Apartment moves in Los Angeles often depend on details beyond the number of boxes. Elevator reservations, loading areas, truck parking, long hallways, and building move hours can all affect the schedule. Use this checklist for both your current building and your new one so your movers have the information they need before moving day.

Two to four weeks before your move

• Ask both building managers about permitted move days and hours, elevator reservations, loading docks, and any required paperwork. Confirm whether your mover must provide a certificate of insurance and where it should be sent.
• Check where a moving truck can legally park at each address. If a loading space or permit is needed, ask the building and the relevant local authority about the process and timing.
• Walk the route from your apartment to the truck. Note stairs, elevator size, long hallways, narrow doors, gates, and any furniture that may need disassembly.
• Make an inventory of large furniture, fragile items, and an estimated number of boxes. Share photos of unusually large or difficult items with the moving company.

When requesting a moving estimate

Give the mover both addresses, your inventory, floor numbers, elevator and parking details, and whether you want packing help. Ask how many movers and trucks are included, the hourly rate and minimum, what packing materials cost, and whether any additional charges might apply. For eligible California hourly moves, ask whether Double Drive Time applies and how it will be calculated. Our guides to Los Angeles moving costs and Double Drive Time explain these factors in more detail.

One week before moving day

• Confirm elevator and loading reservations at both buildings in writing. Share the reservation windows with your mover.
• Pack and label boxes by destination room. Set aside medications, documents, keys, chargers, and essentials to carry yourself.
• Measure bulky furniture and doorways. Tell your mover about appliances, heavy pieces, artwork, mirrors, or items that need special handling.
• Arrange access for the crew, including gate codes, a contact person, and any building instructions. Avoid putting access codes in a public message.

The day before

• Confirm the pickup and delivery addresses, arrival window, crew details, parking plan, and building contact numbers with your mover.
• Check that boxes are sealed and pathways are clear. Protect or remove loose items in hallways as your building requires.
• Take photos of valuable furniture and note its condition before the move.

On moving day

Meet the crew, point out fragile and oversized items, and review the plan for elevators, parking, and the destination. Keep your essentials with you. Before leaving, check closets, cabinets, the balcony, storage spaces, and the building loading area. At delivery, direct boxes to the right rooms and review the moving paperwork before signing.

Apartment moving questions

What if my building requires a certificate of insurance?

Ask management for its requirements and deadline, then give those details to your mover early. Do not assume every building asks for the same coverage or form.

How can I keep the move on schedule?

Reserve the elevator, plan legal truck parking, finish packing before the crew arrives, and disclose stairs and long carrying distances in advance. These steps can reduce avoidable delays, though traffic and building access can still affect timing.

Can the movers help pack?

Ask when requesting your estimate. Full or partial packing and materials may change the crew, time, and cost. See our packing and storage services for available help.

Plan your Los Angeles apartment move

Giant Movers 365 is based in Canoga Park and serves Los Angeles and nearby Southern California communities for local and eligible California intrastate moves. Tell us about both apartments, your inventory, and building access when you request a moving estimate. We can help plan the crew and services for your move.

For help with the moving crew and services, see our Los Angeles apartment movers page.