Boston Condo Move‑In Playbook: Elevators, COIs, Permits

Moving day should feel exciting, not stressful. Yet in Boston condos, a missing elevator reservation, a last‑minute COI snag, or a curbside ticket can derail your plans fast. If you’re moving into or out of a Boston condominium, you need a plan that covers building rules, insurance paperwork, and City permits. This guide gives you the exact steps, timelines, and checklists to keep your move on track. Let’s dive in.

Your Boston move timeline at a glance

• Immediately: Ask building management or the condo board for the written move policy, forms, and fees.
• 2–4 weeks out: Reserve the elevator and submit your mover’s COI for approval.
• 7–14+ days out: Apply for City of Boston temporary loading/no‑parking or sidewalk occupancy permits if needed.
• 48–72 hours out: Confirm times and access with your mover and building. Arrange padding and elevator access.
• Move day: Arrive on time with printed COIs and City permits. Keep building and mover contacts handy.

Why timing matters: Many buildings will not allow movers onto elevators without an approved COI and reservation. City permits may also require processing time and sign placement. Planning ahead avoids fines, towing, delays, and forfeited deposits.

Elevator rules: What buildings control

Boston condo associations and property managers set the rules for all moves inside the building. Policies vary by building type and neighborhood, especially in historic or narrow‑street areas.

What to confirm with management

• Move windows: Allowed days and hours, including weekend rules or surcharges.
• Elevator reservations: Service or freight elevator access, exclusive blocks, and capacity limits.
• Access points: Approved loading docks, service entrances, or routes through common areas.

Protection and staffing requirements

• Elevator protection: Pads, runners, cardboard, and control covers. Some buildings require movers to provide these.
• Elevator operator: A building employee or paid attendant may be required during your reserved window.
• Post‑move cleanup: Trash removal and elevator cleaning protocols.

Fees, deposits, and penalties

• Reservation fees: Non‑refundable scheduling fees are common.
• Security deposits: Typically refundable if no damage occurs.
• Overtime charges: Rates for moves that extend beyond the reserved window.

Documentation and forms

Expect an elevator reservation form and a move‑in/move‑out agreement. These usually spell out fees, timing, and COI requirements. Request them in writing and confirm where to send the COI.

Pro tip: Ask for the building’s policy and forms as a PDF. Review COI wording, elevator padding rules, and any staffing requirements before you hire a mover.

Certificates of Insurance (COIs): What you need

Buildings rely on COIs to confirm your mover has proper coverage for property damage and liability related to the move. Without an approved COI, your move can be denied at the door.

Coverage types buildings often request

• Commercial General Liability: Commonly requested minimums are around 1,000,000 per occurrence, with some buildings asking for higher or aggregate limits. Always verify the building’s stated minimums.
• Automobile Liability: Required when movers use trucks or other vehicles.
• Workers’ Compensation: Required for employers in Massachusetts.
• Cargo/Household Goods: Coverage for your belongings in transit, sometimes required.
• Umbrella/Excess Liability: Occasionally requested for large or complex moves.

Additional insureds and endorsements

Many associations require:

• Additional Insured endorsement: Naming the condo association and management company on the mover’s General Liability policy.
• Waiver of Subrogation: Sometimes required on Workers’ Compensation or General Liability.

The COI should clearly state the move address, date(s), and include policy effective dates that cover your move.

COI checklist to approve before you submit

• Is the condo association listed as Additional Insured?
• Are required coverage types shown: CGL, Auto Liability, Workers’ Comp, Cargo?
• Do the coverage amounts meet the building’s minimums?
• Do policy dates cover your move date?
• Is a Waiver of Subrogation shown if required?
• Is the certificate signed by an authorized insurance representative?

Tip: A COI confirms coverage, not quality. Verify your mover’s licensing, references, and building experience in addition to insurance.

City permits: Using Boston’s curb and sidewalk

If your move involves reserving curb space or occupying the sidewalk, you may need a City permit. The Boston Transportation Department handles most temporary parking/loading and public‑way use for moves, often in coordination with Public Works. Larger operations may involve the Inspectional Services Department.

When you need a City permit

• You need exclusive curb space or temporary “No Parking” near your building.
• Your truck, POD, or container will block traffic lanes or occupy the sidewalk.
• You plan to hoist or crane items outside the building.

If in doubt, confirm permit type and lead time with the City for your specific street and date, especially during peak move season.

Common permit types for moves

• Temporary No Parking/Loading Zone: Reserves curb space for a moving truck or POD.
• Sidewalk Occupancy: For staging, ramps, or when you need space on the sidewalk.
• Crane/Hoist and Street Occupancy: For hoisting items through windows or balconies; requires additional permits and specialized licensed contractors.

