What time should I reserve my building's elevator for movers?

Book the elevator so it opens when our crew arrives. Morning moves are the crew's first job of the day, so start the reservation at the beginning of the arrival window on your confirmation and make it long enough to finish loading.

The crew calls 30 minutes ahead, which gives you time to have the building staff key the elevator.

Some buildings give a set three-hour slot. When one customer had to choose a block at pickup, David suggested 10 AM to 1 PM, which leaves room for the crew to arrive, pad the elevator and get going. If the building offers only afternoon windows, for example 1 to 5 PM, tell us. We then plan the arrival so the truck does not reach the destination before its elevator opens.

Any time spent waiting for an elevator counts as job time on an hourly move, so a well-matched reservation saves you money.

• Give the building two possible dates so you can lock one in quickly.
• Ask if they require a certificate of insurance; many buildings do before confirming.
• Reserve at both ends if you are moving between two managed buildings.
• Ask whether they hang protective pads or want the movers to bring them.

Moving within the city? The San Francisco movers page and our SF parking permit guide cover the curb side. Apartment and condo moves in general are covered under residential moving.

• Can you send a certificate of insurance (COI) to my building?
• Do you charge for waiting on the elevator?
• Can I book an afternoon moving slot?