Moving Into a Buffalo Apartment or Condo: Elevators, COIs and Building Rules
Apartment and condo moves come with building rules most people don't expect. Here's how to handle elevator bookings, insurance certificates and move-in windows.
Kiper Moving Team 2 min read
Moving into an apartment or condo isn’t just about packing. Most buildings have rules about when you can move, how you can use the elevator and what paperwork your movers need. Knowing them ahead of time is the difference between a smooth day and a crew waiting in the lobby.
Ask your building for the move-in rules
As soon as you have a move date, contact your property manager or condo board and ask for their move-in policy. Common rules include:
- Approved move-in days and hours. Many buildings don’t allow moves on Sundays or holidays, or only between certain hours.
- Reservation requirements for service elevators and loading docks
- Time limits on how long you can hold the elevator
- Floor and wall protection requirements in hallways and elevators
- A refundable damage deposit
Get these in writing and share them with your movers.
Book the service elevator and loading dock
In most buildings the service elevator must be reserved in advance, sometimes weeks ahead at busy times like the end of the month. Reserve it for both buildings if you’re moving from one apartment to another, and book enough time: rushing is how walls and furniture get scratched.
If your building has a loading dock or a designated moving entrance, reserve that too. For buildings without one, ask where the truck can safely park, and whether you need a permit or reserved space.
Get a certificate of insurance (COI)
Many condo and apartment managers require a certificate of insurance from your moving company before the crew is allowed in. The certificate shows the mover is insured and often has to list the building or management company.
Ask your building exactly what the COI must include, then pass that information to your mover. At Kiper, just let us know what your building requires and we’ll provide the necessary documentation.
Protect the building and your belongings
Professional apartment movers should arrive with:
- Floor runners to protect hallway and elevator floors
- Moving blankets and shrink wrap for furniture
- Dollies and hand trucks to move boxes and appliances efficiently
- Tools to disassemble and reassemble furniture that won’t fit through doors or into the elevator
Measure before moving day
Measure your largest pieces (sofas, dressers, bed frames) and compare them with doorways, hallway corners and the elevator car. If something won’t fit, plan to disassemble it or decide early whether it’s worth moving at all.
Plan for stairs and walk-ups
Walk-up buildings are common in Buffalo neighborhoods like Elmwood Village and Allentown. Tell your mover how many flights of stairs there are at both locations, and about any tight turns. It helps them bring the right crew size and equipment.
Moving-day tips
- Meet the crew and show them the reserved elevator and entrance.
- Keep the building’s rules and your reservation confirmation handy.
- Stay reachable in case building staff have questions.
- Do a final check of hallways and the elevator with building staff to settle any deposit questions.
Moving into or out of a building in Buffalo? Our apartment and condo moving team handles elevator bookings, building paperwork and careful high-rise moves. Request a free quote.
