So you’ve made the decision to move from a single-family home into a condo or high-rise building. That’s exciting news! Moving into a high-rise is very different than moving into a home, so there are some extra things to consider for moving day.
For example, the space is smaller. You’ll need to start paring down your possessions ahead of time and get rid of the items you no longer use. You may also need to make arrangements with the building manager before moving day. For example, booking the elevator, sorting out the moving truck parking situation, etc.
Here are some tips from our expert movers about the transition from home to high-rise.
From Home to High-Rise: Moving Tips
Purging
It’s very likely that all your current belongings won’t fit into your condo or high-rise apartment, especially if you’re moving from a bigger house with many more rooms and areas for storage. Go through each room, looking for items to sell or donate before you even start the packing process. If you haven’t used it in the past year, toss it. Not only will this save space, but it will also save you time and money on your move, since there will be less boxes to pack, move and unpack.
If you have a storage locker in your new building, make a list of items that you want to keep but don’t need to have in the living area itself – for example, seasonal items such as Christmas trees or camping gear.
Storage
Your new condo or high-rise apartment may come with a storage locker, or you may need to rent one. No matter which, you’ll want to take the same precautions. Make sure to avoid water damage by keeping items off the floor. If you have a wire or metal shelving unit, try putting it in your storage locker and stacking boxes and other items on the shelves. Another option is to ask around at local companies if they have any extra wooden pallets you could take off their hands.
Don’t forget – plastic covers encourage moisture build up, which can cause mold and mildew. Cotton covers like sheets are a good alternative.
Proper Boxes
You also want to invest in good quality boxes. As tempting as it might be, don’t use boxes from grocery stores. Those boxes were used to hold food, which means that little critters can sometimes be found in the crevasses. Although there are many things you want to bring with you on moving day, tiny bugs aren’t one of them! Make sure to buy professional moving boxes for your moving and storage needs.
Floor Plans
If possible, get the floor plans for your new high-rise apartment or condo and figure out ahead of time how you will be arranging your furniture in this new space. If you want until moving day to find out if everything will fit, you might find yourself unpleasantly surprised. The worst thing is moving up a large sofa all the way to the 20th floor, only to find out that it just won’t fit in your living room.
Where can you find your floor plan? Most condos and high-rises have websites that list the apartments available, oftentimes with the floor plan. If you can’t find them online, ask the management office if they have the floor plans. Chances are they’ll be able to supply with you one. Knowing how you’re going to lay out your apartment will save you lots of time and energy.
With these handy tips, the move from your single family home to a high-rise will go much more smoothly.