Condo Moving in Toronto: Elevator Booking, COI and Checklist

In a Toronto condo, the hardest part of moving day often has nothing to do with furniture. It's the elevator booking you didn't make, the certificate of insurance the concierge won't accept, or a moving window that closes at 5 pm. Here is how to plan a condo move that runs on time.

Toronto is a city of condos, and every building runs moves a little differently. The rules exist to protect elevators, lobbies and other residents, but if you find out about them on moving day, they can stop your move at the door.

Use this guide and the checklist at the end to plan ahead.

1. Read your building's move rules first

Ask the property management office or concierge for the building's moving policy, for both the building you're leaving and the one you're moving into. Look for:

• Allowed moving days and hours. Many buildings only allow moves on certain days and within set windows, and some don't allow moves on Sundays or holidays.
• Maximum booking length. A typical slot is a few hours. A full move may need two slots or a longer booking.
• Deposit. Some buildings take a refundable damage deposit for the elevator booking.
• Truck size and parking. Check the height of the loading dock or underground entrance, and where a truck can park.

2. Book the freight elevator early

Elevator slots at the end and beginning of the month go first. Book as soon as you have your date, for both buildings, and try to line the times up: the morning at the old address and the afternoon at the new one.

If your building has no dedicated freight elevator, ask which elevator will be put on service and padded for your move. Never use a passenger elevator without permission.

3. Get the certificate of insurance (COI)

Most Toronto condos ask the moving company for a certificate of insurance before the move. It usually has to:

• name the condo corporation and the property management company as additional insured;
• show a minimum liability amount set by the building;
• arrive a few days before moving day.

Ask your building for the exact wording and send it to your movers right away. A professional moving company can issue a COI quickly. If a mover can't, that is a sign they may not be properly insured. Grey Peacock sends COIs to both buildings ahead of every condo move.

4. Protect the building

Building staff will check the route before and after your move. Good movers protect:

• Elevator walls with padded blankets;
• Floors in the lobby, hallways and your unit with runners or floor protection;
• Door frames and corners where large pieces turn.

This protects your deposit and keeps you on good terms with your new neighbours.

5. Measure the tight spots

Condo hallways and elevators are smaller than they look. Before moving day, measure:

• the elevator door width and the cab depth and height;
• the narrowest hallway turn;
• your unit's front door.

Compare them to your largest pieces: sectionals, king beds, wardrobes, dining tables. Many pieces need to be taken apart, which is included in our Plus and Premium moving packages. For pieces that can't go through the elevator at all, a hoisting route through a balcony or window may be possible. We plan these in advance.

6. Pack for a timed move

When you have a fixed elevator window, every minute counts:

• Have everything packed, sealed and labelled by room before the crew arrives.
• Group boxes near the door.
• Keep valuables, documents and medication with you, not on the truck.
• Leave a clear path to the elevator.

If you won't have time to pack, choose a package where the crew packs for you. It is almost always cheaper than running out of elevator time. See how moving costs are calculated in Toronto.

7. Moving day

• Meet the concierge with your booking confirmation.
• Walk the route with the crew lead.
• Check the unit for anything left behind before the elevator booking ends.
• At the new address, tell the crew where each large piece goes so it's placed and assembled once.

Condo moving checklist

3–4 weeks before

• Get move rules from both buildings
• Book freight elevators and loading docks
• Book your movers

1–2 weeks before

• Send the COI requirements to your movers
• Pay any elevator deposit
• Measure elevator, hallways and doors
• Start packing rooms you use least

2–3 days before

• Confirm elevator times with both buildings
• Confirm the crew arrival time
• Finish packing and label every box

Moving day

• Booking confirmations on your phone
• Valuables with you
• Final walkthrough of the old unit

Need help with a condo move in Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan or anywhere in the GTA? Get a free quote. Moving rates start from $130/hour.

Moving out of a condo vs moving into one

The rules usually apply at both ends, but the focus is a little different:

Moving out:

• Book the elevator at the old building and confirm the loading area.
• Leave the unit clean and empty; some buildings inspect before returning the deposit.
• Return fobs, keys and parking passes to management.
• Take photos of the unit and hallway after the move.

