How-To GuidesMoving into an apartment
The building requirements that decide how an apartment move actually goes, and the inspection habits that protect your deposit.
By Elijah Canfield, Founder, Hire Best Pros · Updated August 27, 2026
Elijah Canfield is the founder of Hire Best Pros. He writes and edits the site's consumer guides, with a focus on how home service and moving projects are priced, scoped and compared.
Apartment moves are governed by the building. Reserve the elevator and loading area, confirm permitted move hours, and find out whether management requires a certificate of insurance from your mover. Then document the condition of both units in photographs before anything is carried in.
Key points
- Most apartment move problems are access problems, not lifting problems.
- A certificate of insurance requirement can disqualify a mover on the day.
- Photograph every wall, floor and fixture before you move in and after you move out.
Ask management first
- Permitted move in and move out hours and days
- Elevator reservation, padding and any deposit
- Loading zone, parking permit or street permit requirements
- Certificate of insurance requirements for the moving company
Protecting your deposit
Walk both units with your phone camera before anything moves. Capture floors, walls, appliance interiors, window screens and any existing damage, with the date visible in the file. Send the old unit set to your landlord the same day you hand back keys.
Settling in
- Transfer utilities to start the day before you arrive, not the day after
- Test smoke alarms, locks, water pressure and heating on day one
- Report any pre-existing damage in writing within the first week
- Break down boxes promptly, since most buildings limit what fits in the bins
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