Who applies and how long it takes

• Applicant: The resident, mover, or property manager can apply. Many buildings expect the mover to handle permits, but verify responsibility in your contract and building policy.
• Lead times: Plan for at least several business days, and longer during high‑demand periods. Some permits require fee payment and instructions for sign placement.

Neighborhood considerations

Areas with narrow streets or heavy demand like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the North End, and the South End often require earlier planning. University zones and areas near hospitals may have additional security or logistics protocols.

Enforcement and penalties

Moving without required permits can lead to citations, towing, fines, or a stalled move. Your building may also impose fines or keep portions of your deposit if damage occurs.

Special cases that trigger extra permits

• Crane or hoist: Requires ISD permits, traffic control, and specialized insurance.
• Sidewalk shed, scaffolding, or dumpsters: Typically requires Public Works/ISD permits and possible street occupancy fees.
• Construction during a move: Interior alterations require building permits separate from move permits.

Your step‑by‑step move planning checklist

Use this list to stay coordinated with your building, mover, and the City.

• Get the building’s move policy in writing. Confirm fees, deposits, staffing, padding, and access points.
• Hire your mover and request the COI immediately. Confirm Additional Insured wording and endorsements.
• Reserve the elevator. Ask if you need an elevator operator and who provides pads and floor protection.
• Decide if you need curb space. Apply for City temporary loading/no‑parking or sidewalk occupancy permits if your truck or container needs reserved space.
• Confirm special operations early. If you need a hoist, crane, or dumpster, line up licensed contractors and required City permits.
• Lock in the details 48–72 hours before the move. Reconfirm arrival time, elevator access, padding, and contact numbers.
• Bring documents on move day. Carry printed COIs, permit copies, building confirmations, and contacts for management, your mover’s lead, and the City permit office.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Waiting on the elevator reservation: Popular dates fill early. Reserve as soon as your move date is set.
• Missing or incomplete COIs: Buildings can deny elevator access at the door without proper endorsements.
• Assuming street parking is available: Many streets require temporary permits for exclusive use. Verify early with the City.
• Underestimating peak season demand: Summer moves need more lead time for City permits and elevator slots.
• Forgetting cleanup and damage rules: Plan for elevator protection, post‑move cleanup, and possible fee assessments.

Day‑of move playbook

• Arrive on time for the reserved elevator window.
• Use required protections: pads, runners, and control covers.
• Keep documents ready: printed COI, permit copies, and elevator confirmation.
• Coordinate on site: confirm truck placement, service entrance use, and who operates the elevator.
• Wrap with care: do a walk‑through with the building contact for a clean handoff and deposit reconciliation.

Seller and buyer notes

• If you are selling: Share the building’s move policy and COI requirements with buyers early to prevent last‑minute delays at closing. If you are moving out and in on the same day, consider separate elevator windows and permits for each location.
• If you are buying: Ask for the building’s move policy during your condo purchase timeline. This helps you schedule movers, request COIs, and apply for permits in time for your closing date.

Ready to simplify your Boston condo move? If you are planning a sale or purchase and want a smooth transition, request guidance early and keep your building, mover, and the City aligned.

Looking for strategic advice as you plan your next move or sale? Request a complimentary home valuation with Unknown Company to explore timing, pricing, and your next steps.

FAQs

Do I need a Boston permit to park a moving truck outside my condo?

• If you need exclusive curb space or a temporary no‑parking zone, you typically need a Boston Transportation Department temporary loading/parking permit. Confirm specifics for your street and date.

Who is responsible for applying for Boston moving permits, the resident or the mover?

• It varies. Many buildings expect the mover to obtain permits, while others require the resident to apply. Clarify responsibility in your moving contract and building policy.

What insurance limits do Boston condo buildings usually require on COIs?

• Common requests include Commercial General Liability and Auto Liability, often around 1,000,000 per occurrence, plus Workers’ Compensation. Always verify your building’s stated minimums.

Can I avoid permits and COIs by moving myself with a personal vehicle?

• If you do not reserve curb space or block the sidewalk, a permit may not be needed. But using larger vehicles or occupying public curb space can require permits. Check your building’s policy for non‑professional moves.

What happens if my mover shows up without a COI or the wrong elevator reservation?

• Buildings commonly deny elevator access until paperwork is correct. This can delay or stop your move and may result in fees or lost deposits. Confirm COIs and reservations 48–72 hours in advance.