Tips for Managing the Elevator When You Move into a New Apartment
When you rent an apartment and are getting ready to move in, it's useful to have a strategy for managing your use of the elevator. Effectively using the elevator is a skill that you'll develop through multiple apartment moves, but if this is your first time moving into this type of accommodation, you'll want to have a strategy planned out in advance. This is especially true if you'll be moving into a unit on one of the building's upper floors, as the elevator ride between the ground floor and your floor will be on the longer side. Here are some tips to put into practice.
Book the Elevator for a Block of Time
You should never try to move into an apartment building and use the elevator without previously booking it at the rental office. Many apartment property managers frown on residents using elevators for moving unless doing so has been officially approved. In the weeks leading up to your move-in date, visit the rental office and find out when the elevator will be available. You'll typically be given several blocks of time and asked to pick one. Select a block of time — often, it's one hour — that suits your schedule and those of the people who will be assisting you with your move.
Have One Helper Stay with the Elevator
When you've booked the elevator for your move, it's technically supposed to be only used by you. However, some residents will hop into the elevator to ride up to their floor if the other elevator hasn't arrived quickly. You don't want to return to the lobby to find that the elevator is gone, so you can avoid this hassle by making sure that one of your helpers remains with the elevator at all times. His or her presence will prevent people from using it when it's been assigned to you.
Protect the Elevator from Damage
Many apartment managers will ensure that the building's elevator is covered in heavy moving blankets hung from the walls when a resident will be using it for moving in or out. When you book the elevator, ask whether such protective measures will be taken. If not, it's worthwhile to rent your own moving blankets to protect the walls. The last thing you want is to break one of the mirrors in the elevator with a part of your bed frame or another heavy object, as you'd likely be responsible for the damage.