Overview

Moving into a high-rise building is a completely different experience from moving into a typical house. Elevator access, narrow hallways, building policies, and coordination with property management all come into play. From limited loading zones to strict move-in times, the logistics can quickly get complicated.

To help you prepare, Best Movers has laid out what you need to know before the big day, including moving service reservations, time restrictions, and packing strategies to keep everything running without headaches.

Highlights

Introduction

Thinking about moving into the skyline? High-rise living offers incredible perks like stunning views, convenient amenities, and a vibrant urban lifestyle. But the move itself can be tricky. Without a solid game plan, it’s easy to run into delays, extra costs, and last-minute surprises. With the right preparation, though, you can avoid the stress and keep things on track.

This guide will walk you through how to stay organized and fully prepared, whether you’re heading up five floors or fifty.

Understand Your Building’s Moving Policies

Before you book your movers or start packing, you should check with your building’s property management office. Most high-rise buildings have specific rules regarding moving, and ignoring them can result in fines or even having to reschedule your move.

Typical policies include:

  • Required move-in/move-out reservations: You’ll likely need to book the elevator and a time slot for your move.
  • Certificate of Insurance (COI): Many buildings require your moving company to provide proof of liability coverage.
  • Permitted hours: Some buildings only allow moves during weekday business hours to avoid disturbing other residents.
  • Elevator padding and protective flooring: These help protect shared spaces from damage during your move.

Failing to follow these policies can delay your move or limit what your movers can do on the big day. Always get the building’s moving guidelines and share them with your moving company upfront.

Reserve the Elevator Early

High-rises typically have limited access to service elevators, and you’re often not the only one moving on any given day.

Most buildings will let you reserve a freight or service elevator, but those reservations can book up weeks in advance, especially during the busy moving season (late spring to early fall). If your building only has passenger elevators, some may allow temporary use during your reserved slot with staff supervision.

Once you’ve made your reservation, make sure your moving company knows which elevator they’re allowed to use and how long you’ve reserved it. This detail alone can make or break your timeline.

Choose a Moving Company With High-rise Experience

Not all moving companies are equipped—or trained—to handle high-rise moves. From dealing with elevator schedules to maneuvering large furniture through narrow hallways, high-rise relocations come with their own set of challenges.

A company experienced in high-rise moves will:

  • Coordinate with building management ahead of time if needed
  • Know how to efficiently move bulky items through elevators and stairwells
  • Be equipped with the right tools (straps, dollies, sliders) for navigating tight spaces
  • Understand timing and logistics to avoid long waits between elevator trips

Hiring a team that understands the unique logistics of a vertical move can mean the difference between chaos and a smooth experience. They’ll anticipate issues before they arise and keep everything on track.

Plan for Parking and Loading Zone Access

Street-level access isn’t always easy in high-rise buildings, especially in busy downtown areas. Your movers may not be able to park directly outside the front door, and loading docks are often limited or shared between multiple businesses or residents.

Here’s what you should confirm ahead of time:

  • Is there a designated loading dock or parking area for moving trucks?
  • Do you need a temporary parking permit from the city?
  • How far is the walk from the truck to the elevator or unit?

If your movers have to carry items a long way due to parking restrictions, it can slow the process significantly and may incur additional charges. Clarifying these logistics early can save hours on move day.

Get the Right Insurance Coverage

Building management will almost certainly ask your moving company for a Certificate of Insurance (COI), but it’s also smart to consider your own liability.

Ask your movers what’s covered under their insurance:

  • Are damages to the building covered?
  • What about damages to your personal belongings?
  • Do they offer full value protection or only limited liability?

And if you’re hiring labor-only movers or doing some of the work yourself, it’s especially important to make sure your renter’s or homeowners insurance covers accidents and breakage during the move.

In high-rise buildings, where narrow corridors, polished floors, and tight corners are the norm, even a small misstep can cause damage. Without proper insurance coverage, one slip or scratch can quickly turn into an added expense.

Take Measurements and Pre-Plan Furniture Placement

Getting your sofa through a first-floor front door is one thing. Getting it through a 36-inch hallway and into a 10th-floor unit with a 90-degree corner is a whole different game.

