Moving from or to a small apartment may not seem challenging at all. Fewer rooms, less furniture, and typically a shorter distance between the front door and the moving truck.
But small apartment moves can sometimes present problems that are unrelated to the amount of belongings that you have. We will tell you what to expect. This can help you to plan around such problems.
Tight spaces can make it challenging to move things
Small apartments often have:
- Narrow hallways
- Small doorways
- Narrow staircases
- Small elevators.
A sofa that fits the interior of your apartment may not be easy to rotate through a hallway or slide into an elevator.
The solution: Measure large furniture and the key access points before moving day. If it does not fit, see if it can be taken apart.
Consider working with movers. Professional movers like Chipman Relocation have experience handling difficult access spots. They can also plan how they will carry and position bulky items beforehand.
Strict building rules can disrupt your schedule
Many apartment buildings have their own moving policies. It may be necessary to:
- Book an elevator
- Take a certain entrance
- Adhere to particular moving hours
- Provide paperwork before movers can enter.
Some buildings also have parking limitations and loading limits.
The solution: Get in touch with your building manager before your move day. Request rules on paper as well. Confirm:
- Elevator availability
- Acceptable move times
- Parking arrangements
- Paperwork required.
If you’re relocating from one apartment to another, review the policies of both properties.
Limited parking can add unnecessary delays
It might be difficult to get the moving truck to your building. Limited parking or loading zones can force movers to carry boxes longer than expected. This will add time and make a minor move take a lot longer. Moving guides for apartments advise having arrangements made for loading and parking.
The solution: Find out exactly where the moving vehicle can park. Book a loading space or otherwise consult with building management as to the nearest area that might be used. Inform your movers of these things before they come to your home.
You may overpay for a traditional full-service move
Moving a small apartment isn’t necessarily the same level of service as moving a large house. If you’re moving and only require help with the transportation and heavy lifting, paying for a full-service package can be an unnecessary cost to your moving budget.
The solution: Begin by figuring out what you really need help with. You might just need help to load, transport, and unload. Then you can do the packing and decluttering yourself. When requesting a quote from a moving company, explain the size and needs of your relocation.
The summary
Small apartment moves require a lot of planning. So, do this before moving day:
- Reduce clutter
- Measure difficult access points
- Confirm building rules
- Arrange parking
- Choose the right moving service.
With the right plan, you can avoid the challenges that complicate a seemingly simple move.
