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Moving to a High-Rise? A Guide to Apartment Moving in Miami & Fort Lauderdale

  • Writer: sunshine Affordablemovers
    sunshine Affordablemovers
  • Sep 15
  • 3 min read

South Florida's stunning skyline is dotted with high-rise apartment and condominium buildings. Moving into one of these buildings offers incredible views and amenities, but it also comes with a unique set of logistical challenges that a move into a single-family home doesn't have. From booking elevators to navigating tight hallways, a successful high-rise move requires careful planning. As experts in urban moving, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.


1. Rule #1: Reserve the Service Elevator

This is the most critical step. You cannot simply show up on moving day and expect to use an elevator.

  • What to do: As soon as you have your move-in date, contact the building's management or concierge. Ask about their procedure for reserving the service elevator. Most high-rises have specific moving hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM, weekdays only) and require you to book a time slot well in advance.

  • Why it's crucial: Without a reservation, you may not be allowed to move in at all, or you could face long, costly delays while your movers wait.


2. The Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Nearly every managed high-rise building in Miami and Fort Lauderdale will require your moving company to provide a Certificate of Insurance.

  • What it is: A COI is a document that proves the moving company has liability insurance. It protects the building from any damage the movers might cause to common areas like floors, walls, or the elevator itself.

  • What to do: Ask your building management for their specific insurance requirements (they usually have a minimum coverage amount). Forward this information to your moving company. A professional mover like Sunshine Affordable Movers can provide a COI quickly and easily.


3. Plan for Parking and a Long Carry

Parking a 26-foot moving truck in a dense urban area is a challenge.

  • What to do: Discuss parking logistics with both your building management and your moving company. Is there a designated loading dock? Will the movers need a special permit to park on the street?

  • Be aware of the "long carry": If the truck has to park far from the service entrance, the movers will have a longer distance to carry your belongings. This can add time to an hourly move, so clear logistics are key to keeping costs down.


4. Measure Everything Twice

High-rise hallways can have sharp turns, and doorways can be narrower than in a house.

  • What to do: Before moving day, measure your largest pieces of furniture (sofa, box spring, armoire) and the dimensions of the doorways, elevators, and hallways in your new building. This will help you identify potential problems before the movers arrive. A professional crew is skilled at maneuvering furniture, but some items simply may not fit.


5. Protect the Property

High-end buildings have high-end finishes. Your moving crew should take every precaution to protect the property. Professional movers will come equipped with floor runners to protect lobby floors and padding to protect door jambs and elevator walls.


Conclusion:

Hire a High-Rise Expert

Moving into a high-rise doesn't have to be a headache. The key is hiring a moving company with extensive experience in urban environments. They will know the questions to ask and how to coordinate with building management, ensuring all rules are followed for a seamless move-in day.


Our team at Sunshine Affordable Movers has extensive experience with apartment and condo moves in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We handle the COI and logistics so you can focus on enjoying your new view. Contact us to handle the details!

 
 
 

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