Large Furniture and Small Elevators: What to Expect in Israel

One of the surprises many olim discover is that apartment elevators in Israel are often smaller than those in North America. While most deliveries go smoothly through the building entrance and elevator, larger items such as sofas, mattresses, pianos, and bookcases may not fit.

When this happens, an outside elevator can be used to lift the furniture directly to the apartment through a balcony or other suitable opening. This is a very common solution in Israel and is often the safest way to move oversized pieces into the home.

As part of the delivery planning process, we can discuss the size of your furniture, the building layout, and whether an outside elevator might be required. In some cases, photos of the building, elevator, and larger items can help us assess the situation in advance.

The cost of an outside elevator is typically around 1,300 NIS (+/-) for up to two hours of service, although pricing can vary based on the location, floor level, access conditions, and local provider.

The good news is that if your furniture does not fit in the building elevator, there is usually a practical solution. With a little advance planning, we can help make sure your shipment is delivered safely and efficiently to your new home in Israel.