Moving into a new apartment or condo is an exciting experience, but it also requires careful planning. In addition to packing, coordinating building access, transferring utilities, and completing required paperwork are all essential before moving day.
Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, having a solid plan in place ahead of time can help your move go more smoothly. This guide covers the essential steps to help you get settled with confidence.
Once your move-in date is confirmed, contact your apartment or condo management to ask about building policies. Many properties have designated moving hours, require elevator reservations, or have other specific requirements for moving in.
Before moving day, be sure to:
Planning ahead on all these tasks helps avoid last-minute delays.
Condominiums often have procedures in place that are designed to keep common areas protected and coordinate resident moves. When moving into a new condo, understanding the specific building requirements or strata bylaws can help avoid awkward scheduling issues and delays.
Many condos require residents to reserve the freight elevator and, in some cases, the loading dock in advance. These reservations should be made several weeks in advance, especially during busy moving times.
Check in with management about moving hours, reservation limits, and loading procedures before planning your move.
Some condo associations require moving companies to provide a Certificate of Valuation Coverage before granting access to the property. This document demonstrates that the moving company carries appropriate liability coverage for work performed on the premises.
Certain buildings may also require advance approval from the condo corporation or property management before your scheduled move. If these approvals are needed, request the requirements as early as possible to avoid delays.
Experienced moving companies like Allied are experienced with these types of building requirements and can work directly with property management to streamline the process.
Some buildings collect refundable move-in deposits and require paperwork before allowing access. Common requirements include government-issued identification, a signed lease or proof of ownership, elevator reservation confirmation, Proof of Valuation Coverage, and any other move-in forms or deposit information. Before move-in day, keep all of your documents organized and in a safe place where they won’t get lost or damaged.
Parking can become a challenge in busy neighbourhoods. Some cities (e.g., Vancouver and Toronto) require temporary parking permits, while others offer designated loading zones, especially during winter. If the truck cannot park directly outside your building, work with property management to identify approved unloading locations or access to the loading dock before moving day.
High-rise condos often require extra coordination, such as reserving elevators and loading docks, extra security procedures, and managing building paperwork. Ground-floor apartments may offer easier access but still require planning for parking, utilities, and move-in schedules.
Checking with your local provincial utility provider and property manager well in advance helps ensure you're prepared regardless of your building type.
Use this checklist for moving to a new apartment to help you stay organized before your move:
After arriving, confirm that utilities are working and locate important safety features like electrical panels, water shutoff valves, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Take photos of any existing damage before unpacking, then focus on setting up essential rooms first.
If you're planning a move, Allied can help simplify the process with professional packing, transportation, and long-distance moving services as well as useful tips for moving into a new apartment. Request a free quote to get started.
Many condominium buildings require residents to reserve a freight elevator before moving day. Booking early helps ensure availability and keeps your move on schedule.
Requirements vary from building to building, but often include identification, a signed lease or proof of ownership, move-in forms, a Certificate of Valuation Coverage from your moving company, and any required deposits.
Speak with your property manager about approved loading areas, nearby parking options, or temporary permits before moving day.
Starting four to six weeks before your move allows you plenty of time to schedule movers, complete all required paperwork, reserve building amenities like the elevator, and transfer your utilities.
