Moving into or out of an apartment or condo presents unique challenges that single-family home moves don’t have. Between building restrictions, elevator reservations, parking permits, and property management requirements, apartment moves require extra planning and coordination.
Whether you’re moving into a downtown condo, a Lake Nona apartment complex, or a Winter Park high-rise, understanding building-specific requirements can mean the difference between a smooth move and a nightmare moving day.
Why Apartment Moves Are Different
Unlike residential home moves where you can park a truck in the driveway, apartment moves involve multiple stakeholders and strict rules.
Key Differences:
- Building management approval required
- Elevator reservations and restrictions
- Limited loading zones and parking
- Move-in/move-out time windows
- Common area protection requirements
- Security and access protocols
Ignoring these factors can result in fines, refused access, or having to reschedule your entire move.
Required Documentation
Every apartment complex and condo building has different rules. Start by getting clear information from property management.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Most buildings require your moving company to provide proof of insurance naming the property as additionally insured.
- General liability coverage: $1-2 million minimum
- Workers compensation coverage
- 7-30 days advance notice to obtain
If doing a DIY move, you may need to provide your own insurance certificate or pay a deposit (often $500-$2,000) to cover potential damage.
Move Notification Forms
Required Information:
- Move date and time
- Contact information for movers
- Estimated duration of move
- Acknowledgment of building rules
Deposits
Some buildings require refundable deposits:
- Elevator use deposit: $100-$500
- Common area protection deposit: $200-$1,000
- Key or access card deposit: $50-$100
Deposits are typically refunded within 2-4 weeks if no damage occurs.
Timeline for Building Notifications
30 Days Before: Contact property management to understand all requirements. Some buildings have limited move slots.
14-21 Days Before: Submit all required paperwork. Coordinate with your moving company for insurance certificates.
7-10 Days Before: Confirm elevator reservation and parking arrangements. Get written confirmation.
Moving Day: Check in with building management upon arrival with all documentation.
Elevator Reservations
Elevator logistics are often the most complicated aspect of apartment moves.
Reservation Requirements
Advance Booking: Most buildings require reservations 1-4 weeks in advance. Popular moving days (end of month, weekends) book quickly.
Time Blocks:
- Morning: 8am-12pm
- Afternoon: 12pm-4pm
- Evening: 4pm-8pm (if allowed)
Costs:
- Free to $200 per time block
- Deposits: $100-$500 (refundable)
Elevator Restrictions
Size Limitations: Measure your largest furniture against elevator dimensions:
- Standard elevator: 6.5-8 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide, 5-6 feet deep
- Service elevator: 8-10 feet tall, 5-7 feet wide, 7-10 feet deep
If furniture won’t fit, you may need to disassemble items or leave them behind.
Time Limits:
- 3-4 hour maximum reservation
- Extensions may incur additional fees
- Overtime penalties if you exceed your slot
Missed Reservations:
- Lost deposit ($100-$500)
- Rescheduling fees
- May wait weeks for another opening
Call property management immediately if running late. Some buildings offer grace periods.
Parking and Loading Zone Challenges
Parking Options
Dedicated Loading Zones: Best-case scenario. The building has a designated area for moving trucks.
- Time limits typically 2-4 hours
- May require separate reservation
- Usually free but sometimes require permits
Street Parking: If the building lacks a loading zone:
- Check for parking restrictions and time limits
- Some areas require residential parking permits
- No parking in fire lanes (risk of tickets/towing)
Reserved Guest Parking:
- Typically 2-4 spots per move
- May require advance payment
- Monitor spots as residents may ignore reservations
Long Carry Fees
If the moving truck can’t park within 75-100 feet of the building entrance:
- $50-$75 per 50 additional feet
- Can add $150-$300+ to your bill
Minimize Fees:
- Walk the route from loading zone to your unit beforehand
- Reserve multiple spots closest to the entrance
- Move on weekdays when parking is less congested
Common Area Protection
Buildings require protection for hallways, lobbies, and elevators.
Required Protection:
- Floor coverings in hallways
- Elevator floor and wall padding
- Corner guards
- Door frame protectors
Who Provides: Most professional moving companies include these protections. DIY moves require purchasing or renting materials for $75-$200.
Damage Liability: You or your moving company are financially responsible for any damage to common areas. This is a major reason to hire professional movers with proper insurance.
