What makes an Eichler different
Eichler homes were built by developer Joseph Eichler in the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. They typically have post-and-beam construction, flat or low-sloped roofs, walls of glass facing private yards, open floor plans and, in many homes, an atrium at the entry. Many also have radiant heating pipes in a concrete slab floor.
Glass walls and sliding doors
Large glass panels and sliding doors are the most fragile part of an Eichler move. Long pieces such as sofas, headboards and tabletops need to be carried with care past the glass. Movers protect door tracks and keep corners away from the panels.
Radiant floors
In homes with radiant heating, the heating pipes run through the concrete slab. Moving furniture across the floor is fine with proper protection, but you should never drill or nail into the floor. Runners protect the floor finish along the walking path.
Atriums and entries
Many Eichlers are entered through an open-air atrium, which can add a few turns and steps between the street and the living room. Measure the path through the atrium for large pieces.
Open floor plans and limited walls
With fewer interior walls and more glass, there is less wall space for tall furniture like bookcases and armoires. Plan where tall pieces will go before the move, or consider whether they suit the new home.
Low ceilings in some rooms
Some Eichler rooms have lower ceilings or exposed beams. Measure the height of tall pieces, such as wardrobes and tall headboards, against the lowest point in the room.
Carports and access
Many Eichlers have carports rather than closed garages, and some have narrow side yards. The truck usually parks on the street, and the crew carries through the front entry or a side gate.
Where Eichlers are
Palo Alto has some of the largest Eichler neighborhoods, and Sunnyvale and Mountain View have several tracts. San Jose has Eichler neighborhoods too, such as Fairglen near Willow Glen. Each tract has its own layouts, so it helps to know your model.
Furniture that suits the house
Mid-century homes often suit lower, lighter furniture. If you are moving from a larger traditional home, some pieces may not fit well. Deciding before the move what to keep saves carrying pieces you will not use.
Heat and light
Large windows bring in a lot of light and heat. Keep art, photos and wood furniture out of direct afternoon sun where you can, and plan window coverings early.
Planning the move
Tell your movers the home is an Eichler. They will bring extra floor protection and plan the carry around the glass. Our Palo Alto movers and Sunnyvale movers pages cover local details for two cities with many Eichler neighborhoods.
Before you move in
Walk through the empty home and note the glass panels, door tracks and floor finishes. Take photos of any existing scratches or chips. Decide where large pieces will go, especially in rooms with walls of glass on two sides.
Radiant heat and rugs
Thick rugs and heavy furniture can affect how radiant heat warms a room. Many Eichler owners use thinner rugs and furniture with legs so warm air can move. Plan rug placement before the move so the crew can put furniture down once.
Hanging art in a glass house
With fewer solid walls, art often goes on the few walls available or on easels and shelves. Plan where art will go before the move, and keep it wrapped until those spots are ready.
Moving out of an Eichler
Moving out needs the same care as moving in: floor runners, protection for glass and careful carrying through the atrium. Remember that some furniture may have come in before a remodel and may now need to leave a different way.
Working with remodels
Many Eichlers have been remodeled, with new kitchens and floors. New finishes need the same protection as originals, and contractors may still be finishing small jobs when you move in. Coordinate the move date with your contractor.
Furniture sizes
Many Eichler rooms are open but not very deep, and some bedrooms are modest in size. Measure king beds, sectionals and large dressers against the rooms before the move.
Light and privacy
Walls of glass face the yard, while the street side is often more closed. Plan window coverings for bedrooms early, since the first nights can feel very open.
Cabinets and built-ins
Many Eichlers have original built-in cabinets, room dividers and closets with sliding doors. These stay with the house. If your furniture was chosen for a home with more storage, plan where things will go before the move, since built-ins limit how rooms can be arranged.
Asking your movers the right questions
Ask whether the crew has moved Eichler homes before, how they protect glass and floors, and whether they bring door track protection. Clear answers to these questions tell you a lot about how the day will go.
Flat roofs and winter moves
Eichler roofs are flat or low-sloped, and winter rain in the Bay Area can find any weak spot. If you are moving in during the rainy season, check the roof and the gutters before the furniture arrives, and keep boxes away from exterior glass walls where condensation can collect.
Design guidelines in Eichler tracts
Some cities have design guidelines or zoning overlays for Eichler neighborhoods that affect remodels, such as limits on second stories or changes to the street-facing side. Check with the city before you plan major changes, especially in Palo Alto and parts of San Jose.