Questions to Ask When Hiring a Condo Moving Company

A practical checklist of questions to ask condo movers to avoid hidden "long carry" fees, property management fines, and moving-day chaos.

Hiring the right mover for a high-rise building is entirely different from moving out of a house. The biggest problems condo owners run into—property management rejecting the movers, unexpected "long carry" fees, and running out of time on the service elevator—happen because the right questions weren't asked upfront.

Questions for a local condo mover

1) Will you provide a custom COI for my building?

Most modern condo boards require a Certificate of Insurance proving the movers have $2M to $5M in liability coverage, plus active WSIB/workers' comp. Ask if they charge a fee to generate this document (reputable companies do not).

2) How do you calculate "Long Carry" or "Elevator" fees?

If your unit is at the end of a long hallway, or the loading dock is far from the service elevator, some movers tack on hidden fees. Ask for a clear list of potential “extras” in writing:

• Long carry fees (distance from truck to elevator, or elevator to unit)
• Elevator waiting fees (if a neighbor delays your time slot)
• Stair fees (if a couch won't fit in the elevator and must go up the stairs)
• Hoisting fees (if furniture must go over a balcony)

3) Do you provide floor and wall protection?

Condo boards are ruthless about damage to common elements. Ask if the movers bring neoprene floor runners, door jamb protectors, and elevator pads. If they scratch the hallway hardwood, your damage deposit is gone.

4) How many movers are included? (Hint: You probably need 3)

For a house, 2 movers might be fine. For a condo, you often need 3: one person stationed at the truck in the loading dock, one navigating the elevator, and one in the unit. Clarify how many movers show up, and what the rate is if an extra mover is added to beat the 2-hour elevator limit.

5) Have you moved in this neighborhood/building before?

Downtown logistics are tough. Movers who know your specific city blocks will already know where the tricky one-way streets, low-clearance loading docks, and strict concierges are.

Questions to ask a long-distance condo mover

Long-distance moves add a massive logistical hurdle: 18-wheeler transport trucks generally cannot fit into underground condo loading docks or navigate narrow downtown streets.

1) Do you charge a "Shuttle Fee"?

This is the #1 hidden cost for long-distance condo moves. If their 53-foot trailer can't access your building, they must park off-site and use a smaller "shuttle" truck to ferry your items to the loading dock. Ask if this is required and how much it costs.

2) How is the estimate calculated: weight, volume, or flat rate?

Most cross-country quotes are based on weight, but some use volume or a flat rate. If they quote by weight, ask about certified weigh scales and weigh tickets.

3) Are you the carrier, or a broker?

Ask directly who is responsible for the actual labor and driving:

• Will your company pick up and deliver, or are you selling the job to a subcontractor?
• Who handles the COI for the destination condo building if a different crew unloads?
• Who handles claims if multiple companies are involved?

4) What are the storage-in-transit (SIT) options?

Condo closing dates and elevator bookings rarely line up perfectly. Ask what happens if your belongings arrive in your new city on Tuesday, but your elevator isn't booked until Thursday. How much do they charge for short-term storage?

Tip: When comparing condo moving quotes, focus on building compliance and transparent fees—not just the lowest starting hourly rate.