Holy Cow, most people wouldn’t fit in a stairway that narrow.

Here’s a few options:

* Ask the landlord how the previous tenant moved anything of size into the apartment, and then ask how in the world they got it up there.

* Remember that you can tilt sofas to make them more accommodating for narrow spaces. This article helps explain the math of fitting a piece of furniture into a narrow doorway.

* If you’re feeling adventurous and have some strong friends, you could hoist the sofa up through an outdoor window. That’s a common trick from moving companies in New York and other big, crowded cities.

* Talk to a furniture store and explain your predicament – they’ve seen it all and might have good suggestions. Better yet, they might be willing to take on the task of delivering it to your apartment if it means they can sell you a sofa.

* Ultimately, however, your only option might be a futon or similiar type furniture that comes in two pieces, back and bottom. Or you could look for furniture that you put together in your apartment -- Ikea has good stuff like that.

Good luck!