The Ultimate Condo Moving Checklist (Canada)

A step-by-step timeline to help you navigate elevator bookings, COIs, and high-rise logistics without the stress.

Moving in or out of a condo is an entirely different game than a house move. Your timeline is dictated by property management rules, strict elevator windows, and loading dock availability. Use this condo-specific timeline to stay ahead of the curve.

6–8 weeks before

• Contact Property Management: Request the official moving rules for both your current and future buildings.
• Ask about COIs: Find out if your new building requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your moving company (most do).
• Check Dock Height: Ask the concierge for the maximum vehicle clearance height of the loading dock so you can inform your movers.
• Begin Decluttering: Condos lack unlimited storage. Sell, donate, or recycle items that won't fit your new floor plan.

4 weeks before

• Book the Elevator: Officially reserve your 2–3 hour service elevator window. Pay the refundable damage deposit if required.
• Hire Condo-Savvy Movers: Book a moving company and provide them with your exact elevator time slot and the loading dock height.
• Request the COI: Ask your moving company to send their Certificate of Insurance directly to your new building's management.
• Order Supplies: Gather heavy-duty boxes, packing paper, and tape. (Don't rely entirely on the condo recycling room for used boxes!).

1–2 weeks before

• Confirm Logistics: Double-check the elevator booking times with the concierge at both locations.
• Empty Outbuildings: Don't forget to pack up your basement storage locker and retrieve your bike from the communal bike room.
• Book Parking (If needed): If the loading dock is unavailable or too small, apply for a temporary street parking permit for the moving truck.
• Draft a Floor Plan: Map out where your heavy furniture will go so the movers don't waste your limited elevator time rearranging items.

Moving Day

• Pack the Essentials Bag: Toiletries, chargers, bedsheets, and snacks. Keep this bag with you, not on the truck. See our full list here.
• Do the Pre-Inspection: Walk the hallway and elevator with the concierge to document existing scratches before your movers begin.
• Protect the Floors: Ensure your movers (or you) lay down floor runners to protect the condo's flooring and hallway carpets.
• Hand Over the Fobs: Coordinate the return of your old fobs, parking passes, and mailbox keys.