Miami High-Rise Move-In Checklist

Written By Rhode Charles

Moving into a Miami high-rise is not like moving into a single-family home. Most condo/HOA buildings require Certificates of Insurance (COIs), freight-elevator reservations, loading-dock windows, and strict time limits—often with deposits and paperwork. Getting these right prevents move-day delays and fees.

30–45 days before move-day

  • Ask for your building’s move-in packet. You’ll learn required documents (COI), permitted days/hours, deposit amounts, and how to reserve the elevator/dock. Some Miami buildings require 2 weeks’ notice for reservations; others ask for 48 hours minimum—policies vary.

  • Book the freight elevator + loading dock. Many condos won’t allow furniture on passenger elevators; freight elevators may be put on “individual service” so movers can keep control during your time slot.

  • Confirm truck access. Garage clearances in condos can be 8–10 ft while box trucks can be 11–13 ft. If a truck can’t enter, movers must stage at the street or use smaller vehicles.

  • Line up your movers and COIs. Ask your mover to issue a COI naming your building/association as certificate holder/additional insured (as required). Many buildings require a COI to reserve the elevator.

7–10 days before

  • Submit COIs and forms to management and confirm your elevator time window. Some luxury buildings won’t let movers in without a COI at the desk.

  • Share your floor plan with movers (and us) so boxes can be mapped to rooms.

  • Label by room + contents on at least two sides; use “First-Open” labels for essentials (bedding, coffee kit, chargers).

  • Protect high-value items with photo inventory and extra materials.

Move-day

  • Check in with security with printed COIs and reservation confirmations. Some buildings charge after-hours fees if you overrun the window—set alarms for halfway + 30-min warnings.

  • Pads, runners, corner guards. Freight elevator cabs often require pads; hallways may need protection—bring what the building demands.

  • Stage boxes by zone at entry, then move to rooms in label order to keep the elevator flowing.

After move-in (same day / next day)

  • Unpack essentials first (beds, bath, daily-use kitchen).

  • Break down boxes & schedule disposal per building rules; some prohibit leaving boxes in trash rooms.

  • Photograph any unit/common-area damage and notify management promptly.

How we help (so you don’t have to chase forms)

  • COIs & reservations handled (we coordinate with movers & management).

  • Box mapping + floor-plan planning for a smooth unload.

  • Full unpack & home set-up in 1–2 days—closets, kitchen, bathrooms, labels.

  • Miami building logistics are our daily lane—see our Relocation Support and Downsizing & Transitions.

FAQs

Do I always need a COI?
If you’re moving into a condo/high-rise, assume yes—buildings often require COIs to protect the association from liability. Ask management early.

How far ahead should I reserve the elevator?
Policies vary. We see 48 hours to 2 weeks in Miami paperwork; book as early as possible and avoid peak days.

Rhode Charles
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