Confirm the building’s move procedure first
Ask management for the current moving policy before choosing a date. Find out how to reserve the elevator, whether a deposit or insurance document is requested, which entrance movers should use, and what hours are permitted. Rules can differ between buildings and can change, so do not rely on a neighbour’s experience.
Share the written instructions with the moving company. Include the management contact, booking time, move window, loading location, access code process, and any form that must be completed. A quote that omits these details may not reflect the actual plan.
- Elevator reservation and permitted moving hours
- Loading dock, curb, garage, or service entrance
- Security desk, fob, concierge, or access instructions
- Required documents, deposits, or building approvals
- Rules for floor, wall, and common-area protection
Plan the elevator and loading area as one route
The elevator booking only helps if the route from the unit to the loading area is usable. Check whether carts are permitted, where they can wait, how the service elevator is reached, and whether another delivery can block the path. At the destination, obtain the same information before move day.
Give the mover accurate floor, elevator, parking, and walking-distance information for both addresses. If a building has a strict window, ask how the company handles delays and what happens if the elevator is unavailable.
- Unit floor and elevator dimensions or restrictions
- Distance between the elevator, entrance, and vehicle
- Cart, door, ramp, and loading-dock requirements
- Reservation times at both pickup and delivery buildings
Account for Toronto street and downtown access
Toronto streets can make the last part of a move the hardest part to predict. Check posted signs, curb restrictions, construction, building frontage, and whether a vehicle can legally stop near the entrance. Downtown addresses may also involve a longer carry from the available stopping point.
The City of Toronto says moving vans may park on the street while actively loading or unloading, but drivers must still follow traffic regulations, parking restrictions, and posted signs. Confirm the actual location rather than treating that general rule as a reserved space.
Source: City of Toronto: Parking Regulations
Protect common areas and communicate with neighbours
Ask management what protection is required for elevator walls, floors, door frames, and corridors. Keep the path clear of personal items and tell the crew which surfaces or doors need special care. If the building requires a move notice, provide it on time.
Do not assume a booking gives exclusive use of every shared area. Keep the mover informed about other scheduled deliveries, security procedures, and the time at which the elevator must be released. Photograph existing damage in the route if management recommends doing so.
A condo move-day checklist
Have the elevator and loading reservations confirmed, access instructions available, and a contact ready for building questions. Keep valuables and personal documents with you. Label boxes so the crew can place them efficiently without repeatedly opening the service route.
After delivery, check the unit and common route for missing or damaged items before the crew leaves where possible. Record issues promptly and keep the contract, inventory, and building correspondence together.
- Confirm both elevator bookings and the allowed time windows
- Have parking and loading instructions ready for the driver
- Protect or clear the route through the unit and common areas
- Keep essentials, keys, documents, and valuables with you
- Record condition issues before the move is closed
Source: Ontario: Hiring a mover
Frequently asked questions
Do all Toronto condos use the same moving rules?
No. Building requirements vary. Ask the property manager or condominium corporation about elevator bookings, move windows, loading areas, access, documents, deposits, and common-area protection.
Who reserves the condo elevator?
The responsible party and booking process are building-specific. Confirm directly with management whether the resident, owner, or another party must reserve it, then give the confirmed reservation and restrictions to the mover.
Can a moving van park outside a Toronto condo?
The City says moving vans may park while actively loading or unloading, subject to traffic rules, parking restrictions, and posted signs. Check the actual street and building access rather than assuming curb space is available.
Source: City of Toronto: Parking Regulations
What should I tell a mover about my condo?
Provide both addresses, floors, and the requirements management has confirmed for the elevator, loading area, booking window, parking, walking distance, stairs, access procedures, and any special item.