If you’re moving to a new residence with more than a couple of floors, you have to plan for it appropriately. These types of moves aren’t the same as single-family residence moves! In fact, the added complication is why residential movers will typically charge more for high-rise apartment or condo moves, as they involve a lot more time and manpower than traditional moves.
That being said, there are a few things you can do to make your move easier. Here are some tips for navigating relocations to high-rise apartments or condos.
1. Downsize!
If you’re moving to a high-rise apartment or condo, chances are pretty good that you’ll be downsizing your living space. Either way, it’s a good idea to downsize your belongings as much as possible to reduce the number of items that will be transported up several flights of stairs. Consider giving away, selling, donating or trashing anything you don’t need (or anything that wouldn’t make sense in a small apartment or condo).
2. Organize, Plan and Measure
If you’re not sure about certain furniture or appliances and whether they’ll fit, don’t just guess. Measure your new space to get a good idea of what you can put in it and where it will go. In fact, you should organize and plan out where all of your belongings will go, as it will make moving day easier. (Want extra time for planning? Consider renting a storage container.)
3. Let Professionals Handle It
Especially if you have heavy, bulky, fragile or oddly shaped items, it’s a good idea to just let a moving professional handle your move. These experts know how to move items in a way that mitigates the risk of damage that may not be apparent to you when personally moving with the help of friends or family. The cost is worth the time, effort and risk you’ll save!
4. Think About Parking, Insurance and Permits
As high-rise apartments and condos are typically located downtown or in a highly urban environment, you’ll have to consider things that you didn’t think about before, like parking and permits. You might weigh the costs and conveniences of owning a vehicle and decide that it’s better to go without one. You’ll also have to think about renter’s insurance, public transportation and everything else that comes with your new lifestyle.
5. Rent a Storage Container
Finally, consider renting a storage container regardless of whether you use it during the move or not. Residential moving containers are great for safely storing items after your move for as long as you want. Ask any longtime apartment or condo dweller about space and they’ll tell you to maximize this bonus storage as much as you can. Storage containers are a great way to do just that.
If you’re planning a move into a high-rise apartment or condo, consider renting a portable storage container to keep your belongings. Request a quote from SAM (Store & Move) today.