Apartment Moves vs. House Moves: Elevator Tricks, Floor Rules, and What Canadians Should Know
Not all moves are created equal. If you’ve ever relocated from a house to another house, you know it usually involves driveways, front doors, and the occasional tight staircase. But when you’re moving in or out of an apartment, the game changes. Suddenly, elevators, condo board rules, and shared hallways become part of the process.
For Canadians planning a move, it helps to know what makes apartment relocations different from house moves—and how to navigate these unique challenges without stress. Whether you’re settling into a new high-rise in downtown Toronto, moving out of a condo in Vancouver, or shifting from a suburban home in Calgary, understanding the key differences will save you time, money, and headaches.
House Moves: The Traditional Setup
Moving into or out of a detached home is often more straightforward. You usually have:
Direct Access: Driveways, garages, or front steps make loading and unloading simple.
Fewer Restrictions: No condo boards or property managers setting move-in times.
Parking at the Door: Movers can often park right in front of the home.
Flexible Timing: Moves can start early in the morning or run late into the evening without affecting neighbours.
That said, houses come with their own challenges—like long driveways, narrow staircases, or heavy furniture that has to go through awkward doors. Still, compared to apartments, house moves usually offer more freedom and fewer formalities.
Apartment Moves: Rules and Realities
Apartment moves bring a different set of considerations. Here’s what you’ll often face:
Elevator Reservations: Many high-rises require you to book the service elevator in advance. Without it, you risk waiting around or being fined.
Move-In/Out Windows: Some buildings only allow moves during specific hours (e.g., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday).
Deposit Requirements: Property managers may ask for a refundable deposit in case of damage to elevators or hallways.
Parking Permits: Loading zones or underground lots often require special permissions.
Shared Spaces: You’ll need to be mindful of neighbours using elevators, hallways, and common areas.
While these rules can feel restrictive, they’re designed to protect the building and keep things running smoothly.
Elevator Tricks: Making the Most of Vertical Moves
Elevators are both a blessing and a challenge when it comes to apartment moves. Here’s how to handle them like a pro:
1. Book the Service Elevator Early
As soon as you know your move date, contact the building’s management office. The service elevator is usually larger and padded to protect both your belongings and the elevator itself. These spots fill up quickly—especially at the end of the month when most Canadians are moving.
2. Time Your Load Strategically
If you’re allowed to move during weekday hours, aim for mid-morning or early afternoon. These times often mean less competition for elevators compared to lunch breaks or after work.
3. Use Elevator Pads and Floor Protection
Most buildings provide elevator pads and mats to prevent scratches and dents. Even if they don’t, ask your movers to bring protective coverings. It’s cheaper than paying for repairs.
4. Load Items by Size
Put larger, heavier items in first and fill gaps with smaller boxes. This ensures you make fewer trips and maximize each elevator ride.
5. Keep Essentials Handy
Remember that neighbours may still need the elevator. Avoid holding it up with personal items like purses or paperwork—keep those with you instead of on a dolly.
Floor Rules: Respecting Shared Spaces
Apartment moves often mean navigating through common areas, and being respectful goes a long way:
Protect Floors and Walls: Many buildings require movers to lay down floor runners or corner protectors. Even if it’s not mandatory, it’s a good idea.
Be Noise-Conscious: Dragging furniture or dropping boxes can echo loudly in hallways. Try to keep the volume down.
Clean Up Afterwards: Sweep up packing debris, remove tape from elevators, and make sure nothing is left behind in hallways.
Coordinate Parking: Make sure moving trucks are in approved spots and not blocking access for others.
Following these rules not only keeps you on good terms with building management but also helps your new neighbours see you as considerate from day one.
Cost Differences: Apartment vs. House Moves
While every move is unique, apartment moves often come with extra costs, such as:
Elevator Fees: Some buildings charge for elevator bookings.
Time Constraints: Movers working within set hours may need to bring larger crews to finish faster, increasing labour costs.
Parking Permits: Cities like Toronto and Montreal may require temporary street permits for moving trucks.
House moves, on the other hand, can sometimes take longer if movers need to navigate large homes with basements and attics. That said, the flexibility and lack of restrictions often make them less stressful.
Tips to Simplify Both Types of Moves
Whether you’re moving from an apartment or a house, some strategies help across the board:
Plan Ahead: Book movers and reserve elevators early, especially at the end of the month.
Declutter Beforehand: Donate, sell, or recycle what you don’t need. Less to move means lower costs.
Label Clearly: Mark boxes with room names and fragile stickers. This speeds up unloading.
Pack Smart: Use sturdy boxes, reusable bins, and protective materials to minimize damage.
Communicate with Movers: Let them know about elevator reservations, narrow staircases, or tricky driveways in advance.
Which Move Is Right for You?
It’s not so much about which move is better—it’s about understanding the unique challenges of your situation.
Apartment moves require more coordination with building management, tighter schedules, and careful use of elevators.
House moves give you more freedom and flexibility but may involve longer walks, heavy lifting, or tricky layouts.
If you’re moving from a house to an apartment, prepare for stricter rules and plan your logistics early. If you’re leaving an apartment for a house, enjoy the flexibility but be ready for more physical labour.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you’re relocating to a downtown high-rise in Toronto, a condo in Calgary, or a family home in Winnipeg, moving comes with its fair share of challenges. Apartment moves demand elevator tricks and respect for floor rules, while house moves give you more breathing room but often require more physical effort.
At the end of the day, the key is preparation. Know the rules, book what you need in advance, and work with experienced movers who understand the difference between apartments and houses. With the right planning, your move—no matter the type—can be smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
