Editor’s Note: Today, we’re joined by JK Moving Services with advice on apartment building moves.

Maybe you’re moving into your first apartment. Or maybe you’ve relocated a few times in your life.  Either way, you want to ensure a worry-free move. Whether your new place is in a high-rise building, a garden-style apartment, or even a basement studio of a house, there are specific steps to ensure a smooth move day.  Today, we offer part one of our two-part series of tips and advice about moving in and out of apartments.

It takes more time than you expect.

You may think that apartment moves are easier, take less time, or cost less than moving a single family home or a townhouse since the living space is typically smaller. This is a misconception.  In reality, your movers may need more time with an apartment move.

Movers are at the mercy of the elevator.  Elevators are slow, may be small inside, and can only fit so much in each trip. If the elevator is particularly small, the crew may have to carry large pieces of furniture up several flights of stairs.

Your property manager knows all.

  • Some buildings require residents to provide a security deposit to reserve the elevator and loading dock.  Ask your property manager about your building’s specific policies.
  • Residents may only be allowed to move in or out on certain days of the week.  Your leasing office or property manager can advise you of any restrictions.
  • Also ask what day the trash is collected for your building so you can schedule your move around that day. Otherwise, your crew may have to move the truck and wait for the dumpsters to be emptied.  This can cause delays and subsequently cost you more money.

Protecting your new building.

  • Ask your mover if they are insured. Your property manager may request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your mover to prove that they carry the proper level of if there is damage to public areas.
  • Some buildings – particularly higher-end residences – have specific requirements to ensure that public areas are properly protected.  This could include use of building protection materials that are more common for a commercial move.  Your property manager can confirm requirements.

Reserve street parking.

If you are moving within an urban area, you may need to block part of the street in front of your building for the moving truck.  Contact your local municipality or police precinct at least a week prior to the move to secure a parking permit. Typically, the permit needs to be posted 72 hours in advance to be enforced. 

Small details add up.

A final tip – don’t forget about on-site storage in your building. Some apartment buildings have storage “cages” for each unit in the basement and these can be overlooked when moving out.

In conclusion, a good rule of thumb is to talk with your current and new property managers or leasing offices well in advance of your move, so you and the movers are properly prepared on move day.

JK Moving Services has provided local, long distance, and international moving services for residential and commercial customers for more than 30 years. Visit their blog, This End UP, for more tips and resources about creating a worry-free move.