Denver Apartment Move Checklist — Everything to Do Before Moving Day

6–8 Weeks Before Your Move

• Confirm your move-in date with your new building
• Request a copy of the move-in requirements from building management
• Check whether your new building requires a certificate of insurance from your movers
• Check whether your old building requires advance notice before your move-out date
• Book your moving company — peak season (May–September) books fast

2–4 Weeks Before Your Move

• Reserve the freight elevator at your new building for your move-in time window
• Reserve the freight elevator at your old building for your move-out time window
• Confirm your movers have or can provide a certificate of insurance (COI)
• Check for loading dock or designated move-in area at both buildings
• Start packing non-essential items

1 Week Before Your Move

• Confirm all elevator reservations in writing
• Share building move-in instructions with your moving company
• Pack all boxes and label them by room
• Disassemble large furniture (bed frames, desks, shelving) if possible — this saves time
• Arrange parking for the moving van at both locations

48–72 Hours Before Your Move

• Confirm the move time and crew with your moving company
• Defrost the refrigerator if it's moving with you
• Pack an “essentials bag” — chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes — to keep with you
• Confirm elevator reservation times with building management

Moving Day

• Clear pathways from each room to the front door
• Prop elevator doors open if your building allows it
• Walk through both apartments at the start and end of the move
• Take photos of both apartments before and after for your records
• Check all closets, cabinets, and drawers before leaving

Denver-Specific Building Requirements

Certificate of Insurance (COI)

Many Denver apartment buildings — especially in Downtown, Capitol Hill, LoHi, and RiNo — require a certificate of insurance from your moving company before allowing a move. This protects the building from damage claims.

Small Haul carries full liability insurance and can provide a COI for any building. Request it when you book.

Elevator reservations

Most high-rise buildings in Denver have a single freight elevator designated for moves. You'll need to reserve a specific time window — typically 2–4 hours. These slots go fast on weekends, so book early.

Loading dock vs. street

Buildings with loading docks require you to use them — you cannot park a moving van in a fire lane or on the street in front of the building. Know your building's setup before moving day.

Parking in Denver neighborhoods

• Downtown / LoDo — metered street parking or loading zones; arrive early to secure a spot
• Capitol Hill — limited street parking; loading zones on some blocks
• LoHi — tight residential streets; know the one-ways
• RiNo — commercial loading zones available on most blocks

Get a Moving Crew That Knows Denver Buildings

Small Haul Denver coordinates building requirements in advance. We've worked in hundreds of Denver buildings — we know the elevators, the loading docks, and the parking rules before we show up.