Rocket Science Moving picked up a brand-new, boxed Sub-Zero refrigerator from a store for delivery to a third-floor home in San Francisco. The refrigerator weighed 735 pounds and would not fit through the opening along the stair route, so bringing it upstairs required a different approach.
For this project, we built a custom ramp at our warehouse, completed its assembly at the property, and used a winch to raise the ramp into position before moving the refrigerator up it.
The Access Problem: The Refrigerator Would Not Fit Along the Stair Route
The delivery involved more than collecting an appliance and carrying it upstairs. The Sub-Zero was new and in its box when we picked it up from the store, and the available opening along the staircase could not accommodate it.
That restriction made access planning central to the job. We needed an alternative route to the third floor and a way to move the refrigerator through the prepared opening.
Building the Ramp Before Arriving at the Property
The height of the destination was a key reason for choosing a ramp for this project. Our team spent a couple of days building the ramp at our warehouse before the job, then brought it to the client’s property for final assembly and positioning.
Preparing the ramp at the warehouse allowed us to complete part of the work before arriving at the home. The remaining assembly took place on site, where the ramp had to be positioned for this particular opening.
Preparing the Third-Floor Opening
Before our lifting work began, another company removed the glazing and frame from the access opening. This was a separate part of the project, coordinated ahead of the refrigerator’s entry.
Our team made custom attachments, added protection at the opening, and installed crossbars and a winch for the operation. The ramp, opening, and lifting setup were prepared together as parts of the same delivery route.
Raising the Ramp First, Then the Refrigerator
The sequence mattered: we first used the winch to raise the ramp into position. Once the ramp was in place, the winch was used to move the Sub-Zero refrigerator up the ramp to the third floor.
The on-site ramp setup and refrigerator lift took approximately six hours altogether. That was separate from the couple of days spent building the ramp at our warehouse.
This describes the approach used for this specific property. A ramp and winch setup for another building would require its own professional assessment of the appliance, access route, opening, and site conditions.
What to Send Before Scheduling a Similar Refrigerator Move
If you are arranging a refrigerator delivery to an upper floor, share the access details before confirming the delivery plan. Useful information includes:
- The refrigerator model, dimensions, and whether it will be boxed.
- The pickup location and destination floor.
- Photos and measurements of the stairs, landings, doorways, and any proposed alternative opening.
- Exterior photos showing the area below and around that opening.
- Details of any separate contractor involved in removing or reinstalling glazing or a frame.
These details help us assess the job and identify what needs to be arranged before moving day. The method used for this San Francisco project should not be assumed suitable for a different home or refrigerator.
Planning a Difficult-Access Appliance Move in San Francisco?
Contact Rocket Science Moving with your refrigerator details and access photos to request an assessment and quote. For more information about moving oversized items through alternative access points, visit our Bay Area hoisting services page.