Skip to main content
DMV Helping Hands

Apartment & Condo Movers in DC, MD & Northern Virginia

High-rise and elevator building moves require more coordination than standard home moves. We know the DC building policies, DDOT parking requirements, and elevator logistics — so you don't have to figure them out alone.

What's Included

Apartment & Condo Move Essentials

Apartment moves in the DC area come with a checklist that doesn't apply to typical home moves: elevator reservations, DDOT parking permits, building insurance requirements, and strict move-in windows. We walk through all of this during your free quote and make sure nothing is overlooked before moving day.

  • 26-ft box truck with driver — no separate rental
  • $1,000,000 general liability · COI provided on request
  • Furniture blanket wrapping & floor protection
  • Disassembly & reassembly included
  • All dollies, straps, and equipment on board
  • Guidance on elevator & parking logistics
Tip for DC high-rise moves: Book your building's freight elevator slot before scheduling our crew. Elevator blocks fill quickly — especially Saturday mornings during peak season (May–September).

Building Insurance Requirements

Many DC and Northern Virginia buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from your mover before move-in. We carry $1,000,000 general liability and can provide a COI naming your building as an additional insured. Request it when you book.

Plan Ahead

What to Know Before Your Apartment Move

These are the most common logistics unique to high-rise and elevator building moves in the DC metro area.

Elevator Reservations

Most DC and Northern Virginia high-rises require you to reserve the freight elevator in advance — typically 1–2 weeks ahead. Time blocks are often limited to 2–4 hours. We recommend booking our crew around your building's confirmed window.

DC Moving Truck Parking Permits

In Washington DC, parking a moving truck on a metered or residential street requires a temporary "No Parking" permit from DDOT. Apply through the TOPS system at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Signs must be posted 72 hours ahead in residential areas. Permit fee is $50.

Certificate of Insurance

Many DC and Northern Virginia buildings require your moving company to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming the building as an additional insured. We carry $1,000,000 general liability and can provide a COI to your building management before moving day.

Building Move-In Fees & Deposits

Expect most DC high-rises to charge a non-refundable move-in fee (typically a few hundred dollars) and a refundable damage deposit. These are charged by your building, not by us, and are separate from your moving costs.

Move-In Hours & Restrictions

Many buildings restrict moves to weekday business hours and some Saturdays. Sunday and holiday moves are commonly prohibited. Confirm your building's exact hours before booking your move date.

Long Carries & Corridor Access

High-rise apartments often involve a longer carry from the truck to the elevator and from the elevator to your unit. These add time to the move. The first flight of stairs is included; a $25/flight fee applies for additional flights.

Apartment Moving FAQs

Do I need to reserve the freight elevator before my move?
Yes — most DC and Northern Virginia high-rises require an advance elevator reservation, typically 1–2 weeks ahead. The building assigns a time block (often 2–4 hours). Book your building's slot first, then schedule our crew to arrive at the start of that window.
My building requires a certificate of insurance. Can you provide one?
Yes. We carry $1,000,000 general liability and can provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming your building or management company as an additional insured. Request this when you book your move and allow a few business days for processing.
What's the process for parking a moving truck in DC?
In Washington DC, parking a moving truck on a residential or metered street requires a temporary No Parking permit from the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT). Apply online through the TOPS system at least 1–2 weeks before your move. Signs must be posted at least 72 hours in advance in residential zones. The permit fee is $50. A 26-ft moving truck typically requires 4–5 parking spaces.
Can you move me within the same apartment building?
Yes. Moving between units in the same building is a common request. You still need to reserve the elevator and follow building move-in/out procedures. Since the truck doesn't travel far, same-building moves are usually completed within the minimum hours.
What if my elevator time block isn't long enough for the full move?
Booking a larger crew (3 or 4 movers instead of 2) helps move faster and fit within a tighter time window. If the elevator block runs out, additional time may incur fees from your building. We recommend erring on the side of more movers for high-rise moves.
Do you handle studio apartment moves?
Yes. A 2-mover crew with a 2-hour minimum is typically the right size for a studio or small 1-bedroom apartment. These moves usually complete in 2–3 hours, including elevator time.

Ready to Book Your Apartment Move?

Tell us your building details — elevator, floor, and any access requirements — and we'll put together a detailed estimate.