Ask building management first

Managed buildings may limit when movers or service crews can enter, which elevator they can use, and where a truck may load. Some buildings ask for contractor information or a certificate of insurance, so the customer should confirm the exact requirements before choosing a time.

Do not assume a passenger elevator can be used for bulky furniture. Ask whether a freight elevator must be reserved and how long the reservation lasts.

  • Allowed service hours
  • Freight-elevator reservation
  • Loading dock or curb location
  • Doorman check-in instructions
  • Any required contractor paperwork

Photograph the path—not only the junk

A couch that looks easy in a living room may not fit around a stair landing or through the lobby door. Photos of the route help identify disassembly or added labor before arrival.

For walk-ups, include the floor, number of flights, landing width, and any sharp turns. For elevator buildings, show the elevator entrance when the item is especially large.

  • Apartment or office doorway
  • Hallway and elevator entrance
  • Stair flights and landings
  • Building exit and loading distance

Treat parking as part of the job

In dense NYC neighborhoods, the distance between the building and a legal loading position can affect time. Share loading-zone restrictions, garage clearance limits, street closures, and any long carry.

Good access information helps the estimate reflect the real pickup instead of an ideal curbside scenario.