How to Reserve an Elevator for Moving Day

If you're moving in or out of a condo or apartment in Metro Vancouver, reserving the service elevator is one of the most important steps — and one of the easiest to overlook. Here's how to do it properly so moving day runs on time.

Who to contact

Elevator bookings are almost always handled by your strata management company or building manager — not the movers. Only a resident or owner can typically make the reservation, so this is a step you'll need to handle yourself. Start with your property manager's office or your strata's move-in coordinator.

What buildings usually require

Requirements vary, but most buildings ask for some combination of the following:

• A booked time window for the service elevator (often two to four hours)
• Use of the loading bay or a designated move-in entrance
• A move-in or move-out fee, and sometimes a refundable damage deposit
• A certificate of insurance from your moving company in some buildings
• Elevator padding to be installed by building staff before the move

Book early — especially for month-end

Most buildings only allow one move at a time, which means popular slots disappear fast. The end of the month, and weekends generally, are the busiest. Aim to book at least two weeks out, and have a backup date in mind if your first choice isn't available.

Share the window with your movers

Once your elevator is booked, give the time window to your moving crew as early as possible. Good movers plan the whole job around it — arriving ready to load, working efficiently, and getting the truck to the other end in time. If your window is tight, ask whether a larger crew would help; our guide on two movers vs three movers explains when that makes sense.

On moving day

1. 1Confirm the elevator is padded and reserved before the crew arrives
2. 2Keep the elevator lobby and loading bay clear of other traffic
3. 3Have your fobs, keys and any access codes ready
4. 4If you're moving out and in on the same day, confirm both buildings' windows

We handle elevator-based apartment and condo moves across Metro Vancouver every week, so the logistics are second nature. Tell us your building's requirements when you request a quote and we'll plan around them.