Here are practical, real-world tips for moving in or out of a high-rise with elevators, whether you’re using movers or doing some of it yourself. High-rise moves are all about scheduling, access, and minimizing delays.

✅ Before the Move

1. Reserve the service elevator early

Most high-rises require:

• A reservation (sometimes weeks ahead)
• A specific moving window (often 2–4 hours)
• Proof of insurance from your movers (COI)

Ask your building:

• Which elevator is the service elevator?
• Time restrictions (many don’t allow evening or weekend moves)
• Any padding/blanket requirements for walls or elevator cab

💰 2. Request a COI from your moving company

High-rises almost always require it.

• Movers are used to providing it.
• You’ll need the building’s exact wording and insurance limits.
• Without it, they may refuse to let the crew start.

🚗 3. Clarify parking/loading details

Ask your building:

• Where can the truck park?
• Height limits for the garage
• How long they can stay
• If there’s a loading dock

A long walk from dock → elevator → unit increases labor time.

📦 4. Pre-pack smartly for elevator moves

Elevator-friendly packing tips:

• Uniform box sizes (stack better on a dolly)
• Don’t overstuff large boxes; they get heavy fast
• Keep a few “open-first” boxes (bathroom, coffee/tea, bedding)

If the elevator is small, avoid extra-wide totes or bulky items that jam up the process.

🚪 5. Measure large items

High-rise elevators can be narrow or shallow.
Measure:

• Couches
• Mattresses (especially king)
• Oversized headboards
• Sectionals

Confirm they fit inside the elevator standing up. If not, movers may need extra equipment or the stairs (=$).

💡 Day-Of Moving Tips

6. Pad the elevator

Service elevators usually have pads. If they don’t, ask your movers to use blankets. Protecting the cab avoids building fines.

7. Assign someone to manage the elevator

If multiple moves are happening:

• Have a family member or friend “ride with the load” to send the elevator back quickly.
• Don’t let it get taken by another tenant mid-move.

This saves a shocking amount of time.

8. Stage items near the elevator (but don’t block hallways)

High-rises often have narrow hallways.
You can:

• Stage boxes inside your unit near the door
  Don’t:
• Block common areas → buildings can fine you

Movers will shuttle items from your unit → hallway → elevator → truck.

9. Keep pets contained

High-rise moves have many open doors.
Put pets in:

• A closed bathroom
• A carrier
• Or with a friend for the day

10. Expect the move to take longer

Elevator rides and wait times add 25–40% to move duration compared to a house move, even with professionals.

🧹 After the Move

• Remove trash quickly—high-rises often fine for leaving boxes in hallways.
• Break down boxes to take to the recycling room/floor.
• Return service elevator keys or fobs if issued.

Want tailored help?

Tell me your building’s rules (or what you know so far) and whether you’re hiring movers. I can give you:

• A checklist
• A move-day timeline
• Questions to ask the building or moving company

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