Apartment Building Moving Rules
COI requirements, elevator reservations, loading dock rules, move-in fees, floor protection, and everything your building expects on moving day.
Updated 2026-11-09
Common Building Requirements
Most managed apartment buildings enforce some or all of these requirements. Check your lease and contact your building manager at least 3 weeks before your move.
| Requirement | How Common |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Insurance (COI) | Required at 85%+ of managed buildings |
| Elevator reservation | Required at all buildings with freight elevators |
| Loading dock reservation | Required at buildings with dock access |
| Floor protection | Required at 60%+ of managed buildings |
| Move-in deposit | $100 - $500 (often refundable) |
| Move-out inspection | Common at luxury and managed buildings |
| Hours restriction | Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm |
| Noise / construction rules | No drilling, hammering before 9am or after 8pm |
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
What a COI is
A Certificate of Insurance is a one-page document from your mover's insurance company confirming they carry general liability (typically $1 million minimum) and workers' compensation coverage. It names your building or management company as an "additional insured" for the move date. If a mover damages the lobby, elevator, or hallway, the building can file a claim against the mover's policy.
How to get one
Ask your building for their COI requirements: the exact legal name of the entity to be listed as additional insured, minimum coverage amounts, and any specific endorsements. Give this information to your mover at least 5 business days before the move. Reputable movers provide COIs at no extra charge. If a mover says they cannot provide a COI, that is a red flag. It means they are uninsured or underinsured.
Typical COI requirements
General liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate. Workers' compensation: statutory limits. Auto liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit. Some luxury buildings require $5,000,000 umbrella coverage. Your building will reject the COI if coverage amounts are below their minimums.
Elevator Reservation Rules
How to reserve
Contact your building manager or concierge 2 to 4 weeks before your move. Most buildings use a first-come, first-served system. End-of-month dates and weekends fill up fastest. You will receive a confirmed time slot, typically 4 to 6 hours. Some buildings pad the elevator with protective blankets before your slot begins.
What happens without a reservation
Without a reservation, the building may refuse elevator access on move day. Your movers will be standing in the lobby with your furniture and no way to get it upstairs. You may need to reschedule the entire move, which typically costs $200 to $500 in rescheduling fees from your mover. Always confirm the reservation 2 to 3 days before the move.
Loading Dock Rules
Buildings with loading docks typically require advance reservation, enforce truck size limits (usually 24 to 26 feet maximum length, 12 to 13 feet maximum height), and restrict dock access to specific hours. Share the dock dimensions with your mover before move day.
If the truck does not fit, your mover may need to shuttle items from a street-level parking spot using a smaller vehicle. Shuttle fees add $300 to $800 to your total. Some buildings restrict curbside loading to 15 to 30 minutes, which is not enough for a full move. Confirm all logistics in writing with both your building and your mover.
Move-In and Move-Out Fees by Building Type
| Building Type | Typical Fee | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury high-rise (20+ floors) | $200 - $500 | Usually refundable |
| Mid-rise (5 to 15 floors) | $100 - $300 | Varies |
| Walk-up (2 to 4 floors) | $0 - $100 | Often no fee |
| Condo / HOA | $150 - $400 | Usually refundable deposit |
Floor Protection Requirements
Buildings with hardwood, marble, or new carpet in common areas often require floor protection during moves. Common materials include Masonite boards (4x8 ft hardboard sheets) for lobby and hallway floors, Ram Board or floor runners for corridors, and elevator padding (quilted blankets on elevator walls and floor).
Reputable movers carry these materials as standard equipment. If your building requires specific materials, confirm with your mover at booking. The cost is typically included in the move price, but some movers charge $50 to $150 extra for Masonite boards. Failing to protect floors can result in your move-in deposit being withheld to cover repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for moving?+
How far in advance should I reserve the elevator for moving?+
Do I have to pay a move-in fee at my apartment?+
What happens if movers damage the elevator or hallway?+
Can my building restrict what hours I can move?+
Is floor protection required during apartment moves?+
What if my moving truck does not fit in the loading dock?+
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