Apartment Moving in Downtown Chicago: How to Handle Parking, Elevators, and Building Rules

March 31, 2025

Moving in or out of an apartment in downtown Chicago comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating tight hallways and high-rise elevators to finding legal and safe places to park a moving truck, the process is a lot more complicated than simply loading up boxes and hitting the road.

At New City Movers, we’ve been helping Chicagoans relocate across the Loop, River North, West Loop, Streeterville, and beyond for years. We know the ins and outs of city moves—literally. If you’re preparing for an apartment move in the heart of Chicago, here are some key things you need to know to make your transition smooth and stress-free.

Understand Your Building’s Moving Policies

Every apartment building in downtown Chicago has its own rules when it comes to moving in or out. Many high-rises require you to reserve elevator time, use a designated loading dock, or follow specific moving hours.

Before your moving day, contact your building’s management to ask:

• Do I need to reserve the freight elevator?
• Are there restricted moving hours?
• Is a certificate of insurance (COI) required from my movers?
• Are there loading zones or docks available for the truck?

Failure to follow these rules can lead to fines, delays, or even being denied access on moving day. New City Movers works closely with local building managers and can provide COIs and all necessary paperwork to keep your move on track.

Plan for Parking – and Secure Permits

Parking a moving truck in downtown Chicago isn’t as simple as pulling up to the curb. Many streets have limited parking, and violations can rack up steep fines or result in your truck being towed.

For most city moves, we recommend securing a Temporary Moving Truck Parking Permit from the City of Chicago. These permits reserve curb space for your moving truck, typically for up to 3 hours. You’ll need to apply at least 3 business days in advance, and you may need multiple permits depending on both your starting and ending locations.

At New City Movers, we can assist you with permit planning and recommendations based on your specific address, taking one more thing off your to-do list.

Use Experienced Movers Who Know the City

Not all moving companies are equipped for the fast-paced environment of downtown Chicago especially when it comes to last minute moves. When choosing movers, look for a company with deep local knowledge—especially of the city’s neighborhoods, traffic patterns, parking restrictions, and building layouts.

Our crews at New City Movers are seasoned pros when it comes to apartment moves in high-density areas. We’ve moved clients in and out of nearly every major building downtown. That means we know which elevators are tricky, which streets need permits, and how to handle last-minute curveballs—so your move stays on time and hassle-free.

Protect Common Areas and Your Belongings

Most apartment buildings require movers to use wall padding, floor runners, and elevator protection to prevent damage to shared spaces. We come prepared with all the equipment necessary to protect both your items and the building.

Additionally, tight stairwells and narrow hallways can be a nightmare for bulky furniture. Our team is trained in furniture disassembly and reassembly to ensure everything fits safely into your new home—without damaging walls, doorframes, or your valuables.

Don’t Forget About Timing and Traffic

Downtown Chicago is busy—especially during weekday rush hours, summer festival weekends, and construction season (which is, let’s be honest, most of the year). Timing your move to avoid heavy traffic and street closures can save hours of stress.

Our local moving experts use real-time traffic data to optimize moving routes and schedule moves during the best possible times. We’ll work with you to find a move-in or move-out window that aligns with your building’s requirements while avoiding unnecessary delays.

Ask About Additional Services Like Packing and Junk Removal

Moving into or out of a downtown apartment often means downsizing, decluttering, and navigating tight timelines. In addition to standard moving services, New City Movers offers:

• Full and partial packing services
• Junk removal and donation drop-offs
• Secure short-term and long-term storage options

These services can be a game-changer when you’re juggling work, lease agreements, and all the logistics of a city move.

Make Your Downtown Chicago Move Easy with New City Movers

Moving into or out of a downtown Chicago apartment doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. With the right planning—and the right moving team—you can make the transition smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable.

At New City Movers, we specialize in apartment moves across the Chicago metro area. From navigating high-rise elevators to securing parking permits, we handle the details so you don’t have to. Whether you’re moving from a studio in the Loop or a penthouse in River North, we’ve got your back.

Ready to make your Chicago apartment move stress-free?

Call New City Movers today or request a free quote online. Let’s get moving! Call us today at 1-800-733-6644