Elevator Booking Guide

Service elevators have higher weight capacity and are designed for freight. Regular elevators can be damaged by heavy furniture and aren't sized for large items. Buildings require service elevator booking to: coordinate between multiple moves, ensure elevator availability, protect the elevator from damage, and avoid inconveniencing other residents.

Book 5-7 days in advance for best availability. Weekend and end-of-month slots fill quickly—book earlier for these. Some luxury buildings require 1-2 weeks notice. Same-day or next-day elevator booking is rarely possible in high-rise buildings.

Options include: 1) Disassemble large furniture before moving, 2) Check if the building has a car lift or oversized elevator, 3) Some buildings allow stair use for oversized items (with protection), 4) In rare cases, items may need crane access through windows. Discuss with your mover and building management.

Going over your slot may: inconvenience the next scheduled move, result in additional charges, require you to wait until the next available slot, or in some cases result in deposit forfeiture. Plan conservatively—book more time than you think you need.

Yes, professional movers bring elevator padding, floor protection, and door guards. This is standard practice and protects both the building and your items. If your mover doesn't offer protection, ask them to provide it or consider a different company.

Rare but it happens. Options: 1) Wait for emergency repair (building responsibility), 2) Reschedule to the next available slot (building should prioritize you), 3) Use stairs for small items while waiting, 4) In extreme cases, negotiate partial refund of deposit. Document everything.