Apartment Moving Guide 2026
Moving in or out of an apartment or condo in Ontario? Here's everything you need to know — from booking the service elevator to navigating building rules.
6 Unique Challenges of Apartment Moves
Apartment moves are more complex than house moves. Here's what to prepare for — and how to handle each challenge.
Elevator Access
Most condo buildings require you to book the service elevator in advance. Failure to book can mean waiting hours or rescheduling.
Solution: Book the service elevator at both buildings as soon as you have a moving date — ideally 4–6 weeks in advance. Weekend slots fill up fast in summer.
Narrow Hallways & Doorways
Apartment hallways and doorways are often narrower than houses, making it difficult to move large furniture.
Solution: Measure all doorways, hallways, and elevator dimensions before moving day. Disassemble large furniture (bed frames, sectional sofas, wardrobes) in advance.
Parking for Moving Truck
Urban apartment buildings often have limited or no parking for large moving trucks.
Solution: Apply for a Temporary Parking Exemption Permit from your city (free in Toronto via 311 or toronto.ca). Book loading zone access with your building management.
Building Rules & Restrictions
Many condo buildings have strict rules about moving hours, elevator padding, and what can be moved through common areas.
Solution: Contact your building management or condo corporation at least 4 weeks before moving to get the full list of rules and required forms.
Damage Deposits
Buildings often require a refundable damage deposit for elevator use and common area protection during moves.
Solution: Budget $200–$500 for a damage deposit (refunded after move if no damage). Document the condition of hallways and elevator before and after your move.
Noise & Neighbour Courtesy
Moving in a shared building means noise travels. Early morning or late evening moves can create conflict with neighbours.
Solution: Most buildings restrict moves to 8am–8pm on weekdays and 9am–5pm on weekends. Notify neighbours in advance and be considerate of noise.
Moving Requirements by Building Type
Requirements vary significantly depending on your building type.
| Building Type | Elevator | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| High-Rise Condo (10+ floors) | Required — book 4–6 weeks ahead | $200–$500 typical |
| Mid-Rise (4–9 floors) | Usually required — book 2–4 weeks ahead | $100–$300 typical |
| Low-Rise Walk-Up (2–3 floors) | No elevator — stair carry only | Rarely required |
| Townhouse / Stacked | Not applicable | Rarely required |
Apartment Moving Checklist
A phase-by-phase checklist tailored specifically for apartment and condo moves.
- Contact building management at both addresses about moving procedures
- Book service elevator at old building (move-out)
- Book service elevator at new building (move-in)
- Request building rules and required forms from both buildings
- Apply for parking permit for moving truck (City of Toronto: toronto.ca/311)
- Measure elevator dimensions, hallway widths, and doorway sizes
- Get 3+ moving quotes — specify it's an apartment/condo move
- Confirm elevator booking with both buildings in writing
- Arrange damage deposit payment (if required)
- Disassemble large furniture that won't fit through doorways
- Measure and tag furniture that needs special handling
- Pack a "move day" bag with essentials (keep with you, not on truck)
- Notify neighbours of your moving date as a courtesy
- Confirm parking permit is approved
- Arrive early to set up elevator padding (usually provided by building)
- Photograph condition of elevator, hallways, and common areas before starting
- Place floor protection in elevator and hallways
- Keep elevator door propped open with provided stopper (not your foot)
- Do not overload elevator — check weight limits posted inside
- Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage locker
- Return elevator key/fob and collect damage deposit receipt
- Photograph condition of elevator and hallways at new building after move
- Return elevator booking key/fob to new building management
- Follow up on damage deposit return from old building (typically 10–30 days)
- Register with new building management (get fobs, parking passes, mailbox key)
- Update address with Canada Post, CRA, ServiceOntario, bank
- Introduce yourself to neighbours
- Test all appliances, outlets, and building amenities
Apartment-Specific Packing Tips
Packing for an apartment move has unique considerations — tight spaces, elevators, and narrow hallways.
Use wardrobe boxes for clothes
Wardrobe boxes let you hang clothes directly — no folding, no wrinkles. They're especially useful in apartments where closet space is limited and you want to unpack quickly.
Pack books in small boxes only
Books are extremely heavy. Use small boxes (1.5 cu ft) for books — a large box of books can exceed 50 lbs and become impossible to carry safely in an elevator.
Label boxes with floor and room
In a high-rise, label boxes with your floor number AND room (e.g., "Floor 12 — Kitchen"). This helps movers sort boxes quickly when unloading from the elevator.
Wrap furniture corners with moving blankets
Apartment hallways and elevator door frames are unforgiving. Wrap all furniture corners and edges with moving blankets or cardboard to prevent damage to both your furniture and the building.
Disassemble bed frames and large furniture
Measure your new apartment's doorways and hallways before moving day. Most queen and king bed frames, large wardrobes, and sectional sofas need to be disassembled to fit through standard apartment doors (typically 32–36 inches wide).
Use garbage bags for soft items
Pillows, duvets, stuffed animals, and soft toys pack well in large garbage bags. They're flexible, can be squeezed into odd spaces in the elevator, and protect items from dust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book the elevator for moving?
Book the service elevator at both buildings as soon as you have a confirmed moving date — ideally 4–6 weeks in advance. In summer (June–August), popular weekend slots can be booked 6–8 weeks out. Most buildings allow only one move per elevator time slot, so early booking is essential.
What happens if I don't book the elevator and just show up?
Without a booking, you may be denied use of the service elevator entirely, or you may have to wait until a slot opens up — which could mean hours of delay. Some buildings will allow unscheduled moves if no one else is booked, but this is a significant risk. Always book in advance.
Can I use the passenger elevator for moving?
Most condo buildings prohibit using the passenger elevator for moving — it's reserved for residents and can be damaged by furniture and boxes. Always use the designated service elevator. Using the passenger elevator without permission can result in losing your damage deposit.
How do I get a parking permit for a moving truck in Toronto?
Apply for a Temporary Parking Exemption Permit through the City of Toronto at toronto.ca or by calling 311. The permit is free and allows a moving truck to park on a residential street for up to 3 days. Apply at least 5 business days before your move. Other Ontario cities have similar processes — check with your local municipality.
What should I do if my furniture doesn't fit through the apartment door?
First, measure all doorways (typically 32–36 inches) and your furniture before moving day. For items that won't fit: disassemble them (most bed frames, wardrobes, and desks can be taken apart), remove door hinges to gain an extra inch or two, or consider whether the item needs to be sold and replaced. Professional movers often have experience with tight spaces.
Do I need to hire professional movers for an apartment move?
It's strongly recommended for high-rise apartments. Professional movers are experienced with elevator logistics, building rules, and navigating tight spaces. They also carry liability insurance for building damage. For a walk-up or low-rise, a DIY move with friends is more feasible — but still consider hiring movers for heavy items like appliances and large furniture.
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