you with this.
- Weather forecast checked. JOf course you want it to stay dry and the sun can of course come in handy in this case.
- Emergency numbers saved. A moving lift will of course make your move easier, but unfortunately accidents can happen in small corners. When you are moving, it is therefore important to save all emergency numbers well.
Download the PDF for free after your quote request.
Please contact us and request a quote without obligation.
Renting a moving crane or ladder lift literally and figuratively takes your move to a higher level. You can always contact Moving for free for questions. This can be done by phone and email. Click on "Request a quote" and you will receive a clear price within half an hour.
Moving – Professional movers will hoist your furniture upstairs while you pour the coffee.
