Living in a high-rise comes with great views and a central location, but it also comes with a possible headache when you decide to move out. Yes, it can be more complicated than moving out of a house, but it’s definitely not impossible. Many people have done it before, and you will too with the right plan. Here is what you need to check for.
Helpful Tips and Key Details to Confirm Before Your Move
Reserve the Elevator
When moving, it’s not like you can just use any elevator whenever you want. Most buildings require you to book the service elevator in advance. Besides, many high-rises only allow one move at a time, so you’ll want to reserve your spot as soon as you have a date.
Usually, management gives you a strict time window so be careful with that. Make sure you are 100% packed and ready to go before the movers arrive. If you go over your time slot, it can lead to extra fees or even having to stop the move halfway through because someone else needs it.
Ask About Loading Dock Rules
You’ll probably be using the loading dock for your move, so you should check what the building’s rules are. Every place has its own checklist. For example, you might have to shut off the engine while loading to keep the area clear of smoke. A quick chat with your manager can save you a lot of trouble.
Also, keep in mind the “clearance height” of the dock entrance to make sure there are no issues on the big day. If your truck is too tall to fit, it creates a massive problem that you definitely don’t want to deal with last minute. Just grab the height limits and the exact entrance location and pass that info along to your movers (or double-check your rental size) before you head out.
Secure Your Parking Permits
If your building doesn’t have a loading dock, or if your truck is just too big to fit inside, you’re going to need a Plan B for the street. While you might get away with a quick stop in some areas, parking a large truck for several hours in a busy zone or a restricted residential street is risky. To avoid the stress of a ticket (or being forced to move the truck halfway through), check if you need to grab a city permit to “save” a spot right outside the entrance.
Definitely check in with your building manager about this early on. They usually know the local street rules and can tell you if you need to apply for a permit from the city a few weeks ahead of time.
Contact Your Building Manager
It’s a good idea to reach out to your building manager the moment you decide to move. High-rises can be pretty particular about their move-out rules, and they usually have specific policies for things like where to toss your empty boxes or which security doors you’re allowed to use.
Send a quick email as soon as you have a date to ask for their full list of requirements. That will save you from dealing with any weird “hidden” rules or annoying surprises on your last day.
Verify Insurance Paperwork
If you’re using movers, this is a big one: most high-rises won’t even let movers through the door unless they provide a COI. It’s just a document proving the moving company has insurance in case they accidentally scratch the walls or damage the elevator.
Ask your building manager for their specific insurance requirements early on and send that info to your moving company. They’ll take care of the paperwork for you. Plus, it’s a huge relief knowing that if a hallway gets scratched during the move, you won’t be the one stuck with the bill!
Making Your Move Simple
Moving out of a high-rise definitely takes some extra planning, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. As long as you stay organized and keep in touch with your building manager, everything should go well.
Of course, the best way to make things easier is to let pro movers handle the hard part. At Eco Movers, we’re experts at navigating building rules and tight elevator schedules, so you don’t have to worry about anything. When you’re ready, reach out for a free quote and let’s get started!
