Moving into a condo or high-rise can be exciting. You may be gaining a great view, a walkable neighborhood, less exterior maintenance, or easier access to everything Metro Detroit has to offer.
But moving into a multi-unit building isn’t quite the same as pulling a moving truck into the driveway of a single-family home.
There may be elevators to reserve, loading areas to coordinate, building rules to follow, limited parking, narrow hallways, security procedures, and specific hours when moving is allowed. Missing one small detail can create a big delay on moving day.
If you’re preparing for a condo or high-rise move in Detroit or the surrounding Metro Detroit area, a little extra planning can make the entire process easier.
Here are 11 things to take care of before the moving truck arrives.
Your first call should be to the property manager, condo association, landlord, or building management office.
Don’t assume you can simply arrive with a moving truck and start unloading.
Many condos and high-rise buildings have specific procedures for residents who are moving in or out. Ask for a written copy of the building’s moving policies so you know exactly what is expected.
Questions to ask include:
Getting these answers early gives both you and your moving company time to prepare.
An elevator can quickly become the biggest bottleneck in a high-rise move.
Some buildings have a dedicated freight elevator. Others require residents to reserve one of the regular elevators for a specific window of time.
If your building requires reservations, schedule yours as soon as your moving date is confirmed.
Also ask how long your reservation lasts.
A two-hour elevator window doesn’t leave much room for delays, so your movers need to know about the schedule before moving day. If your building has elevator padding or other protective equipment, ask whether maintenance staff will install it or whether another arrangement is required.
Some condominium associations, apartment communities, and managed high-rise properties require documentation from outside contractors before allowing them into the building.
That may include information from your moving company.
Ask management exactly what documentation they need and when they need it. Don’t wait until the morning of your move to discover that the front desk can’t allow the movers upstairs until paperwork is approved.
This is also one reason choosing an established, properly insured moving company matters when you’re moving into a professionally managed property.
Parking a moving truck in a suburban driveway is fairly straightforward.
Parking one beside a condo building in a busy neighborhood can be another story.
Before moving day, identify exactly where the truck should go. Depending on the property, there may be:
Send these details to your moving company ahead of time.
The distance between the truck and your unit matters, too. If movers have to carry furniture through a parking structure, down a long hallway, and up an elevator, that’s very different from unloading a few feet from a front door.
That sectional sofa may fit beautifully in your new living room. The question is whether it can actually get there.
Before moving large furniture, measure the entire path from the building entrance to your unit.
Check:
Pay particular attention to oversized couches, bed frames, dining tables, desks, armoires, and other bulky furniture.
If an item needs to be disassembled, knowing that ahead of time is much better than discovering it while everyone is standing in the lobby.
Condo living often means making smart use of available space.
Before packing everything you own, take a realistic look at what will fit comfortably in the new home.
Measure closets, storage areas, bedrooms, and major furniture locations. Compare those measurements with the furniture and belongings in your current home.
Then separate unwanted items into four categories:
It’s rarely worth paying to pack, transport, unload, and carry something upstairs only to decide a week later that it doesn’t fit.
Decluttering before the move means fewer boxes, less furniture, and a simpler move-in process.
Good packing is important during any move, but condo moves introduce another stage of handling.
Boxes may travel from your home to the truck, from the truck to a loading area, through building corridors, into an elevator, and finally into your new unit.
Use sturdy moving boxes that can handle stacking and repeated handling.
Avoid making boxes excessively heavy. Books, for example, are usually better packed in several smaller boxes than one giant box that’s difficult to carry.
Clearly label each box with both its contents and destination, such as:
Clear labels help movers place boxes directly into the correct rooms instead of creating one enormous pile in the middle of your condo.
In a single-family home, you’re primarily concerned about protecting your own property.
In a condo or high-rise, the route to your unit may include common property belonging to the association or building.
That can include lobby floors, hallway carpeting, elevator doors, corners, walls, and other shared areas.
Ask management what protection they expect during a move. Your moving company should also know about any building-specific requirements before arriving.
