Local Moving
Philly Apartment Moving Checklist: Elevators, COIs, and Timing
In a Center City high-rise, the hardest part of moving is rarely the furniture. It is the freight elevator reservation, the certificate of insurance your building requires, and the two-hour loading window at the dock. Handle those and the move itself is straightforward.
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Reserve the freight elevator first
Most Philadelphia apartment buildings reserve elevators in blocks and require notice. Book it before you book anything else, then schedule the crew around that window rather than the reverse.
Get the certificate of insurance sent early
Buildings routinely refuse entry to movers without a certificate of insurance naming the property management company. Ask your building exactly who it should be addressed to, send us that information, and it goes out well before moving day.
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Plan for the loading dock, not the front door
Dock height, clearance, and time limits vary widely. Ask your building for dock rules and share them with the crew — it changes which truck we bring.
- •Elevator reservation window and padding requirements
- •Certificate of insurance recipient and address
- •Dock access hours and height clearance
- •Whether the building requires floor protection
Time your window realistically
A studio or one-bedroom with elevator access is usually a two-to-four-hour job. Two-bedrooms run four to six. If your building only gives you a three-hour window, packing everything in advance is what makes it fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certificate of insurance for moving?
It is proof of liability and workers' compensation coverage naming your building. Most Philadelphia apartment buildings require it before movers can enter.
How long does an apartment move take?
A studio or one-bedroom with elevator access typically runs two to four hours; a two-bedroom four to six.
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