How to Navigate Moving into a High-Rise Building

So, you’re moving into a high-rise building—exciting, right? The views, the amenities, the whole city-at-your-feet vibe—what’s not to love? But let’s be real for a second. The actual moving process is not exactly a walk in the park. High-rise moves come with their own set of...adventures, especially if located in cities that never seem to sleep, like New York or Dubai.

For starters, there’s the whole elevator situation. And let's not forget about squeezing your furniture through narrow hallways or figuring out where to park that massive moving truck without annoying half the neighborhood. Sounds like a lot? It CAN be, but it doesn’t HAVE to be. At least not when you know what you're up against and have a solid plan.

That said, we at Billy are here to help you crack the high-rise moving code. We’re talking about practical, real-world tips to save you time and stress. Maybe even a few trips to the hardware store.

Why high-rise buildings are hard to move to

Moving is never easy. But high-rise buildings take the challenge to a whole new level—literally. The logistics alone can make your head spin.

First up, elevators. Sure, they’re convenient, but on a moving day? They’re the ultimate bottleneck. You’ll need to reserve one in advance (assuming your building allows it). And even then, there’s a time limit. No one wants to be that person holding up an entire building’s worth of residents.

Then there’s the parking issue. Think you can roll up with a moving truck and park right by the entrance? Not so fast. High-rises are often located in the middle of busy streets or have underground garages with ceilings so low your truck doesn’t stand a chance. This usually means extra time spent unloading items and transporting them across longer distances.

And let’s not even start with space constraints. Narrow hallways, sharp corners, and elevators that seem to shrink when you’re carrying a couch. Oh, and did you measure your furniture? Because nothing’s worse than getting a dresser halfway up only to realize it won’t fit through your new front door.

High-rise buildings also have rules. Lots of them. These may include specific move-in times, noise restrictions, and even penalties if you accidentally scratch a wall or the elevator.

Moving into a high-rise building: Tips for success

Moving into a high-rise building can be a logistical nightmare. Luckily, that doesn't necessarily have to be the case.

A little preparation can go a long way in saving you time and stress and—honestly—your sanity.

Here are five actionable tips to help make your move a reality.

1 Reserve elevators and parking in advance

Most high-rises require you to book the service elevator for your move. Beware: availability can fill up fast, especially during peak moving seasons.

Thus, what you want to do is contact the building management as soon as you know your move-in date and lock in your reservation.

While at it, clarify any parking arrangements. Will your moving truck fit in the building’s loading area? If not, where should it park?

The earlier you sort these details, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter on a moving day.

2 Measure furniture and check access routes

High-rise buildings aren’t designed with oversized furniture in mind. This means you'll need to make sure your existing furniture actually fits the building.

To do so, measure your larger pieces (e.g., sofas, beds, dressers, etc.) and compare their dimensions to the elevator, hallways, and doorways.

And if something seems oversized, don't worry. You can still bring it along as long as you disassemble it first. It’s better to break out the toolbox in advance than to get stuck halfway through the move with a couch wedged in the elevator door.

3 Hire movers experienced with high-rise buildings

Not all moves are created equal. Neither are all high-rises. Some high-rises are wider, whereas some are more narrow, like those in Dubai (think Burj Khalifa). But one thing is always true: high-rise moves require an extra level of finesse.

To make the process of moving into a high-rise building as smooth as possible, you need to hire the right crew. Not all will cut it, which means you need professionals who have experience handling such moves. Look for expert movers in Dubai if that's where you're moving or those in your local area. They’ll come prepared with the right tools and techniques. And who knows? Maybe even a couple of insider tricks to make the process easier.

4 Be neighbor-conscious during the move

Yes, you're moving into a high-rise building. But above all, you're joining a community. So, keep that in mind as you plan your move.

That said, avoid peak hours when residents are coming home from work or heading out for errands.

Also, if you’re blocking shared spaces like hallways or the lobby, make it brief and keep things tidy.

A little courtesy goes a long way here, as it will help you start on the right foot with your new neighbors.

5 Pack for vertical moves

Packing for a move into a high-rise building isn’t business as usual. After all, you’re not just loading a truck and rolling into a driveway. Vertical moves demand strategy, precision, and a little creative thinking.

Weak, misshapen boxes are the enemy of such moves. That said, opt for sturdy, uniform boxes that stack securely. Uniformity makes loading and unloading faster, especially in elevators where space is tight. Also, label all sides clearly so you don’t waste time hunting for what’s inside once you’re unpacking.

What's more, elevators and narrow hallways mean you’ll be lifting and carrying more than usual. Keep heavy items in smaller boxes to prevent injuries or accidents. In the meantime, save the larger boxes for lightweight items like bedding and clothes. This keeps the move efficient and reduces the chance of something heavy crashing through the bottom of a poorly packed box.

And since high-rise buildings are full of tight corners and shared spaces, you need to protect your furniture (and walls) by wrapping items in moving blankets or bubble wrap. Avoid loose packing materials that might fall off or get in the way during transport.

Also, bear in mind that high-rises can mean long waits and multiple trips to and from the truck. So, don’t risk leaving valuable items unattended. Instead, carry things like important documents, jewelry, and electronics with you in a separate bag or box that stays close at hand.

Final takeaway

Moving into a high-rise building can be a lot, but not necessarily. The key is preparation. Understand the unique challenges—elevators, parking, tight spaces—and plan for them. Reserve what you need early, measure everything twice, and hire movers who know their way around a high-rise. Most importantly, pack strategically and stay mindful of your new neighbors.

And if you need any assistance with moving or home improvement, count on Billy.com to match you with the highest-quality professionals you need!