Moving to another apartment in the same building sounds simple—until you run into elevator schedules, tight hallways, loading zones, and building rules. The good news: with the right plan, a same-building move can be faster, safer, and cheaper than a typical local move.
This guide explains exactly how same building movers help you relocate from one unit to another—without damage, delays, or extra fees.
Same building moving is relocating to a different unit within the same building (new floor, new apartment, or a different wing). It’s usually cheaper than a standard move because travel time is minimal, but success depends on building logistics: elevator reservations, parking/loading access, and protection of hallways and floors.
Who Same Building Moving Is Perfect For
- Tenants upgrading from a studio to a 1–2 bedroom
- Families switching floors for a better layout
- Moving from a unit to a larger/smaller apartment in the same complex
- Building transfers due to renovations, lease changes, or new neighbors
- Seniors moving closer to an elevator or into a quieter wing
Why Same Building Movers Get Delayed in Chicago
Same-building moves fail for one reason: people underestimate logistics.
Common Chicago building issues:
- Elevator reservation windows (limited hours, often weekdays only)
- Narrow service elevators (large couches/bed frames don’t fit)
- Loading zone conflicts (street cleaning, tow zones, morning rush)
- Required COI (Certificate of Insurance) for movers
- Floor and wall protection rules (pads, runners, corner guards)
- Long carry distances from curb → lobby → elevator → unit
If you plan these items upfront, your move becomes a quick, controlled project—not chaos.
How to Move Faster in the Same Building
Here’s the process that professional teams use to cut time:
Reserve the elevator first
- Ask management: service elevator hours, required padding, and move-in/out rules
- Reserve 2–4 hours for a typical apartment transfer (more if large furniture)
Create a “short path” plan
- Identify best route: unit → elevator → hallway → new unit
- Decide where to stage items to avoid blocking neighbors
Pack “priority boxes” separately
Label a small set of boxes:
- “Kitchen – first”
- “Bathroom – first”
- “Bedroom – first night”
This prevents endless unpacking confusion.
Protect before you carry
Professional same building movers typically use:
- moving blankets
- stretch wrap
- floor runners
- corner guards
This reduces damage risk—and complaints from building management.
Use dollies and straps (not brute force)
A same-building move is all about efficient transport:
- appliance dolly for heavy items
- furniture dolly for boxes and bins
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- ifting straps for safe tight turns
How to Pay Less for a Same Building Move
Same-building moving can cost less, but only if you avoid “hidden time.”
Ways to reduce cost:
- Pick weekday mornings (easier parking + elevator availability)
- Be ready before the crew arrives (boxes sealed, furniture cleared)
- Disassemble ahead of time (bed frames, tables, mirrors if safe)
- Keep hallways clear (no blocking elevators or lobby doors)
- Use labeled boxes to reduce sorting
Biggest cost driver isn’t distance—it’s time.
Elevator waiting + long carries + unclear labeling = extra labor hours.
Same Building Moving Checklist (Chicago Buildings)
Use this to stay organized and avoid delays:
Before move day
- Confirm elevator reservation (time window)
- Ask if COI is required
- Ask about wall/floor protection rules
- Confirm loading zone or parking rules
- Measure elevator door + tight hallway turns
- Notify front desk / concierge
Move day
- Keep key/FOB ready for both units
- Set “do not block” zones (mailroom, stairs, main entrances)
- Protect floors and corners before heavy items
- Move heavy furniture first, then boxes
- Do final walkthrough of old unit
What’s Included in Professional Same Building measuring
A good same-building service typically includes:
- careful loading and unloading (unit-to-unit)
- furniture protection (blankets + wrap)
- disassembly & reassembly (as needed)
- safe handling of fragile items (TVs, mirrors, glass)
- efficient transport via elevators/stairs
- clean, organized staging inside the new unit
Same Building Movers vs DIY: What’s Better?
DIY is okay for a few boxes and small furniture.
Professional movers are worth it when you have:
- large couch/sectional
- heavy bed frames
- tight hallways
- strict building rules
- limited elevator window
If your building has time restrictions, paying pros often saves money because the job finishes faster.
Need to move to another unit in the same building?
We’ll plan the elevator schedule, protect the common areas, and finish your transfer quickly—so you can settle in the same day.
FAQ
If you have heavy furniture, tight turns, or an elevator reservation window, movers usually make the move faster and safer.
Most same-building moves take 2–6 hours, depending on apartment size, elevator access, carry distance, and how well items are packed.
Often yes, because there’s little driving time. However, cost depends mostly on labor hours and building logistics.
In many Chicago buildings, yes—especially high-rises and managed complexes. Always confirm with management.
Yes. Most teams can disassemble beds/tables and reassemble them in the new unit.
Many do. Some buildings ask for a COI (Certificate of Insurance) before move day.
