What Do You Need Before Moving Into an Apartment?
Apartment moves often involve more rules than moves into detached homes. The leasing office may control the moving date, elevator access, truck location, keys, insurance documentation and approved hours.
Contact the apartment community before hiring movers. Ask for the requirements in writing and forward them to your moving company.
Confirm Your Lease Start and Key Pickup
Do not schedule the truck based only on the date shown in the lease.
Confirm:
- When keys will be available.
- Whether the leasing office must inspect the unit first.
- Whether all balances must be paid before access.
- Whether utilities must be active before key release.
- Whether every leaseholder must sign documents.
- Whether the office closes during your scheduled arrival window.
A noon key appointment does not necessarily mean movers can begin unloading at 8:00 a.m.
Reserve the Elevator
Some multistory communities require residents to reserve an elevator. Available time blocks may be limited, especially at month-end.
Ask:
- Is there a service elevator?
- How long is the reservation?
- Is padding provided?
- Is a deposit required?
- What happens if the move exceeds the reservation?
- How far is the elevator from the unit?
- Can other residents use the elevator during the move?
Ask About Proof of Insurance
The property manager may require a certificate of insurance from the moving company. The document may need to name the apartment owner or management company in a particular way.
Request the exact insurance instructions rather than paraphrasing them. Send them to your mover early enough for the document to be prepared and approved.
Confirm Truck Parking
Apartment parking lots are not always designed for large moving trucks.
Ask where the vehicle should park and whether:
- A loading zone is available.
- A gate code is required.
- A permit is needed.
- Fire lanes must remain clear.
- The truck can fit beneath overhead structures.
- A parking deck has height restrictions.
- The crew must use a rear entrance.
The distance between the truck and apartment can have a substantial effect on moving time.
Review Moving Hours
Apartment communities may prohibit moves:
- Before or after set hours.
- On Sundays.
- On holidays.
- During community events.
- Outside leasing-office hours.
Make sure the approved window allows enough time for both loading and unloading.
Measure Doors, Hallways and Stairs
Before moving day, measure:
- Exterior doors.
- Unit doors.
- Elevator doors.
- Hallways.
- Stairwells.
- Sharp turns.
- Ceiling height.
- Large furniture.
A sofa that fit in your previous apartment may not fit through the new building’s stairwell or elevator.
Protect the Apartment
Some properties require movers to protect floors, walls and elevator interiors.
Even when the community does not require it, clear hallways and keep doors safely secured without damaging automatic closers or security systems.
Apartment Move-In Checklist
Before moving day
- Confirm the move-in date.
- Arrange key pickup.
- Pay deposits and move-in charges.
- Start utilities.
- Reserve the elevator.
- Submit proof of insurance.
- Confirm parking.
- Measure access points.
- Review pet procedures.
- Obtain gate and building codes.
- Complete required inspections.
On moving day
- Keep the lease and identification accessible.
- Meet the movers at the approved entrance.
- Photograph the apartment’s condition.
- Protect valuables and documents.
- Keep pets secured.
- Direct boxes to the correct rooms.
- Remove packing debris according to community rules.
Moving Out of an Apartment
The same planning applies at your old apartment. Review notice requirements, elevator reservations, cleaning rules, key return, inspection procedures and security-deposit conditions.
Do not leave unwanted furniture beside a dumpster unless the property has specifically authorized it.
Planning an Apartment Move in Gwinnett County? Request an Estimate
