Start by comparing both buildings’ requirements
Do not assume the origin and destination have the same rules. Ask each property manager for written move procedures, then compare: • Permitted moving dates and hours • Required notice or reservations • Elevator, loading dock, gate, and loading-zone rules • Truck size or height restrictions • Certificate-of-insurance requirements • Key, fob, parking-pass, and deposit procedures • Move-out cleaning and condition requirements Resolve conflicts early. For example, a reserved elevator at one building is not useful if the destination prohibits deliveries during that window. If a truck, container, or other activity may affect a Raleigh street or sidewalk, consult the City of Raleigh’s temporary street-closure guidance rather than assuming the curb is available. Internal planning links: review the broader planning resources at /resources/ and the dedicated permit guidance at /resources/raleigh-moving-permits-parking/.
Two weeks to one week before the move
14–10 days before: 1. Give any notice required by the lease and obtain move-out instructions. 2. Confirm the moving date with both property managers. 3. Reserve elevators, docks, loading areas, or guest parking where required. 4. Decide where the vehicle can legally stop and measure tight doors, hallways, and stair turns. 5. Arrange utility end and start dates. Include electricity, water, gas, internet, renters insurance, and any building-specific services that apply. 6. Start address changes for mail, financial accounts, employers, schools, subscriptions, and other essential records. 7 days before: 1. Reconfirm reservations and access instructions in writing. 2. Create an inventory and identify furniture requiring disassembly. 3. Pack by room and label each box with its destination room and handling needs. 4. Keep identification, lease documents, keys, medications, chargers, valuables, and first-night supplies with you. 5. Request the mover’s prohibited-items list. Movers commonly restrict flammable, explosive, corrosive, pressurized, hazardous, and perishable materials. Wake County provides household hazardous-waste disposal guidance and facilities. Do not place restricted materials in ordinary moving boxes or leave them beside apartment waste containers without authorization.
Final 48 hours and moving day
Two days before, confirm the arrival window, vehicle-access plan, building contact, elevator reservation, and who will hold keys or meet the crew. Photograph furniture condition and make a separate record of boxes and high-priority items. At move-out, protect surfaces as the property permits, complete a room-by-room check, photograph the empty apartment, record utility readings when relevant, and follow the documented key-return process. Ask how the final inspection and deposit accounting will be handled rather than relying on a verbal assumption. At move-in, inspect the apartment before it fills with boxes. Photograph existing wall, floor, appliance, door, and fixture damage, then submit the condition report through the property’s required channel. Direct boxes to labeled rooms, keep hallways and fire access clear, and check inventory before the delivery team leaves. Test keys, fobs, locks, essential utilities, and building access that day.
Choose the right support for the access plan
Compare support according to what the buildings permit and what you can safely manage: • Full-service apartment moving may fit a move requiring transportation plus loading and unloading. See /services/apartment-moving/. • Labor-only moving may fit when you have an approved rental vehicle but need help carrying items. See /services/labor-only-moving/. • Packing help may fit a short preparation window or an inventory needing careful handling. See /services/packing-services/. Before choosing, confirm scope, stairs, walking distance, elevator timing, parking constraints, large items, and disassembly needs. If you request a tailored plan, provide both addresses, move date, apartment levels, elevator details, inventory, and building rules rather than only the number of bedrooms.