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Apartment Moving Essentials – Do’s, Dont’s and Must Haves
Moving out of an apartment can be a complex task, especially when you’re dealing with the added challenges of a higher floor move-out. Whether you’re on the second floor, a mid-level, or the top floor, these unique circumstances require extra planning and preparation.
This guide covers everything you need for a successful move, focusing on must-haves and must-do’s when you’re not moving out from the ground floor.
Specialized Equipment
- Dollies and Hand Carts: Essential for safely transporting heavy items through hallways, staircases, or down elevators.
- Furniture Straps: Handy for securing large items as you navigate stairs and tight spaces.
- Ramps (If Needed): If there are multiple steps between your apartment door and the moving truck, portable ramps can make moving items easier.
- Protective Gear: Gloves and back braces can prevent injuries, especially during heavy lifting.
Packing Supplies
- Sturdy Boxes: Durable boxes are essential to prevent them from breaking when moved across multiple floors.
- Bubble Wrap and Padding: To protect fragile items that might shift as you move through stairwells or elevators.
- Labels and Markers: Label boxes by room and contents to help movers know where to place them once you reach your new home
Protective Materials
- Furniture Covers: Shield large pieces from scratches and scuffs while maneuvering through narrow hallways and staircases.
- Moving Blankets: Essential for protecting furniture and walls from damage.
- Corner Protectors: These help prevent chipping and damage to furniture or the apartment’s walls when navigating tight corners.
Building-Specific Items
- Key for Elevator Access: If your building has a service or freight elevator, you may need a special key or code.
- Door Props: Keep doors open to make moving easier and more efficient.
- Temporary Floor Covers: Protect the hallway and elevator floors from potential scratches, dirt, or damage.
Must-Do’s for Moving Out of a Higher-Floor Apartment
Coordinate with Building Management
- Reserve the Elevator: If your building has a shared elevator, you’ll need to reserve it in advance to avoid conflicts with other residents.
- Notify Your Neighbors: A heads-up about your move can be courteous and prevent any frustrations on moving day.
- Check Moving Policies: Many buildings have specific rules, such as time restrictions for moving or the need for insurance from the moving company.
Plan for Staircases
- Measure Large Items: Ensure your furniture fits through staircases and hallways. If it doesn’t, you may need to disassemble it.
- Have an Extra Set of Hands: Navigating staircases with bulky items often requires more than two people to balance and maneuver safely.
Secure Professional Help
- Hire Movers Experienced with Higher Floors: Some moving companies specialize in multi-floor moves and can handle the additional complexities with ease.
- Confirm Parking Arrangements: Make sure the moving truck has a designated spot as close to the entrance as possible, even if this means acquiring a temporary permit.
Prepare for Challenges with Elevators
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- Know the Load Limit: Ensure you’re aware of the weight capacity for the elevator so you can avoid overloading it.
- Plan for Delays: Moving during peak hours can be slower due to shared elevator use. If possible, schedule your move during quieter times.
Pack Strategically
- Separate Essentials: Pack an “open-first” box with the essentials you’ll need immediately. Keep it with you so you don’t have to search through multiple boxes once you reach your new home.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top, making them easier to carry and more stable during transit.
Safety and Accessibility
- Clear Hallways and Pathways: Ensure that your route is free of obstructions to prevent trips or damage.
- Secure Pets and Kids: If you have pets or small children, keep them in a safe space to avoid any accidents while moving large items through stairwells or hallways.
Additional Considerations
Weather Preparedness
- Moving from a higher floor on a rainy or snowy day can be hazardous. Have tarps, towels, and nonslip mats ready to keep floors dry and safe.
Time Management
- Factor in the extra time it takes to move items from higher floors. Plan for longer loading times to accommodate the elevator or stairs.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
- Moving from a higher floor is more physically demanding. Keep water on hand and schedule short breaks, especially if you’re handling heavy lifting yourself.
