Condo Moving Rules: After-Hours Limits, Elevators & COI

Service Overview (Intro)

After-Hours & Condo Moving Rules: What You Need to Know

Moving into a condo is very different from moving into a house. In a detached home, you may be able to move late into the evening. In a condo, you are governed by Strata bylaws that control timing, noise, elevator use, and insurance requirements. Ignoring these rules can result in a move being stopped mid-job, rescheduling fees, or fines from building management.

Whether you are moving into a high-rise in Vancouver or a mid-rise building in Burnaby, preparation is essential. This guide explains how after-hours moving restrictions work, what to expect when moving into a condo, and why a Certificate of Insurance (COI) is one of the most important documents in your move.

Strata Rules and Restrictions

The Reality of Condo Rules: Elevators, Timing, and Fines

Condo buildings operate on fixed schedules. Service elevators are shared resources, and most buildings allow only one move per time slot—typically a 3–4 hour window. These rules exist to protect common areas and minimize disruption for other residents.

What You Must Confirm Before Booking

• Book the elevator first: Never book movers before confirming your elevator slot. If the elevator is not padded, reserved, and approved, the move cannot proceed.
• Expect a damage deposit: Many Stratas require a refundable deposit (commonly $200–$500) before granting elevator access.
• After-hours rules are strict: An after-hours moving company may be willing to work late, but most condos prohibit moving noise after 5:00 PM, on Sundays, or on holidays. Security or building management can stop the move immediately if bylaws are violated.

The Critical Document: COI

The Certificate of Insurance (COI): Why It’s Mandatory

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) proves that your moving company carries active liability insurance. It names your specific building as an “Additional Insured,” protecting the Strata Corporation if damage occurs to elevators, hallways, or building systems during the move.

How Eco Van Move Handles the COI:

• Get the requirements early: Request the exact COI wording from your building manager at least one week before moving day.
• We prepare it routinely: Send those requirements to us. We generate the custom COI and submit it directly to your building management for approval.
• Why it matters: If the COI is missing or incorrect on moving day, building staff have the right to deny access to the loading dock, even if your move is fully booked.

Scheduling Strategy

Logistics Strategy: When Elevator Access Is Limited

In busy markets like Burnaby and Richmond, elevator slots often book weeks in advance—especially at month-end. If your preferred window is unavailable, you still have practical options.

• Delivery-only access: Some buildings allow delivery services outside normal moving hours. This works well for furniture or appliance deliveries when volume is limited.
• Split moves (two-step approach): Large furniture is moved during the official elevator booking, while boxes and small items are moved via cargo van in a separate, faster trip. This usually requires a separate booking but helps many condo residents work around tight elevator schedules and after-hours restrictions.
• Speed matters: Using reusable plastic moving boxes reduces loading time and helps complete moves within short elevator windows.

FAQs

FAQs: After-Hours and Condo Moving

Can I move into a condo after 5:00 PM?

Usually no. Most Strata bylaws prohibit moving noise in the evening. Some buildings allow quiet deliveries with prior approval, but full moves are rarely permitted.

Do all condos require a Certificate of Insurance?

Most modern condo buildings do. Providing a COI is standard practice, and we prepare this document routinely for our clients.

What happens if my move exceeds the elevator booking time?

You may be required to stop work or pay additional building fees. This is why accurate moving estimates and efficient packing are critical for condo moves.

Who is responsible for the elevator booking and deposit?

The resident is responsible for booking the elevator and paying any Strata deposit. The moving company is responsible for protecting common areas and providing the COI.

If you’re unsure about your building’s rules or need help planning around elevator availability, contact us early so we can review your situation and help you schedule the move correctly. Get in touch here.