Elevator reservation
If the building has an elevator, ask if it must be reserved. Some buildings have a freight elevator. Some require pads. Some only allow moves during certain hours.
BUILDING PREPARATION
Before Moving Day,Check The Building.
A good crew can still lose time if the elevator is not reserved, the truck has nowhere to park, or the building has rules nobody knew about.
This guide keeps that part simple. Use it before your move, especially if you are moving from an apartment, condo, co-op, office building, or any place with a doorman, elevator, garage, loading area, or management office.
WHY IT MATTERS
The building can change the whole move.
Most moving problems do not start with the furniture. They start with access.
The crew arrives, but the elevator is not available. The truck has nowhere to stop. The loading dock is locked. The building only allows moves between certain hours. The superintendent does not know anyone is coming.
None of this is unusual. It just needs to be checked before moving day.
If the building has rules, send them to us early. If you are not sure, ask the building manager, front desk, superintendent, or landlord. A five-minute call can save a lot of time later.
REAL TALK
Building rules are boring until they stop the move.
Elevator times, parking rules, certificates, protection requirements, and loading areas are not exciting. But they decide how smooth the day feels.
CHECK THESE FIRST
The simple building prep list.
Use this before moving day. You do not need perfect answers, but you should know what the building expects.
Parking or loading area
Ask where the truck can park or load. A legal and close loading spot can save time. A bad parking situation can slow down the entire move.
Move hours
Some buildings do not allow moves early in the morning, late in the day, on weekends, or during busy times. Confirm the allowed window before booking.
Paperwork
If the building needs paperwork, ask exactly what they need and where it should be sent. Do this early, not the night before.
Building protection
Some buildings require floor covering, wall protection, elevator pads, or hallway protection. Ask what is required so the crew can be ready.
Point of contact
Know who the crew should speak with when they arrive. Front desk, doorman, superintendent, management office, or landlord — someone should know about the move.
01
Call the building.
Ask what they require for a move. Do they need an elevator reservation, paperwork, protection, or a specific move window?
02
Send the rules.
If the building gives you written rules, send them to us. A screenshot or email is usually enough to start.
03
Confirm access.
Make sure the truck can load, the elevator is ready, and the building contact knows the crew is coming.
04
Keep moving day clear.
Clear the hallways, remove small items from the path, and keep keys, fobs, parking instructions, and contact numbers nearby.
WHAT TO ASK
Copy this when you call the building.
“Hi, I’m moving on [date]. Can you tell me what the building requires for a move?”
“Do I need to reserve the elevator?”
“Where can the moving truck park or load?”
“Are there move hours I need to follow?”
“Do you need any paperwork from the moving company?”
“Do you require floor, wall, hallway, or elevator protection?”
APARTMENTS, CONDOS & OFFICES
Different buildings. Different rules.
An apartment move is not the same as a house move.
With a house, the main question is usually driveway, stairs, parking, and access through the doors.
With an apartment, condo, co-op, or office building, the building rules can matter just as much as the furniture. Elevator time, loading dock access, certificates, front desk rules, and move hours can all affect the price, timing, and crew plan.
That does not mean the move is hard. It just means we should know the rules before the crew arrives.
FAQ
Building prep questions.
Short answers for the details that usually come up before moving day.
Do I need to reserve the elevator?
If your building has a service or freight elevator, probably yes. Ask the front desk or management office. If the elevator is not reserved, the move can be delayed.
What if my building has no loading dock?
That is normal. We just need to know where the truck can safely stop and how far the crew will carry items from the door to the truck.
What paperwork does a building usually ask for?
Some buildings ask for insurance paperwork or a certificate from the moving company. Ask your building for the exact requirements and send them early.
Can I book the move before I know the building rules?
Yes, but the plan may need to change once the rules are confirmed. It is better to ask the building before the move date gets close.
What should I do on moving day?
Keep keys, fobs, elevator access, parking instructions, and building contact information easy to find. Clear the path inside the home if possible.
Do house moves need building preparation?
Not the same way, but access still matters. Driveway, street parking, stairs, tight doors, long walks, and fragile floors should be discussed before the move.
Tell us about the building.
Send the move details, building rules, elevator information, parking notes, or anything the building gave you. We’ll help you figure out what matters.