Relocating from an apartment brings its own set of limitations. We are talking about:

• Limited elevator access

• Narrow stairs

• Small corridors, etc.

These constraints can slow the process. They even increase the risk of item damage.

But worry not. We will tell you how to overcome these challenges and ensure an efficient move.

Read on!

Check access points before moving day

Assess the layout of your building. Measure:

• Doorways

• Hallways

• Elevators

• Stairwells.

Know what will fit. Know what might need to be disassembled. Also, take note of:

• Sharp turns

• Low ceilings.

These features may limit movement.

Give your building management your moving schedule. In a lot of apartments, you may have to:

• Reserve elevators

• Set specific moving hours.

A pre-planned access eliminates delays. It facilitates a smoother workflow on moving day.

Use elevators wisely

Elevators make it easy to transport items downstairs. However, they may create a bottleneck if you are not careful.

Book the elevator in advance. Many building managers require it. Let your movers or helpers know the time frame you have been assigned.

Load priority items first, i.e., large furniture and heavy boxes. This maximizes efficiency. Do not overload the elevator. This may cause damage. Even worse, it can cause safety hazards.

Some apartments demand that you pad or blanket the interior of the elevator. This may be necessary to eliminate scratches. Adhere to the management requirements.

Use stairs the right way

Where there is no or little access to elevators, stairs are the main pathway. This should be done with caution. Particularly when dealing with bulky or heavy things.

• Navigate with stair-navigating lifting straps or dollies.

• Carry products with equal weight distribution to have control.

• When transporting furniture, one person should be on top of the stairs to lead and bear the weight.

Take breaks when necessary. Fatigue increases the chances of accidents when navigating the steps.

Prepare for tight hallways and corners

Tight spaces require precise movements and coordination.

• Plan the route before trying to move large items.

• Find out where the turns will be tight.

• Know the best angle to manoeuvre.

Take furniture apart where possible. This will reduce their size and simplify transportation. Cover objects with protective sheets. This will prevent scratches.

Luckily, there is a way to avoid all these hassles. Hire professional movers! Herlihy Moving experts use special methods and skills to move furniture through narrow areas.

Guard walls, floors, and furniture

Narrow places create the risk of unintentional contact with surfaces. Use furniture pads and corner guards for extra protection. Cover floors to reduce damage.

Fasten loose elements and furniture doors. This will prevent swinging during movement. It also minimizes the possibility of smashing against walls or railings.

Schedule timing to avoid traffic congestion

Apartment buildings may be congested during peak hours. Plan your relocation during less peak hours, like midday or weekdays. This way, you will not inconvenience neighbors with your activities.

Communicate with your moving team. Inform them of the plan and timing. Effective coordination reduces time wastage and makes the process focused.

A key takeaway

In some cases, some items may seem to be too big to be moved safely. That is why it is better to consider professional help.