Moving into a high-rise apartment is like mastering a real-life game of Tetris. Instead of digital pieces, you’re maneuvering sofas, timing elevator reservations and navigating building rules. Suddenly, you feel like you’re playing the hardest level of the game in another language. If only you had a cheat code for coordinating a winning move. Luckily, you do.
These handy high-rise apartment moving tips put complex moves on easy mode. With the right planning (and professional help), you can fit all the pieces together like a Tetris world champion.
Your first call should be to building management at your current apartment and your new home. Request a copy of the moving rules in writing. Each building has its own quirks, so you want the specifics for your situation.
Find out which hours the building allows moves. Many high-rise buildings restrict moving activity to weekdays or specific time windows to keep the peace with other residents. Ask about any required paperwork, deposits or fees you need to handle before move day. Get clarity on which entrance, exit and pathways you must use during your move. Some buildings may ban certain items altogether, so confirm what you can bring.
Filling a passenger elevator with moving boxes isn’t the best way to make friends with your neighbors. Remember to reserve the service elevator and loading dock for your move, if available. Apartment buildings often have specific times when you can use these elevators.
Get written confirmation of your reservation. Some buildings may have penalty fees if you go over your agreed slot, so it helps to ask about buffer time if you run into delays.
Most high-rise buildings require your moving company to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you move in. This document from the mover’s insurance provider shows they carry proper coverage. It protects you and the property management from liability if any damage or injuries happen on move day.
Ask your building management for their exact requirements in writing. Professional moving companies provide a COI as part of their standard service — these certificates can take time to process, so plan ahead. Confirm the building received it and gave the green light before your scheduled move date.
Find out from building management if there’s a dedicated loading zone for moving trucks. Free parking spots outside high-rise buildings can be rare. You could take a chance, or you could apply for a permit to reserve a parking spot outside the building. Some cities may require these permits, while others simply recommend them. Check whether your origin or destination needs one.
Here’s how to master parking puzzles:
Give yourself a three-month head start before your move date. This schedule leaves plenty of time to plan every detail so nothing slips through the cracks.
A week-by-week checklist is your best friend. Include key deadlines like hiring a moving company, reserving the elevator and updating your address with your providers. Build in buffer time for when things take longer than expected. Coordinate timing requirements with your current building and your new one.
Here’s where the Tetris analogy rings true. Trying to fit a king-size bed in a double-sized room is like placing an L-shaped piece in a square hole. Taking measurements ensures everything will fit. It also prevents your oversized sofa from getting stuck in a narrow hallway.
Do the following:
If some belongings won’t fit in your new high-rise, short- or long-term storage provides a solution. You can store items while you figure out what to do with them later.
A move is the perfect opportunity to start fresh in your new home with only what you need and love. Sell, donate or dispose of items you no longer use before packing begins.
Movers often charge according to the total weight and volume of your belongings, so decluttering can help lower moving costs. The less stuff you move, the less you pay. A lighter, streamlined move also reduces the risk of exceeding your elevator time slot.
Efficient packing is a lifesaver when you have a tight time window. Use smaller, lighter boxes that you can carry easily through hallways and on elevators. Skip the temptation to overstuff boxes. Giant boxes may fit a lot more stuff, but they can become heavy and tough to maneuver in narrow spaces.
Organized packing makes the process smoother on move day. Label every box with the corresponding room and priority level. Mark boxes as “unpack first” or “can wait” so you know what to grab when you arrive.
When you finally walk into your new place, the last thing you want is to dig through boxes looking for your toothbrush. Pack a separate bag or box with everything you need for the first 24 hours. Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a change of clothes and other necessities.
The single best tip for how to move into a high-rise apartment? Leave it to the professionals. Here’s why:
If you’re moving into a high-rise apartment, working with the right moving company can be a game-changer. Corrigan Moving Systems has been helping families settle into their new homes since 1929. Our trained crews simplify high-rise apartment moves. Relax while we manage building regulations, navigate steep stairwells and get your belongings into your space safely.
Take the first step. Contact us to set up a free consultation and let our team take care of the details.
