Moving day is often stressful for homeowners, but for the professional movers who make relocations seamless, it’s also incredibly physical. In a city like Boston—home to historic brownstones, narrow walk-ups, and tight streets—movers spend their days constantly hauling items in and out of trucks, up and down stairs, and walking considerable distances. The end result? An eye-opening number of daily steps. While movers tackle countless steps to help you relocate, it’s essential to have a secure place for your belongings during transitions. Self storage units Dripping Springs offer a convenient and secure solution for storing your possessions temporarily or long-term. With climate-controlled options and flexible access, these units ensure that your items are safe, organized, and easily accessible while you navigate the moving process.
According to Chris Amaral, owner of Safe Responsible Movers in Boston, the average mover can easily rack up around 15,000 steps per day, with busy days hitting as many as 35,000 steps. “Most people don’t realize just how physically demanding this work is,” Amaral explains. “Between loading the truck, navigating narrow staircases in the North End or Beacon Hill, and dealing with parking challenges, the steps add up incredibly fast.”
Why So Many Steps?
- Walk-Up Apartments in Historic Neighborhoods
Boston’s North End and Beacon Hill feature picturesque buildings with steep, winding staircases—many without elevators. Movers like Safe Responsible Movers’ team can spend hours walking up and down multiple flights, carrying furniture, boxes, and fragile items. - Loading and Unloading Trucks
Each piece of furniture, box, or household item must be carefully carried (or carted) between the truck and the customer’s home. This back-and-forth adds hundreds—sometimes thousands—of steps to the daily tally. - Tight Urban Streets and Limited Parking
In busy areas, parking right outside the door is often impossible. Movers may have to park down the street, which means extra walking and maneuvering through congested sidewalks and stairwells. - Maintaining Efficiency and Safety
While they aim to work quickly to keep costs down and meet deadlines, the team at Safe Responsible Movers also takes extra steps to ensure belongings are transported carefully and securely.
The Physical Demands of Moving
Carrying couches, bed frames, and boxes up several flights of stairs requires a combination of strength, endurance, and technique. Here’s what makes the work so demanding:
- Repetitive Heavy Lifting
Movers lift and carry items throughout the day, placing significant strain on muscles and joints. - Constant Stair Climbing
Navigating stairs with heavy loads is more intense than simply walking on flat ground. Boston’s historic buildings often have narrow, winding staircases that demand extra caution. - Unpredictable Conditions
Movers must be prepared for changing weather—hot, humid summers and icy winters—further adding to the job’s difficulty.
Staying Safe and Responsible
Chris Amaral emphasizes that safety is a top priority for his team at Safe Responsible Movers. They focus on:
- Proper Lifting Techniques
Training movers to lift with their legs (not their back) helps prevent injuries. - Supportive Footwear
Non-slip, well-cushioned shoes protect feet and help maintain balance. - Hydration and Breaks
Staying hydrated and taking short rest periods preserves energy and concentration. - Teamwork and Communication
Coordinating lifts and communicating clearly prevents accidents and maintains efficiency.
The Bottom Line
In a city like Boston—especially in neighborhoods filled with walk-up apartments—it’s common for a professional mover to log 15,000 steps in a single day. On exceptionally busy or complex moves, the total can reach 35,000 steps or more. “It’s not just about muscle,” says Amaral. “It’s about endurance, safety, and caring for people’s belongings. We do our best to make every move smooth and worry-free, while also protecting our health and our customers’ property.”
The next time you see a moving crew tackling a multi-story walk-up in Beacon Hill or the North End, remember that each step is part of a day’s work that can easily outpace most other daily fitness routines. For these dedicated professionals, it’s all in a day’s effort to deliver a safe, efficient, and responsible move.