Move Time Restrictions
Allowed Move Times:
- Weekdays: 8am-6pm or 9am-5pm
- Weekends: 9am-5pm or 10am-4pm
- Some buildings prohibit weekend moves entirely
Prohibited Times:
- Early mornings (before 8am)
- Late evenings (after 6pm)
- Major holidays
Peak Season: End-of-month moves are hardest to schedule. Consider moving mid-month if possible.
Key Questions to Ask Property Management
About Timing:
- What are allowed move hours?
- How far in advance must I reserve the elevator?
- Are weekend moves permitted?
About Requirements:
- What paperwork is required and when is it due?
- Does my moving company need to provide insurance?
- What are the deposits and refund timelines?
About Logistics:
- Where should the moving truck park?
- Which elevator should we use?
- Are there access code requirements?
About Restrictions:
- Are there size limitations for items?
- What happens if we run over our time slot?
- What are penalties for damage?
Get everything in writing: Email confirmations of reservations, written approval of move dates, and list of all requirements.
Orlando-Specific Apartment Challenges
High-Rise Buildings (Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, Lake Eola)
Stricter Requirements:
- Service elevators only
- Loading dock protocols
- Security clearances required
Tips:
- Start planning 4-6 weeks ahead
- Visit the loading dock area beforehand
- Understand security check-in procedures
Garden-Style Complexes (Oviedo, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips)
Challenges:
- Multiple stairs, no elevators
- Long distances from parking to units
- Tight breezeway clearances
Stair Fees: $25-$50 per flight. A third-floor unit could add $150-$300 to your cost.
Gated Communities
Solutions:
- Provide moving company details in advance
- Get temporary access codes
- Confirm truck clearance heights
Moving Day Best Practices
Arrive Early: Check in with building management 15-30 minutes before movers arrive.
Communicate Clearly:
- Meet movers at the loading zone
- Walk them through the route to your unit
- Point out building-specific requirements
Monitor the Process:
- Stay present during the move
- Check that protections are in place
- Watch for potential damage
Respect Other Residents:
- Keep noise reasonable
- Don’t block hallways unnecessarily
- Clean up any debris immediately
After the Move:
- Remove all protection materials
- Clean elevator and hallways
- Check for damage
- Confirm with management that no damage was reported
When Things Go Wrong
Elevator Breaks Down: Contact building management immediately. May need to reschedule.
Loading Zone Occupied: Call building security. Document with photos.
Time Slot Runs Over: Communicate proactively with property management. May need to pay extension fees.
Damage to Common Areas: Document with photos. Report immediately. Contact your moving company’s insurance.
Costs Summary
Building-Related Fees:
- Elevator reservation: $0-$200
- Move-in deposits: $100-$2,000 (refundable)
- Parking permits: $0-$50
Moving Company Additional Charges:
- Stair fees: $25-$50 per flight
- Long carry fees: $50-$150 per 50 feet
- Common area protection: Included or $50-$100
Total Additional Apartment Move Costs: $100-$500 on average
Questions to Ask Your Moving Company
Experience:
- How many apartment moves do you handle monthly?
- Have you worked in my specific building before?
- Do you provide elevator and common area protection?
Insurance:
- Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance for my building?
- How quickly can you obtain the COI?
Logistics:
- How do you handle elevator time limits?
- What if the move takes longer than reserved time?
- Do you charge extra for apartment moves?
Orlando Express Movers: Your Apartment Moving Experts
At Orlando Express Movers, we’ve successfully completed thousands of apartment and condo moves throughout Orlando. We understand the unique challenges of high-rise buildings and complex property management requirements.
Our Services:
Building Coordination:
- We handle Certificate of Insurance requirements
- We communicate directly with property management
- We understand Orlando building protocols
Proper Equipment:
- Elevator padding and common area protection
- Equipment sized for apartment hallways
- Furniture disassembly tools for tight spaces
Experienced Teams:
- Trained in high-rise moving techniques
- Efficient with elevator time management
- Professional interaction with building staff
Transparent Pricing:
- Clear explanation of apartment-related fees
- No hidden charges
- Upfront estimates based on your building
We’ve moved residents throughout Orlando including downtown high-rises, Lake Nona communities, Winter Park condos, and suburban apartment complexes.
Ready for Your Apartment Move?
Don’t let building requirements and logistics stress you out. Let Orlando Express Movers handle the complexities while you focus on settling into your new home.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today for a free quote. Tell us about your building’s requirements, and we’ll create a moving plan that addresses every detail.
Call us to discuss your apartment move and get expert guidance on navigating your building’s requirements smoothly.