It’s especially important when moving large furniture through narrow hallways where a dresser or sofa can come surprisingly close to a freshly painted wall.
Not everything belongs on the moving truck.
Keep important personal items with you, particularly anything you may need immediately or would have difficulty replacing.
Your personal moving-day bag might include:
If you’re receiving several sets of keys or electronic building credentials, label them before moving day. The last thing you want is to be standing at a service entrance with a truck full of furniture and no idea which key opens the door.
Michigan weather doesn’t always cooperate with moving plans.
Depending on the season, you could be dealing with snow, ice, rain, summer heat, or rapidly changing conditions.
Condo and high-rise moves can involve more trips between the truck and building than you expect, which makes weather preparation especially important.
If rain or snow is possible, have a plan for keeping entrances dry and protecting furniture and boxes during the trip between the truck and building.
During winter, find out whether the loading area and sidewalks will be cleared and salted. During hot weather, keep water easily accessible and make sure the new unit has electricity and climate control available if possible.
Closing. Key pickup. Internet installation. Furniture delivery. Movers. Building orientation.
Trying to schedule all of these at once can turn moving day into a traffic jam.
Whenever possible, give yourself some breathing room.
Make sure you have possession of the property and reliable access to the building before your movers are scheduled to arrive. If you’re coordinating with a concierge, property manager, maintenance employee, or HOA representative, confirm those arrangements a day or two beforehand.
A successful condo move depends on timing. The more details you settle in advance, the fewer surprises you’ll face when the truck arrives.
Taking care of these details beforehand can make the difference between an organized move and a day filled with avoidable delays.
Whether you’re moving into a downtown high-rise, downsizing to a condo, relocating across Metro Detroit, or moving elsewhere in Michigan,professional movers can take much of the physical work and coordination off your plate.
Men on the Move can help with residential moving, packing, furniture moving, and other relocation needs so you can focus on settling into your new home.
The key is to start planning early. Tell your movers about elevators, loading docks, long hallways, parking restrictions, and building requirements when requesting your quote. The more information available before moving day, the easier it is to plan an efficient move.
Planning a move? Contact Men on the Move today or request a free moving quote and get your condo or high-rise move on the calendar.
Imagine a family preparing to move from Livonia to a new home in Canton. Their current home was scheduled to close on Friday morning, and they expected to receive the keys to their new house that afternoon.
Two days before the move, they learned that a paperwork delay would prevent them from entering the new house until Monday.
Their belongings were packed. Their current home still needed to be empty by Friday. They also had furniture they no longer wanted and several boxes that needed to go to a relative’s home.
What was supposed to be a simple local move had suddenly become a multiple-stop emergency move project.
Fortunately, a delayed closing does not have to ruin moving day.
When plans change, avoid unpacking everything or making random last-minute decisions. Begin by separating your belongings into four groups:
This simple system makes it easier to determine what should travel with you, what should remain on the moving truck, and what should be removed before you leave.
One creative way to organize a complicated move is to use an AI assistant to create a room-by-room inventory.
Take photos or make a written list of the major items in each room. Then ask the AI tool to organize them into categories such as:
You can also ask the tool to create box labels, a packing order, a first-night checklist, and a list of questions for your moving company.
AI should not replace communication with your movers, but it can help you organize information before calling them. The more clearly you explain the situation, the easier it will be for the moving company to recommend a workable solution.
Important: Never enter account numbers, identification documents, financial information, alarm codes, or other sensitive details into a public AI tool.
Do not wait until moving day to explain that your plans have changed.
Tell your moving company:
Moving schedules can fill quickly, especially during weekends and the busy summer season. Calling as soon as a problem develops gives everyone more time to adjust.
In our fictional Livonia-to-Canton move, the family needed to make three stops:
A multiple-stop move is easier when boxes and furniture are clearly marked before loading begins.
Consider using large labels such as:
Color-coded tape can make the system even easier to follow. Place labels on more than one side of each box so they remain visible after the truck is loaded.
Pack enough necessities to get through several days without opening your main moving boxes.