Before move day:

  • Furniture measurements: Measure large items like beds, couches, and dressers to ensure they’ll fit through doorways and into the new space.
  • Entryway dimensions: Check the size of doorways, hallways, and elevator interiors in both your old and new buildings.
  • Potential obstacles: Watch out for tight corners or narrow corridors that could make moving certain items difficult.

If something won’t fit through the elevator or hallway, movers may need to disassemble it. Planning in advance avoids awkward surprises.

Use Professional Packing Techniques

High-rise moves often involve more bumping, shuffling, and navigating than a standard move. That makes packing even more critical, especially when movers are loading and unloading from elevators or carrying boxes down long corridors.

Some packing tips:

  • Use sturdy, stackable boxes: You want strong boxes that won’t collapse under weight.
  • Avoid overloading: Don’t overpack boxes so they’re too heavy and are more rigid to carry up or down elevators.
  • Clearly label boxes: Add notes to the boxes with the destination room, and mark fragile items boldly.
  • Wrap furniture: Use moving blankets and shrink wrap to avoid scuffs during elevator trips.

When you hire professional packers, make sure they’re aware of the unique needs of a high-rise move. The tighter the quarters, the more protective padding and smart packing matter.

Prepare for Delays

Even the best-planned move can be slowed down by one simple variable: the elevator. Depending on how many trips your movers have to take and how fast the elevator is, delays can happen.

Here’s how to protect against delays:

  • Book more time than you think you’ll need: Hourly charges can add up quickly if your move takes longer than expected.
  • Avoid scheduling back-to-back appointments on the same day: Leave room for delays to prevent overlaps with things like furniture deliveries or utility installations.
  • Prepare for delays between elevator trips: Some buildings restrict how many items you can load per trip, which can slow things down.

And if you’re moving out of one high-rise and into another on the same day? Be prepared for double the coordination. It’s doable but requires airtight timing.

Inform Your Neighbours and Staff

Giving your neighbors a heads-up about your move is always a good idea. Not only is it courteous, but they might offer helpful advice, like what time of day the elevator is least busy or if there’s a shortcut for moving boxes.

Also, check in with:

  • Concierge or front desk staff: Confirm availability of move-day logistics like elevator access or loading zone.
  • Building maintenance: They may need to unlock service areas or provide floor protection if required.
  • Security: Coordinate with them if you’re moving during off-hours or need access to restricted areas.

The more people aware of your move, the more support you’ll have if something unexpected comes up.

Double-Check the Small Stuff

In the rush of moving, it’s easy to overlook the little things, especially in a high-rise where small details matter.

Here are a few extras that can make a big difference:

  • Bring doorstops: They’ll help keep unit doors open while you’re moving items in and out.
  • Protect floors: Use temporary mats or plastic runners if the building doesn’t supply any.
  • Pack an “essentials bag”: Include snacks, water, basic tools, and any important paperwork you might need during the move.
  • Have a toolkit ready: You may need it for disassembling or reassembling furniture on the spot.

Of course, movers can help with the small stuff. Just keep in mind that anything out of the ordinary should be communicated in advance. The more small items you have, the more help you’ll likely need since those little things can add up quickly.

Post-Move: Unpack With Purpose

Once you’re finally settled into your new high-rise home, resist the urge to unpack everything at once. Start with the essentials and take a few days to work through the rest at your own pace. Many full-service moving companies also offer unpacking services, which can be a big help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Begin by setting up your bed and bathroom so you can relax and recharge. Next, unpack kitchen basics to avoid relying on takeout, and hang curtains or shades early to ensure privacy. Then, take a moment to breathe, enjoy the view, and soak in the excitement of your new space. You’ve earned it.

Schedule Your High-rise Move With An Experienced Moving Company

Moving into a high-rise takes more planning, but the payoff, like skyline views and city convenience, is well worth it. With the right strategy and support from an experienced moving company like Best Movers, the process can feel smooth and stress-free. To get expert help with your high-rise move, call (867) 446-2653.