Updated October 10, 2026
Most moving-day problems in New York are decided two weeks earlier. The building, the elevator, the truck’s spot on the street and the paperwork all need a little lead time. Here are the five things we ask every customer to do about two weeks before a move, in the order we would do them ourselves.
1. Book the elevator
Call or e-mail your building management and ask for a move date and a time window. Many buildings only allow moves on weekdays and in set hours, and end-of-month slots go first. If you are moving between two buildings, book both: the move-out and the move-in elevator.
2. Ask for the COI rules
Most managed buildings want a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before the crew can come in. Ask management for their sample COI or their list of what it must say, and forward it to us. We send the COI to the building for you, so the doorman has it on the day.
3. Measure the big pieces
Sofa, dresser, mattress, bookcase: measure them, then measure the doors, hallways, stairwell turns and the elevator in both buildings. Tell us about anything that looks tight. Many pieces can be taken apart and put back together, but it is much easier to plan for it than to discover it in a stairwell.
4. Plan where the truck parks
Check the street rules in front of both buildings: hydrants, bus stops, loading zones and street-cleaning days. Tell us what you find. A shorter carry from the truck to the door saves time for everyone, and we plan the day around it. The city rules are in our guide to moving truck parking in NYC.
5. Get it in writing
Ask for a free written estimate before moving day: the rate, the terms and what is included. We give one in person or by video, 7 days a week. If you want to compare movers, our company facts page lists our licenses (U.S. DOT No. 967970 · MC-432549 · NYSDOT 34875 · NJPM 000930).
Moving soon?
Call (646) 455-1930 or send the quote form on our home page. We are a family business since 1999, licensed and insured in New York and New Jersey. For trips between boroughs, see our guide to moving from Brooklyn to Manhattan; for one big item, see small moves and pianos.
Your two-week checklist
- Day 14: ask both buildings for a move date, a time window and their COI sample.
- Day 12: book a free written estimate, in person or by video, and send us the COI samples.
- Day 10: measure the big pieces and the tight spots: doors, halls, stair turns, the elevator.
- Day 7: check the street rules in front of both buildings and tell us what you found.
- Day 2: confirm the elevator and the move time with the super or the doorman.
If the building answers slowly, start earlier. End-of-month dates are the first to go, and a move that is booked with the elevator, the COI and the parking settled is usually a short, calm day.
Common questions
How early should I book the elevator for an NYC move?
As soon as you have a moving date. Many buildings give out move slots on weekdays only and in set hours, so ask management for your date and time window about two weeks ahead, or earlier at the end of the month.
What is a COI and who sends it?
A certificate of insurance shows the building that your mover is insured. Most managed buildings ask for one before they let a crew in. Ask your building for its sample, and we send the COI to the building for you.
Should I get the moving estimate in writing?
Yes. A free written estimate before moving day shows the rate, the terms and what is included, so nothing is a surprise on the day.
What if my building only allows weekday moves?
Many NYC buildings do. Pick the weekday window the building gives you, tell us the hours, and we plan the crew and the truck around it.
What should I measure before the move?
The sofa, the dresser, the mattress and any tall bookcase, and then the doors, hallways, stairwell turns and the elevator in both buildings. Send us anything that looks tight.