An elevator can make an apartment move easier, but moving in a New York City elevator building often requires more coordination than customers expect.
Many apartment buildings have specific moving procedures, including service-elevator reservations, approved moving hours and insurance requirements. Confirming these details before moving day can help prevent avoidable delays.
Ask Management About Moving Rules First
As soon as you know that you are moving, contact management at both buildings.
Ask whether there are specific procedures for moving into or out of the property.
Useful questions include:
- Do I need to reserve a service elevator?
- What hours are moves permitted?
- Does the building require a Certificate of Insurance?
- Is there a designated loading entrance?
- Where should the moving truck load or unload?
- Does management need advance notice?
- Are there restrictions on weekends or certain dates?
Reserve the Elevator Before Moving Day
Do not assume that an elevator will automatically be available when movers arrive.
If the building requires reservations, confirm your slot before finalizing the moving schedule whenever possible.
This is one reason it can help to begin planning early. Read our guide on how far in advance to book movers in NYC.
What Is a Moving COI?
Some NYC buildings require moving companies to provide a Certificate of Insurance before allowing a crew into the property.
If management gives you a sample COI or written insurance requirements, send them to the moving company before moving day.
For more information, read our complete NYC moving COI guide.
Measure Large Furniture
An elevator does not guarantee that every piece of furniture will fit inside it.
Large sofas, bed frames, tables, cabinets and other bulky pieces may need to be measured. Elevator dimensions, hallway turns and door openings can all matter.
Some furniture may need to be disassembled before it can be moved safely through the building.
Tell Your Movers About the Elevator
When requesting your quote, explain whether both locations have elevators and whether they are passenger or service elevators.
Also mention any long walk from the building entrance to the apartment, loading dock or truck.
Access conditions can affect how the move is planned and how long it takes.
How Long Does an Elevator Move Take?
Elevators can reduce the physical challenge of carrying items up or down stairs, but they can also create waiting time if they are shared or located far from the loading area.
The total duration depends on inventory, crew size, elevator access, walking distance, furniture and other conditions.
Read our guide on how long an NYC apartment move takes for more information.
Elevator Building vs. Walk-Up
Both types of buildings create different moving challenges. Walk-ups require carrying belongings through staircases, while elevator buildings can involve reservations, building rules and longer travel between the apartment and truck.
If your move involves stairs, see our guide to moving into a walk-up in NYC.
Prepare Boxes Before the Movers Arrive
Unless packing services are included in your move, boxes should generally be packed, closed and labeled before moving day.
Organized packing helps items move through elevators and hallways more efficiently.
Our packing tips can help you prepare.
Need Professional Packing?
If you prefer help preparing your belongings, learn more about our NYC packing services.
Residential Moving in NYC
Lovely Moving & Storage handles apartment, condo and residential relocations throughout New York City. Learn more about our NYC residential moving services.
For moves within the city, you can also review our local moving services.
NYC Elevator Moving Checklist
- Confirm permitted moving hours.
- Reserve the service elevator.
- Ask whether a COI is required.
- Send building requirements to your moving company.
- Confirm loading and unloading locations.
- Measure unusually large furniture.
- Pack and label boxes.
- Provide accurate access information to your movers.
Planning an Elevator Building Move?
When requesting a quote from Lovely Moving & Storage, tell us about elevator access at both locations, your inventory and any requirements provided by building management. Better information before moving day allows for better planning.
Elevator Building Moves Across NYC
Elevator requirements vary from building to building, so always confirm moving hours, reservations and insurance requirements directly with management.
If your move involves a managed or elevator building, explore our moving services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
For apartment moves, visit our residential moving services in NYC.