Your essentials kit might include:
Keep this kit with you rather than placing it deep inside the moving truck.
A closing delay is stressful, but it can also reveal how many unnecessary items were packed simply because there was no time to sort them.
Before paying to move unwanted furniture, broken items, basement clutter, or old garage equipment, ask whether those belongings should be removed instead.
Men on the Move offers junk and debris removal for homes, apartments, garages, basements, attics, estates, and move-out cleanouts. Combining moving and cleanout help can reduce the number of items being transported and make the new home easier to organize.
Closing delays often involve several people, including buyers, sellers, real estate agents, lenders, property managers, movers, and family members.
Create one written update containing:
Send the final information to the appropriate people once the schedule is confirmed. Avoid relying on several different text-message conversations that may contain outdated instructions.
In our example, the family’s original plan did not happen. However, their move could still move forward because they reorganized their belongings, communicated quickly, and created a clear multiple-stop plan.
Unexpected closing delays, apartment access problems, repair issues, and sudden scheduling changes happen. The key is not having a perfect moving day. The key is having a moving plan that can adapt when something changes.
Men on the Move helps Michigan families with local residential moves, apartment moves, packing, long-distance relocation, furniture moving, and move-related junk removal.
Whether your closing date changed, your move requires several stops, or you simply need help developing a more manageable plan, our experienced moving team is ready to handle the heavy lifting.
Contact Men on the Move today for a free moving quote and tell us what is making your move complicated. We will help you identify the next step and get your move back on track.
When planning a move—whether it’s across town or across the state—hiring a local moving company can make the process smoother and less stressful. But how do you choose the right moving company, especially if you live in Plymouth, Michigan? While cost is often a top priority, there are other critical factors to consider to ensure a safe and hassle-free move.
Did you know that moving rates for trips over 40 miles within Michigan are regulated by the state? This means that if you’re moving from Plymouth to Lansing, for example, all licensed moving companies must charge the same rate. However, not all movers are created equal, and unfortunately, moving scams are a real concern. A little research and due diligence can go a long way in protecting yourself and your belongings.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you avoid moving scams and find a trustworthy moving company in Michigan.
The first step in finding a reliable mover is to do your homework. Here’s how to get started:
Once you’ve shortlisted a few companies, reach out to them directly. Speaking with the owner or manager can help you gauge their professionalism and legitimacy. Here are some key questions to ask:
If the company is evasive or unwilling to provide clear answers, consider it a red flag.
Don’t just take their word for it—verify the information they provide. Here’s how:
A professional-looking website or a fleet of branded trucks doesn’t always guarantee quality service. While these can indicate legitimacy, they should be considered alongside other factors like reviews, licensing, and customer service. Compare this to a mover operating out of their home with a single truck and temporary helpers—it’s clear which one is more likely to be reliable.
The last thing you want is for an unmarked truck to disappear with all your belongings. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you’d think, especially when people prioritize the cheapest price over quality. By following the steps above, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a moving scam.
At Men on the Move, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, affordable moving services across Michigan. Our team is licensed, insured, and dedicated to making your move as seamless as possible. Have questions? Contact us today, and let us guide you through every step of the moving process.
For a full 10 step guide on how to find a trustworthy moving company in Michigan Click here.
Winter is harsh and cold weather moving can make a difficult job even worse, especially if you are moving. Between the snow and freezing temperatures, home owners have to find the best way move without causing too much stress. While hiring a professional moving company like Men on the Move can help, there are few things you should know to help your winter move along.
On moving day, you need to remember you hired a moving company on moving day not a snow removal company. Moving companies will not clear the snow for your move. So, before they arrive, people need clear the driveway, walkway, sidewalks, back decks, and basement walkouts. Leaving snow and ice covering these areas are potential hazards that can injure the movers or others. That is why it’s important the pathways a clear for the moving process.
For a homeowner, there are few things you need to prepare for the movers. First of all, you need to make sure you have a friend or family member playing doorman for the movers. You wouldn’t want a moving technician carrying your expensive flat screen TV while trying to open a door. If you aren’t against a little cold, you could also keep the front door open.
