Moving into a Toronto condo depends on three bookings lining up: the service elevator, the loading dock and your movers. Ask building management for the move-in package two to three weeks ahead, book the elevator slot, send any required documents such as your mover's certificate of insurance, then give your movers the slot time and the building's access details. Every building sets its own rules, so the steps below show what to ask and when.
What should you ask building management first?
Start with the property management office or concierge. Most Toronto condos have a move-in package or an elevator reservation agreement. Ask for it, and get answers to these questions:
- Which days and hours are moves allowed, and how long is each booking slot?
- Is there a deposit or fee, how is it paid, and when is it returned?
- Which documents do you need: a lease or purchase agreement, a resident registration form, a certificate of insurance?
- Where does the moving truck park, and what is the loading dock's height clearance?
- Which elevator is used for moves, and does it get padded walls?
- Are there rules about where furniture can pass, such as the lobby or the parking garage?
Condo rules usually apply to tenants as well as owners. If you rent, your landlord may need to approve the booking or send documents on your behalf.
How do you book a condo elevator for your move?
You book the elevator and loading dock with building management, not the movers. Book as soon as you know your date, since popular slots fill quickly, especially at the end of the month and on weekends. Many buildings only allow moves on certain days or in fixed blocks, and some block out rush hour.
When you book:
- Ask for the longest slot available, and check whether you can book two in a row
- Confirm the slot in writing, with the date, start and end time, and which elevator
- If you are moving out of one condo and into another, book both buildings for times that work with a single crew
- Ask what happens if the move runs over the slot
At G Force, booking the elevator and loading access is your responsibility, and the crew plans its arrival around the slot you've booked. That's why the slot time matters: if the crew arrives and the elevator isn't booked or the dock is blocked, waiting time is billed.
What documents do Toronto condos ask for?
Requirements vary, but these come up often:
- Proof of residence: a copy of your lease or purchase agreement, and a resident information form
- Deposit or fee: paid by cheque, certified cheque or online, depending on the building. Deposits are usually returned after an inspection of the common areas.
- Certificate of insurance: proof that your moving company carries liability insurance, often naming the condo corporation
A certificate of insurance (COI) protects the building if movers damage the common areas. Ask management for the exact name of the condo corporation and any coverage requirements, then request the certificate from your movers. G Force provides a COI naming your condo corporation on request. Ask for it when you book, and send it to management before moving day.
What should you tell your movers about the building?
Your movers can only plan for what they know. Send them:
- Both addresses, with unit numbers and floors
- Your elevator slot at each building, and the elevator's size if management knows it
- Where the truck should park, and the loading dock's height clearance
- The distance from the dock or parking spot to the elevator
- Large items such as sectionals, king beds and items over 150 lb
- The name and phone number of the concierge or superintendent
Elevator size and the walk from the truck affect how long the move takes. On residential moves, G Force bills by the hour, and job time includes loading, unloading and travel. Accurate building details give you an accurate quote. Long carries, elevator waits and large items can add time, so mention them upfront.
How do you prepare your condo for moving day?
Condo moves run on a fixed clock, so anything that slows the crew eats into your elevator slot.
- Finish packing the day before. Boxes still being filled when the crew arrives use up booked time.
- Take apart large furniture that won't fit in the elevator, or ask your movers to do it
- Clear the hallway in your unit and keep a path to the door
- Keep keys, fobs and access cards for the elevator, dock and garage ready
- Make sure you or another authorized adult will be there for the whole slot
If you would rather not pack, professional packing can be done before moving day so the crew only loads. G Force protects every residential job with floor runners and door frame protectors, and wraps furniture in blankets and stretch wrap before it goes into the elevator.
What happens if your move runs over the elevator booking?
Building management decides. Some buildings extend the slot if the next one is free. Others stop the move and ask you to book another slot. Ask about this when you book, and leave a buffer: book a longer slot than you think you need, and schedule the crew for the start of it.
If your move-out and move-in dates don't line up, or the new building has no slot on your closing day, storage between moves lets you move out on time and deliver later.
If the crew arrives and the move can't start for a reason on your side, such as no elevator booking or no access, a call-out fee can apply. The cancellation policy explains the call-out fee and waiting time.
Checklist for moving into a Toronto condo
2 to 3 weeks before
- Get the move-in package from building management at both buildings
- Book your elevator and loading dock slots, and get them confirmed in writing
- Book your movers for the start of the slot
- Request the certificate of insurance from your movers
1 week before
- Send the COI, deposit and documents to management
- Send your movers the slot times, truck parking details, dock clearance and the concierge's contact
- Confirm whether the elevator will be padded
Moving day
- Pick up fobs or elevator keys from the concierge
- Meet the crew at the dock and walk them to the elevator
- Check the hallways and elevator for damage before the crew leaves, so your deposit comes back
G Force moves condos across Toronto, from downtown towers to North York and Etobicoke. When you have your elevator slot, request a free quote for your condo move.