Moving in:

• Book the elevator at the new building and ask where the truck can park.
• Confirm when you'll get keys and fobs. Many buildings won't let movers in until the resident is registered.
• Ask whether the building needs a COI, a deposit or a move-in fee.
• Check the suite before furniture goes in, so you know of any existing damage.

Moving from a condo to a house (and back)

A lot of moves in Toronto are condo-to-house or house-to-condo:

• Condo to house: the condo end is usually the tighter part: elevator window, dock rules and COI. The house end is about parking, driveways and stairs.
• House to condo: the main challenge is fitting a house's worth of furniture into a smaller space and through a condo elevator. Measure carefully and decide before moving day what goes, what gets sold and what goes to storage.

Moving between two condos on the same day

This is the most time-sensitive kind of move, because you depend on two elevator bookings. To make it work:

1. Book the morning slot at the old building and the afternoon slot at the new one.
2. Leave a buffer between them for driving and traffic.
3. Have everything packed and ready before the crew arrives.
4. Send the COI requirements for both buildings to your movers at least a week ahead.

What to do if your elevator booking runs out

It happens: traffic, a slow elevator or too many boxes. If you see you may run over:

• talk to the concierge early; sometimes the next slot is free and can be extended;
• prioritize large furniture first, then boxes;
• keep a small number of boxes to take yourself if needed.

The best protection is a realistic booking: if you have a full two-bedroom or more, ask for a longer booking or two slots.

Condo moving tips from professional movers

• Use small and medium boxes. They're faster to load in an elevator and easier to stack.
• Pack books and heavy items in small boxes, not large ones.
• Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes; they save packing and unpacking time.
• Take apart beds and tables in advance if you're on the Basic package.
• Keep hallways clear in your unit so the crew can move quickly.
• Tell your neighbours if you'll be using the elevator for several hours.

Condo move-in fees and deposits

Some Toronto condos charge a move-in or move-out fee, a refundable damage deposit, or both. Rules vary between buildings, so ask management:

• Is there a fee for using the elevator, and how much?
• Is there a refundable deposit, and how is it returned?
• What does the building inspect after the move?
• Who pays if the elevator or hallway is damaged?

Keep your receipts and take photos of the elevator and hallway before and after the move. A professional crew that pads the elevator and protects the floors is the best way to get your deposit back.

Loading dock vs street parking

Many newer condos have an underground loading dock; older buildings may only have a lay-by or street parking.

• Loading dock: check the height clearance for the truck and the dock hours. Some docks are shared with deliveries and garbage pickup at set times.
• Street parking: check whether the street allows stopping, whether you need a permit and how far the truck will be from the entrance. A long carry adds time.

Tell your movers which one applies at both buildings, so they bring the right truck and plan the time correctly.

Moving into a brand-new condo

First occupants of a new building often face extra challenges: elevators that are still being commissioned, many residents moving in during the same weeks, and strict booking rules from the property manager. Book your elevator as early as the building allows, confirm the exact dock location, and expect the building to require a COI from your movers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a certificate of insurance to move into a Toronto condo?

Most condo buildings ask the moving company for a certificate of insurance before the move. The exact requirements vary by building, so ask your property manager for the wording.

How far ahead should I book a condo elevator?

As soon as you know your date, especially for moves at the end or beginning of the month, which are the busiest.

Can movers use the passenger elevator?

Only with the building's permission. Most buildings assign a freight elevator or put one passenger elevator on service with protective padding for the move.

What happens if I don't book the elevator?

The building may refuse the move, or limit you to short periods between other residents. Always book in advance.

Can you move furniture that doesn't fit in the elevator?

Often yes. Many pieces can be disassembled. For pieces that can't, a hoisting route through a balcony or window may be possible, depending on the building. See our guide to moving heavy furniture.

Do you move condos outside Toronto?

Yes. We move condos across the GTA, including Mississauga, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville and Brampton.

Can I move into a condo on the weekend?

Many buildings allow Saturday moves; some don't allow Sundays or holidays. Check the move rules for both buildings.

Condo movers in Toronto and the GTA

We move condos in Downtown Toronto, CityPlace, Liberty Village, Yonge and Eglinton, North York, Etobicoke and across the GTA. We coordinate elevator bookings and certificates of insurance with both buildings, protect elevators and hallways, and keep your move inside the booking window.