Protecting your floors and carpet from winter sludge and mud should be a priority. Typically for an additional fee, the moving company will lay plastic carpet protector along the main walkways of the home before the moving begins. There are logistical, liability, and safety concerns associated with movers wearing any type of disposable shoe covers. Check with your moving company before the scheduled moving day.
Another thing you should keep on an eye on is your electronics. Extreme temperature changes can cause condensation build up on the high tech circuits. Consumer electronic items such as computers, laptops, DVD players, TVs, stereos are subject to this. It is best for your electronics to acclimate to room temperature for at least 24 hours before plugging everything in and setting it up.
If you are moving appliances into your home, you need to make sure it ready.
Washers
Even though your washer should be drained before moving it, the washer will always maintain a little water. Components like the mixer valve, pump housing and internal hose areas may have moisture. Using your washer while water is frozen in these components can result in damage to belts, hoses and other internal parts of the washer. Your washer should only be operated at a temperature of above 60°F.
Dryers
Like most things when subject to freezing temperatures, igniters and heating elements in the dryer can become brittle. Operating the dryer will cause a sudden temperature change and may damage internal parts. Your dryer should only be operated at a temperature of above 60°F.
Refrigerators
A refrigerator may be plugged in for use the day of the move, but the ice maker should not be connected to the water supply for at least 24 hours. Moisture in the solenoid valve, supply lines and cold-water reservoir may be frozen. This will hinder the normal operation of the icemaker. If the cold water reservoir was not drained before the move started, it could be frozen solid causing hairline cracks in the water reservoir. It is very important to let all components of the ice maker system reach operating temperature first. Then a thorough check can be completed after hooking up the water supply.
Open doors and lower thermostat settings are typical moving day phenomenon. So remember to think of your pets and indoor plants as well when moving in winter.
Decorating for the holidays is one of the best parts of being a homeowner. Nothing makes a home more special than being able to decorate it for different seasons and holidays. However, finding the right decorations and placing them can be fun but stressful. After all, many people cannot afford to get new decorations every year so you need to budget and choose items that you love. Fortunately, Men on the Move has festive tips to get you into the holiday season!
Think of a theme you want for your house. A theme can help downsize the amount of decorations you will have to look for. If you want your house to look like a winter wonderland, get blue and white decorations and fake snow to make your space look magical. Or if you want to do Santa’s workshop theme, get some cute elf figures, decorative toys, and even some Santa paraphernalia. If you are looking for full sets of themes, stores like Home Goods and At Home have plenty of options to get your house ready for the holidays.
Most of the time, people only decorate the common rooms which everyone will use. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself. Decorating for the Holidays should include all of your rooms. You should consider adding garland around your bed or holiday throw pillows. Another great idea is adding smaller Christmas trees to your children’s room to leave some small presents on Christmas Eve. This gives your kids an extra surprise and prevents them from running to wake you up right away!
During the Holidays, people tend to overthink their decorations. As a result, homeowners can feel the pressure to get the house perfect. However, you don’t need your house to be perfect. If you don’t want to do some elaborate theme, go for some classic decorations. After all, these decorations will probably be used for years to come.
There’s an old wive’s tale that leaving your holiday decorations up past New Year’s Day that your year will be full of misfortune. Even if you don’t believe in that superstition it gives you time to prepare for the holiday! In addition, a lot of lights are not meant to last for an extended period of time, meaning you have to pay for replacements if they burn out.
Do you need some moving tips? Click Here!
It’s getting hot. The last stretch of the summer and people are experiencing the hottest part of the summer. While people are enjoying these sunny days, it is not the same when you are moving. Moving during the Summer is difficult. Regardless of experience, people need to prepare when moving in the heat. The summer heat can lead to a lot of health risks. Too much exposure can cause sunburns and skin damage, experiencing variations of heat stroke, and lack of hydration. All of these can make moving dangerous without the proper precautions. But what do you need for summer moving? And how do you keep yourself safe? It is time for some Men on the Move moving tips!