Moving into a high-rise apartment in downtown Orlando or Lake Nona? Congratulations on your new place – now let’s talk about the logistics that DIY movers often discover too late. Apartment and condo moves come with unique challenges: elevator reservations, strict time windows, certificate of insurance requirements, and property managers who mean business.
At Baltic Movers, we’ve successfully completed moves in every major apartment complex and high-rise in the Orlando area. Here’s your complete guide to navigating apartment moves without headaches or surprise fees.
Understanding Building Regulations
(They’re Real and They Matter)
Property managers aren’t just being difficult – they’re protecting the building and other residents. Ignore their rules at your financial peril.
Common Building Requirements:
- Advance move notification (typically 7-14 days)
- Certificate of insurance from your moving company
- Elevator reservation with specific time slots
- Security deposit for elevator and common area protection ($200-500)
- Designated loading zones and parking restrictions
- Required padding for elevators and doorways
- Prohibited moving hours (often no evenings or Sundays)
Pro Tip: We once had a DIY mover show up at a downtown Orlando high-rise without reserving the elevator. They waited 6 hours for an available slot, then got charged a $500 penalty for using the elevator without proper insurance. Read your lease’s moving addendum carefully!
The Certificate of Insurance Requirement
Most apartment buildings require your moving company to provide a COI (Certificate of Insurance) naming the property as additionally insured.
What You Need to Know:
- DIY moves typically can’t meet this requirement
- Professional movers should provide this at no extra charge
- Buildings need it 24-48 hours before your move
- Without it, you may not be allowed to move at all
- Requirements vary by building (some want specific coverage amounts)
Questions to Ask Your Moving Company:
- Do you provide certificates of insurance?
- How far in advance do you need building information?
- Is there a charge for the certificate?
- Have you moved to this specific building before?
Pro Tip: Baltic Movers handles COI requests daily. We know exactly what each Orlando building requires and process certificates quickly – one less thing for you to stress about.
Elevator Reservations and Time Restrictions
Apartment buildings run on schedules, and so must your move.
Typical Elevator Policies:
- Reserved time slots (usually 2-4 hour blocks)
- Service elevator use required (no passenger elevators for moving)
- One move per elevator at a time
- Strict start and end times with penalties for overruns
- Weekend and holiday restrictions common
- Peak moving season (summer) books up weeks in advance
Time Management Strategies:
- Book your elevator slot before finalizing moving dates
- Choose weekday moves when possible (more availability)
- Avoid month-end when everyone else is moving
- Add buffer time – going over your slot costs money
- Professional movers work faster than DIY (typically 50% faster)
Pro Tip: In high-rises, every minute counts. Professional movers know how to load elevators efficiently, use proper equipment for tight spaces, and work within strict time constraints. A 15-floor apartment move can take 6-8 hours with amateurs, but 3-4 hours with professionals.
Protecting Common Areas
(And Your Deposit)
Buildings charge damage deposits because damage happens – a lot.
Common Damage Points:
- Elevator walls and floors
- Hallway corners and doorframes
- Lobby floors and walls
- Stairwell railings
- Entry door scratches
How to Protect Your Deposit:
- Use professional movers with proper equipment
- Ensure adequate padding on all furniture
- Take photos of common areas before and after
- Report any existing damage to management before moving
- Don’t rush – rushing causes accidents
Penalty Costs if You Damage:
- Elevator repairs: $500-2,000
- Wall repair and painting: $200-800
- Floor damage: $300-1,500
- Door or frame replacement: $400-1,000
Pro Tip: We pad everything – not just your furniture, but elevator walls, doorframes, and floor pathways. It takes extra time but saves our clients thousands in damage charges.
Parking and Loading Zone Logistics
Where exactly does that moving truck go in a crowded apartment complex?
Urban Apartment Challenges:
- Limited or no dedicated loading zones
- Street parking requires permits
- Tow-away zones strictly enforced
- Distance from parking to building entrance
- Competition for spots on busy moving days
What You Need to Arrange:
- Reserved parking spot (request from management)
- City parking permits if moving from street
- Clear path from truck to elevator
- Backup plan if reserved spot is taken (happens more than you’d think)
Long Carry Charges:
- If truck must park more than 75-100 feet from entrance
- Typical charge: $50-150 per 50 feet
- Can be avoided with proper planning
- Ask your building about loading zone access
Pro Tip: Downtown Orlando apartments often have the trickiest parking situations. We scout locations beforehand, know which buildings have good loading access, and arrive early to secure the best spots.
Why Professional Movers Are Essential for Apartments
DIY apartment moves seem cost-effective until reality hits.
What Makes Apartment Moves Different:
- Specialized equipment needed (narrow furniture dollies, stair climbers)
- Efficiency matters more (you’re paying by the hour for elevator time)
- Insurance requirements can’t be met without professionals
- Building damage risks are much higher
- Time restrictions create pressure
- Physical demands increase with each floor
Professional Advantages:
- We have insurance certificates ready
- Experienced with building regulations
- Proper equipment for tight spaces and elevators
- Faster execution means lower elevator rental costs
- No risk of building damage penalties
Baltic Movers’ Apartment Moving Expertise
Our Orlando Apartment Experience:
- Moved thousands of apartments across Orlando metro
- Familiar with regulations at major complexes
- Established relationships with many property managers
- Quick turnaround on insurance certificates
- Equipment specifically for high-rise moves
Our Process:
- Contact your building to understand requirements
- Process certificate of insurance
- Coordinate elevator reservations
- Plan efficient loading strategy
- Execute move within time constraints
- Protect all common areas
- Complete final walkthrough with you
Pro Tip: We’ve moved apartments in every major Orlando complex – SkyHouse, Waverly, SODO, Lake Nona Town Center, and dozens more. We know their quirks, their requirements, and their property managers by name.
Your Smooth Apartment Move Awaits
Apartment and high-rise moves require specialized knowledge, proper equipment, and careful coordination. While DIY moves work for some situations, apartment moves have too many variables, requirements, and potential penalties to risk it.
The cost of professional movers is often less than the combined elevator rental, potential damage charges, and your own time spent navigating complex building requirements.
Ready for a hassle-free apartment move in Orlando? Contact Baltic Movers today for a consultation. Our experienced team will handle all building requirements, coordinate elevator reservations, and ensure your high-rise move is smooth, efficient, and penalty-free.
