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Sep 2014Moving in a Highrise
Posted by Arpin / in Blog / No comments yet
Once upon a time I read you should live in a city, even if for a brief time, to experience all it has to offer. “A deluxe apartment in the sky” with an enviable view and all the amenities you can think of… But first things first, lets talk about moving in a highrise apartment building.
Moving in a highrise can create several distinct challenges for you and your mover. Lest we forget your new neighbors because you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
One of the first things to realize when moving in a highrise is where do you park the truck? Compare a quiet suburban street where a moving truck can park easily in front of your home to a busy downtown avenue where parking permits may be required, cars are double parked, and meters and fire hydrants prevent a truck from pulling up right in front of your new apartment building. Chances are there is a service entrance in your building or maybe even a loading dock but check with your leasing agent because it is not uncommon for there to be a restriction on the size of the moving truck.
If your moving from across country I would bet that your belongings are being transported on an eighteen wheeler which, in some instances due to city ordinances cannot even enter certain downtown areas. Movers have an answer for that, it’s called a shuttle. That’s where things are moved off the big truck and delivered in a smaller truck (think delivery truck). These smaller trucks usually are much more accessible to service entrances and loading docks.
Now, the whole point of moving in a highrise is to be anywhere other than the ground floor, right? Lets talk elevators. Newer buildings are designed with a freight elevator to accommodate residents moving in and out. You’ll need to ask the concierge about a reservation for that elevator. Usually these reservations are given in four hour blocks of time, AM and PM. In an older building or co-op there may only be one elevator so a reservation is all the more so important. If there is no elevator let your mover know, a fourth floor walk-up may require additional men to facilitate your move in.
Another question you need to ask is if moving in a highrise building requires a certificate of insurance, abbreviated COI. Basically a COI lets the building know your mover is insured and will be liable for damage to the property. These forms are easy enough to get with some advance notice & at no additional expense to you. Usually the building will provide documentation as to who the COI needs to be addressed to.
Now about those new neighbors- Make a good impression by introducing yourself and informing them that movers will be delivering your belongings and there will be some extra traffic in the halls that day. Also, I find that brownies always do the trick!