Question about moving in to a high rise (Chicago: apartment, lease)

[eurocarlovergirl]

Hello,

I'm somewhat new to the forum, actually I've been reading for a couple of months. Anyway, I've done some searches about my question, but it's pretty difficult with all the threads about moving.

I'm planning to move from Denver to Chicago at some point next year. My question is, how do people typically move furniture and/or large furnishings into a high rise apartment? Also, how do you deal with the loading and unloading of the truck if it's in a heavy traffic area?

My questions may seem silly, but I've never lived in a high rise or large city area and I was just curious.

I'm a single woman and will most likely need to get movers to help me with the move, but I just was wondering if anyone had some words of advice or information on how moving is typically handled regarding the above.

Thanks in advance!

[Drover]

Most highrises have a loading area and freight elevators. Also beware that many of them charge a move-in and/or move-out fee.

[Mr Downtown]

The building manager will be happy to fill you in on the details. Often it's restricted to daytime hours on weekdays.

[chet everett]

The big high rises (20+ stories) all have nice loading docks and freight elevators. It is much more iffy in older "mid rise" (bigger than 3 less than 20) buildings that may have only a normal passenger elevator. The best moving companies will literally scout out such sites and, for a fee, plan out exactly how manyntrips up the elevator it will take get your stuff in your unit. DIY is back breaking / knee destroying hard work. You end up taking the stairs as you get frustrated having all your stuff "staged" in the courtyard / lobby.

In some ways it is even worse in the places that are "only" 5 or less stories and have no elevators, as stairways tend to ne narrow and difficult to get any furniture in - out..

In parts of the city with permit paking you might want to think about calling alderman'ss office and asking about move-in permit to get the truck unloaded.

[RingWalk]

The building will have an alley and a freight elevator the building manager will block off for you for a set amount of time. It's usually a fairly undramatic process. That being said, it's theoretically possible that you will have a piece of furniture simply too big to get up to the 20 floor, etc. I came within a hair's breadth of not being able to fit my couch in until one of the doormen who lived here went Dick Butkiss on it and just manhandled it in.

I would spend the money on movers if you are planning on renting a large moving truck. Backing said truck in and out of the alley can be very, very difficult, not to mention driving it around the city if you're not experienced in doing so.

I am not a good driver, really, but am an okay driver, and once, trying to navigate one of those giant 30 footers myself, smashed someone's car across the street.

The stress is just not worth it.

If you have a van you could probably just drive it yourself.

[snoylekim]

To add to good advice above ..be sure to call the building you're moving into to reserve the dock/elevator well in advance ..and call AGAIN the week of your move to confirm ..I've seen a few arguments about this over the years .. You'll need to do this even if you're moving yourself , or a 'carload' of stuff that's beyond the average grocery/small appliance in a box load ..Most High Rises have rules around what can be taken up on a 'normal' elevator trip , and can fine you or the unit owner ..
Also, If you use movers, anticipate a tip ..not required but customary .. I gave a three man crew 75.00 my last move ... for about 2 hours work .. Movers do make a big difference with this type of move, especially if they're experienced in the area ..

[eurocarlovergirl]

Thanks to everyone for the advice and comments! I figured there had to be ways, I just wasn't sure how and wanted to get an idea of how it works so that when I plan the move I'll have an idea of what to expect.

[RansackedMuse]

As people have mentioned you'll have to plan it out with the building that you move into. Make sure you schedule the elevator far in advance and get a confirmation of your appointment in writing.

There are often loading docks in the large high rises but some of the smaller high rises have the movers park out front in the street and have your movers cart your stuff in through the garage. Make sure to find that out before you move in.

Inform your movers of the time and exact place beforehand. Having either of these pieces fall apart can ruin your move-in and your day!

[RansackedMuse]

Also make yourself very familiar with the condo building's rules before you sign a lease (or buy a place). Many of the high-rises have untenable rules and curmudgeonly building engineers.

[Bebe 75]

I live in a high rise that has a back parking lot gate that's now locked no entry unless you have a car , no key gate is this legal ? Theirs a back door as well!