Condo and apartment moves have their own rules. The building decides when you can move, which elevator you can use and where the truck can park, and getting any of it wrong can cost you hours or a fee. We move people in and out of high-rises downtown and in Oliver, and in walk-ups and townhouse complexes across the city. Here's what to sort out before moving day.
1. Read the move rules first
Most buildings have written move-in and move-out rules, usually through the property manager or condo board. Ask for them as soon as you have a date. They usually cover:
- Allowed moving hours, often weekdays and limited weekend times.
- Elevator booking, and how long you can have it.
- Move-in or move-out fees and damage deposits. Some buildings charge one or both, and some want a cheque ahead of time.
- Where trucks can park and how long they can stay.
- Insurance requirements. Some buildings ask your mover for a certificate of insurance.
- Protection rules: elevator pads, floor runners in hallways, which doors to use.
2. Book the elevator, at both ends
This is the big one. Without a booked elevator, you're sharing with every resident on their way to work, and a three-hour move can become six. When you book:
- Ask for the service elevator if there is one, and whether it can be put on "independent" or key service for your move.
- Book a time window that's long enough. Ask your mover how long they expect, and add a buffer.
- If you're moving between two buildings, book both, with enough time between them for the drive.
- Ask whether the building puts up elevator pads, or whether your mover should bring them.
3. Sort out parking for the truck
- Find the loading zone or dock, and whether it needs to be reserved.
- Check the parkade clearance. Most moving trucks are too tall for underground parking.
- If there's no loading area, find the closest legal street parking and plan for the longer carry.
- Tell your mover about anything unusual: a long hallway, a back entrance, or a lane that's tight for a truck.
4. Measure before you move
Hallways, elevator doors and tight corners are where condo moves get stuck. Measure the elevator's door and inside (height, width and depth) and compare them to your biggest pieces: the sofa, mattress and dining table. If a sofa only fits standing on end, your movers need to know ahead of time.
Pro tip: Take a photo of the hallway, elevator and entrance walls before the move starts. If there's ever a question about damage, you'll have a "before" picture.
5. Pack for the elevator
- Use boxes, not bags. Boxes stack on a dolly and go up in one trip; loose bags take five.
- Keep boxes a manageable size so the crew can stack a full dolly.
- Stage everything near your door so nothing holds up the elevator while it's booked.
6. Let the neighbours know
A quick note in the lobby or a message to your floor goes a long way. People are much more patient with a busy elevator when they know it's only for a few hours.
Townhouses and walk-ups
No elevator, but stairs instead. Clear the stairwell, take railings or doors off their hinges if a big piece won't make the turn, and expect walk-ups to take longer than a main-floor move. See what adds time to a move.
We handle condo and high-rise moves all the time. We bring elevator pads and floor runners, and we work within your building's booking window. Get a free quote, and tell us the building and your elevator booking time.
Quick answers
Do I need to book the elevator for a condo move?
Almost always. Most buildings require a booking, and many limit moves to certain hours. Ask the property manager as soon as you have a date.
Can a moving truck fit in an underground parkade?
Usually not. Most moving trucks are too tall, so plan to use a loading zone, dock or nearby street parking.
Are there move-in fees for condos?
Some buildings charge a move-in or move-out fee, a refundable damage deposit, or both. The amount and rules are set by each building, so ask ahead.
