First, separate private access from public right-of-way
□ Identify whether the truck would stand on a private driveway, private parking lot, managed loading area, public curb, street, bike lane, or sidewalk. □ Ask the owner or property manager for written permission before using private parking, reserving spaces, placing a container, or blocking a shared driveway. □ Contact the City of Raleigh when planned activity could affect public right-of-way. Raleigh publishes information about temporary street closures and permits, so do not assume cones, a parked truck, or property approval authorizes blocking a street, sidewalk, lane, or other public area. Keep fire access and neighboring entrances clear. □ Establish a lawful backup location in case the preferred space is occupied or unsuitable. Record where the truck may wait and whether that alternative increases walking distance.
Resolve closure, elevator, and loading-dock questions
□ Ask the appropriate city contact whether the plan requires a temporary closure, permit, traffic-control measures, or another authorization. Describe the exact location, dates, hours, vehicle or container, and expected effect on public space. □ Reserve apartment or office elevators for a defined time window. Confirm padding rules, elevator dimensions, weight restrictions, key access, and whether another resident or tenant may share the reservation. □ Reserve the loading dock or service entrance separately if required. Verify dock height, truck-size limits, overhead clearance, gate procedures, check-in location, and allowed working hours. □ Reconfirm reservations shortly before the move and keep approval details accessible. A building reservation does not replace any city authorization that may be required outside the property.
Collect building documents and entry details
□ Ask whether the building requires a certificate of insurance and obtain its exact wording, certificate-holder information, coverage requirements, and submission deadline. Send those requirements to the moving provider; do not assume a standard certificate will satisfy the property. □ Confirm access codes, keys, fobs, call-box instructions, gate contacts, and after-hours procedures. Share sensitive credentials only with people who need them, using the property’s preferred method. □ Tell the concierge, security desk, leasing office, or facilities contact the expected arrival window and approved entrance. Save an on-site contact who can address a locked door, unavailable dock, or elevator problem. □ Review protection rules for floors, walls, doors, and elevators. Determine who supplies coverings and whether management must inspect the route before or after work.
Walk and document the full carry route
□ Measure truck clearance along the approach, including gates, covered entries, tree limbs, ramps, garage openings, and tight turns. Report posted height or weight restrictions rather than estimating them. □ Count exterior and interior stairs, noting narrow landings, sharp turns, railings, and any elevator-free sections. Identify items that may not fit through the planned route. □ Estimate carry distance from the closest authorized truck position to the entrance, elevator or stairs, and destination rooms. Include hallways and paths between buildings. Longer carries and extra handling should be disclosed before the move. □ Measure doorways and large furniture, then discuss whether disassembly is needed. Keep the route lit and remove rugs, boxes, cords, and other trip hazards without obstructing exits. When requesting a tailored plan through the Raleigh moving company page, include both addresses, preferred date, inventory, stairs, elevator and dock reservations, lawful truck position, clearance limits, and approximate carry distance. For a narrower review of municipal questions, see the Raleigh moving permits and parking guide. Apartment residents can also use the Raleigh apartment moving checklist for unit-specific preparation.