MR HOME GUY USA · MASTER TECHS SINCE 2008
How Do I Plan a Move Into or Out of a Condo or High-Rise?
Plan around building access at both addresses. Ask each building for its move procedures, available elevator times, loading location, and any paperwork it wants from the mover. Then confirm that the mover’s pickup and delivery schedule fits those arrangements before locking in the move.
Condo and high-rise moving checklist
1. Check elevator and loading reservations
Ask whether the elevator and loading dock need separate reservations. Confirm where the truck can wait, which entrance the crew should use, and who checks them in. Give your mover the exact start and end times so they can judge whether the slot is long enough.
2. Send the building’s instructions to your mover
If the building requests a certificate of insurance, send its instructions to the mover and ask the building to confirm acceptance before move day. Ask management about any move fees or deposits, and check whether the mover’s estimate includes stairs or a long carry from the truck.
3. Measure the entire furniture route
Start at the loading entrance and follow the path to the unit. Check door openings, elevator doors and cabin dimensions, hallway turns, and the unit entrance. Share photos and measurements of the tightest points with your mover. Ask which pieces need to come apart before the crew arrives.
4. Coordinate furniture delivery and setup separately
Ask whether later furniture deliveries need their own elevator slot or paperwork. Schedule assembly after the furniture arrives. If you’re planning to mount a TV or install window treatments, ask management or your landlord about any approvals before booking the work.
What to put in the move-day handoff
- At the old building: Loading location, elevator reservation, check-in contact, and key-return time.
- At the new building: Key pickup, truck entrance, elevator slot, and who will meet the crew.
- For the mover: Building instructions, photos of tight spots, and any furniture that needs disassembly.
- If the crew is delayed: Who will call the destination building, whether the slot can be extended, and what the mover would charge if delivery has to be rescheduled.
Example: The elevator is reserved for 1 to 3 p.m.
Suppose the mover gives you a noon-to-4 p.m. arrival window. Ask when they can narrow it and check whether management can offer a longer or later slot. Confirm how much unloading time the crew needs. If the mover arrives at 2:30 p.m. and needs an hour, the truck is within its arrival window, but the crew would still run past the elevator reservation.
Trying to make two building schedules fit?
Bring your move dates, elevator windows, building instructions, and photos or measurements of any tight access points. We’ll walk through the plan with you and help you identify what to confirm with the buildings and mover before you book.
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ConsultRelated moving and move-in guides
- What should I schedule before moving out of state?
- What should I measure before moving furniture into my new home?
- Should I hire movers, rent a truck, or use a moving container?
- What should I set up first after moving into a new home?
- Browse city moving and home-sale prep guides
Check out our The Elevator and Loading Dock Checklist for Condo Moves blog