Apartment moves are about access
Moving out of or into an apartment or condo often takes longer per item than moving a house, not because there's more to move, but because of access. Elevators have to be shared or reserved. The truck may have to park far from the entrance. Hallways are narrow, corners are tight and there may be stairs. Every extra minute of carrying is a minute you're paying for on an hourly move.
Building rules
Many apartment and condo buildings have rules for moves: specific days or hours, advance booking, deposits, elevator pads and sometimes a requirement that movers provide a certificate of insurance naming the building before they can work there. Ask both buildings, the one you're leaving and the one you're moving into, what they require, and pass it to the mover early. A building that turns away the crew on the day can cost you a whole move.
Elevators
If the building has a freight or service elevator, reserve it for the move window, at both ends if possible. If movers have to share a passenger elevator with residents, the move will take longer. Ask the building whether the elevator can be keyed or held for movers.
Stairs and long carries
Walk-up buildings mean every item goes up or down by hand. Movers often price stairs and long carries (the distance from the door to the truck) into the estimate, or charge extra for them. Tell the mover how many flights there are, how wide the stairwell is and how far the truck can park from the door.
Parking and loading
Where the truck parks matters. A loading dock or reserved spot close to the entrance can save a lot of time. Some cities and buildings require permits or reservations to block a curb lane for a moving truck. Ask the building, check with the city if needed, and tell the mover what's arranged.
Will it fit?
Large sofas, sectionals, tall bookcases and king-size box springs don't always fit through apartment doors, hallways and elevators. Measure the big pieces and the tightest points of the route. Movers can sometimes remove doors, legs or feet, or hoist furniture, but they need to know ahead of time.
Smaller moves, minimum charges
A studio or one-bedroom move may take only a few hours, and many movers have a minimum number of hours they charge. Ask about it. If you have only a few items, ask whether the mover offers a small-move option.
Condo and HOA moves
Condo associations and homeowners associations often have their own move rules, deposits and elevator procedures. Get them in writing and share them with the mover.
Moving in
At the new building, plan where things go before the crew arrives. Label boxes by room, and tape a simple floor plan to the door of each room, so the crew can place everything without asking.
Questions to ask
- Have you moved into or out of this building before?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance if the building asks for one?
- How do you price stairs and long carries?
- Is there a minimum charge?
- What happens if the elevator isn't available when you arrive?
- Can you remove doors or legs if a piece won't fit?