Moving out of an apartment that’s on a higher floor of the building requires careful planning and the right resources. By having the proper equipment and following these must-dos, you can make your move safer, faster, and less stressful. Always check building rules, book movers familiar with higher-floor moves, and give yourself plenty of time to pack and load. With the right preparation, your moving day will go smoothly, and you’ll be ready to settle into your new home. For more tips and answers to common moving questions, visit our FAQ page.
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Go With The Pros!
The Estate Pros are consistently ranked among the top estate-related services in Michigan. We specialize in assisting individuals and businesses who are in need of residential, retail and commercial estate services.
The Estate Pros are an industry authority with hundreds of years of combined experience amongst our ownership and staff. Our owners, sales teams, and support staff are held to the highest standards of professionalism and experiential service.
The Estate Pros pay meticulous attention to detail as we handle every aspect of your estate from start to finish. Our experts will work with you from the initial free consultation to the complete execution of your move and everything in between.
Thinking about moving? Contact the Estate Pros!!!
Southeast Michigan Estate Sale Service Area
The Estate Pros have been proudly serving Oakland, Macomb and parts of Livingston, Genesee, Lapeer & Wayne counties for the past 15 years. No matter what your situation calls for, the Estate Pros are here to help!
The Estate Pros Difference
Experience
Over 15 years of service with more than 5,000 successfully completed estate sales, liquidations, donations & clean outs.
Professional
Our team has the qualified appraisers and industry leading liquidation experts needed to get the job done right.
Safe
We are licensed, bonded & insured. You can feel confident knowing our services are private, safe and secure.
Results
Ranked in the top 50 estate sale companies in America, delivering millions of dollars in estate proceeds to our valued clients every year.
What Our Clients are Saying
Schedule Your Move with the Estate Pros Today!
Book your move with the Estate Pros Moving Service, your reliable partner for safe and easy local moving. Contact us for a free quote and information on local moving services. Schedule your local move now!
Moving Services FAQS
Why Choose The Estate Pros For Your Move?
With more than 15 years of experience in the moving industry, we have the expertise necessary to handle any move situation. From in-home moving and business moves to packing services, and storage solutions – we are able to take the stress out of your move and help you safely relocate your items.
When should I book my move and get an estimate?
Generally, we can give you an estimate over the phone. However, in some cases, we may need to visit your home in person to give you an accurate quote. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may need an in-home estimate:
- Is your home 1,500 square feet or larger?
- Do you have any large or bulky items (e.g., safes or pianos) that may be difficult to move safely and securely?
- Does your home have any narrow hallways, doorways, or stairways that furniture cannot fit through?
As far as timing your move, it’s best to book our moving services 2-3 weeks in advance to make sure we can get you on our schedule.
How much does the Estate Pros moving service cost?
Our services are priced on an hourly basis, based on the amount of movers and hours required to complete your move. Please contact us for details and a quote for your service.
What factors may affect my total moving cost?
- Number of flights of stairs.
- Distance of walk from the truck to the load or unload location.
- The amount of time it takes to load and unload your items.
- Driving time from the load to the unload location.
What type of payments does the Estate Pros accept?
The Estate Pros accept cash, debit/credit, checks, Zelle & Venmo.
How much should I tip my movers?
Although tips are never expected they are sincerely appreciated, our teams are allowed to accept tips should our customers feel inclined for the hard work they received.
In terms of what to tip our movers, we encourage customers to tip whatever they are comfortable with and what they feel is necessary for the job that was completed.
How does the Estate Pros moving claims process work?
Although our move teams do everything they can to prevent damage — including padding and stretch wrapping furniture and other delicate pieces, unfortunately damage can still occur.
If during your move, or following your move, you notice damage to an item, your home, or business, we ask that you contact the Estate Pros as soon as possible with information to begin the claims process. We will explain our process and next steps for working toward a resolution.
In some cases, we may request photos of the damage. Please contact us should you have any questions regarding our process or should you need to file a claim.
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