Condo & Apartment Moving Checklist for Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale

Moving out of (or into) a condo or apartment in Boca Raton or Fort Lauderdale isn't hard, but it does come with rules a house move doesn't have. Elevator reservations, move-in windows, loading-dock schedules, and paperwork the building wants from your mover can all trip up an otherwise easy day.

We do a lot of condo and apartment moves around Boca, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Delray, and nearly every hiccup we see comes from something the building needed that nobody asked about ahead of time. This checklist is meant to prevent that.

The big three: call your building first

Before you book a moving date, call or email your building manager, front desk, or HOA (for both your old and new place) and ask these three things.

1. Do I need to reserve the elevator (or loading dock)?

Many buildings require you to reserve the service elevator for a set time window, and some only allow one move at a time. Ask:

• How far in advance do I need to reserve?
• What hours are moves allowed? (Many buildings restrict evenings, Sundays, and holidays.)
• Is there a time limit on the reservation?
• Do they pad the elevator, or should the movers bring pads?

2. What paperwork does the building need from my mover?

This is the one people forget. Many condos and HOAs ask moving companies for a certificate of insurance (COI) before the move. That's a document from the mover's insurance company naming the building or association.

Ask your mover, before you book, whether they can provide exactly what your building requires. Get the building's requirements in writing (often a one-page sheet listing the coverage amounts and the exact name to list on the certificate) and send it to the mover early. Last-minute COI requests are one of the most common reasons condo moves get delayed at the front desk.

Some buildings also want:

• A move-in or move-out application or form
• A refundable deposit for possible damage to common areas
• Names of the movers or the truck's plate number for the gate or security desk

3. Where does the truck park, and how far is the walk?

Ask where the moving truck should park and how tall the garage or loading area is. A 16-foot box truck usually won't fit in a parking garage, so it may need to use a loading zone or a street space. Also ask how long the walk is from the truck to the elevator, and from the elevator to your unit. A long hallway adds time.

Week-by-week condo moving checklist

3-4 weeks before

• Get your move date approved by both buildings (old and new).
• Reserve the service elevator at both ends. Write down the time window.
• Get the building's mover requirements sheet (COI details, forms, deposit) and send it to your mover.
• Book your mover and confirm they can meet those requirements.
• Start getting rid of things you don't want to move.
• Measure big pieces and tight spots (doorways, elevator, balcony doors) at the new place.

2 weeks before

• Start packing rooms you don't use daily: closets, guest rooms, decorations.
• Get boxes, tape, and markers. Label every box with the room it goes to.
• Book any gate or parking passes the building needs.
• Set up utilities and internet at the new place, and schedule shut-off at the old one.
• Update your mailing address with USPS.

1 week before

• Confirm the elevator reservation with both buildings (things get double-booked).
• Confirm the arrival time and plan with your mover. Share the building rules, gate code, parking spot, and the front desk phone number.
• Empty dressers and desk drawers, or at least take out anything loose or breakable.
• Take photos of anything valuable before it's wrapped.
• Plan where big furniture goes in the new place. A simple sketch helps.

1-2 days before

• Finish packing everything except essentials.
• Pack a first-night bag: chargers, meds, toiletries, a change of clothes, important papers.
• Take apart anything you're comfortable with (shelves, bed frames), or let your mover know what needs it.
• Defrost and clean the fridge if it's coming with you.
• Tell the front desk you're moving tomorrow.

Moving day

• Be there when the crew arrives, and walk them through what goes and what stays.
• Have the elevator key or fob, gate code, and front desk contact handy.
• Keep a hallway or doorway clear for the crew.
• Do a final walk-through of every closet, cabinet, and the balcony before the truck leaves.
• At the new place, tell the crew where each room and big piece goes.

Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale specifics

Boca Raton: Many communities are gated, with HOA rules on move hours and truck access. Some require pre-approval before a truck can enter. Give the gate the mover's name and the truck info ahead of time. Plan around the east-west traffic on Glades, Palmetto Park and Yamato at rush hour.

Fort Lauderdale: High-rise condos along the beach and downtown often have tight loading zones and strict elevator windows. Street parking near the beach can be limited, so ask the building where a box truck can legally stand. Bridges and beach traffic can slow things down on weekends.

Both: Summer afternoons bring heat and pop-up rain. Morning start times are usually the easiest on everyone, and on your furniture. See our South Florida moving tips for heat, rain and hurricane season.

Common condo move mistakes (and the easy fix)

Questions to ask your mover for a condo move

• Have you moved in condo buildings before? What do you need from me ahead of time?
• Can you provide the paperwork my building requires (like a COI)? How much notice do you need?
• Do you bring blankets, wrap, and tools for taking beds and furniture apart?
• How do you price it, and how might elevator waits or a long walk affect the time?

Moving a condo or apartment soon?

We do local condo and apartment moves around Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Delray Beach. Send us your building details (floor, elevator, any move windows) or call or text 954-408-4024, and we'll talk through the plan. More on our apartment and condo moving service.