How Poor Building Infrastructure Costs Residents Thousands in Moving Fees
Photo by Steve Lieman on Unsplash
Many residents are unaware that poor building infrastructure can lead to significant moving costs. While the condition of the building might seem fine at first glance, issues such as small elevators, narrow hallways, and inadequate loading docks can turn what should be a simple move into an expensive logistical nightmare.
In my years of experience managing moves across various buildings, I’ve seen how inadequate design choices can add anywhere from $500 to $2,000+ to a single move. These added costs are often the result of poor planning by developers or architects who fail to consider the practicalities of moving.
The Elevator Dilemma
One of the most common and costly design flaws is elevator size. Modern luxury buildings often feature elevators that are too small to accommodate large furniture, such as king-sized mattresses or bulky couches. For example, many luxury buildings built in the last 15 years have elevators that are only 68 inches deep, but a standard king-sized mattress is 76 inches wide. As a result, items can’t be moved in or out of the building via the elevator, and the only option is to hoist them through windows or balconies using cranes or other heavy equipment.
In major cities, this external hoisting can cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000, depending on the height and complexity of the task. What often happens is that residents, who expect a simple moving process, are hit with this unexpected fee. Developers may cut costs by installing smaller elevators, but it’s the residents who bear the financial burden.
The Stairwell Challenge
Even in buildings without elevators, poorly designed stairwells can create significant issues. Stairwells with tight angles or insufficient clearance can prevent even disassembled furniture from making it upstairs. In some cases, movers have to dismantle furniture entirely, which can double or triple the time and labor required for the move.
For example, a dresser that would normally take 15 minutes to move might end up requiring hours of disassembly and reassembly. In older buildings, stairwells are typically wider, as they were built when larger furniture was common. But newer constructions, often designed with space efficiency in mind, can make moving a logistical nightmare, costing residents more money.
Narrow Hallways
Hallways are another often-overlooked aspect of building infrastructure that can drive up moving costs. When hallways are narrow, movers need to take extra precautions to avoid damaging walls, doorframes, or furniture. The cost of additional protection, such as wall padding and corner guards, can add hundreds of dollars to the moving bill.
Furthermore, narrow hallways increase the need for more movers. What would normally require two movers might need four in a tight hallway. This not only increases the labor cost but also the time it takes to complete the move. In one case, a resident moving into a historic building with narrow hallways ended up paying an extra $600 just to move a sectional sofa.
The Loading Dock Problem
In larger residential buildings, the loading dock infrastructure plays a critical role in moving efficiency. The best buildings have dedicated loading docks with sufficient clearance for box trucks, wide access ramps, and dedicated freight elevators. Unfortunately, many buildings fail to provide adequate loading facilities, which means moving trucks can’t park close to the entrance, forcing movers to carry items greater distances.
This inefficiency can add hours to the moving process, costing an additional $400 to $600, depending on the size of the building and the distance to be covered. In buildings without loading docks, movers often need to navigate traffic and find alternative parking, further delaying the process.
Reservation Issues and Penalties
Some buildings also impose move-in and move-out reservations with strict time limits, typically 3 to 4-hour windows. However, due to inadequate infrastructure—such as small elevators or narrow hallways—moves often take longer than expected. When the moving time exceeds the allocated window, many buildings charge hefty fines. In one case, a resident faced a $500 charge for freight elevator access and an additional $200 per hour for exceeding the 3-hour limit.
These fees can add up quickly, especially if the building’s design doesn’t accommodate a smooth moving process.
Insurance and Parking Challenges
In addition to infrastructure issues, some buildings require specific insurance coverage for movers, which can lead to higher costs and delays. Some buildings have stringent insurance requirements, which can lead to increased administrative fees for the moving company and force residents to deal with additional paperwork.
Parking permits can also create a significant challenge. In urban areas, movers may need to park on the street and apply for permits in advance. This can involve additional fees and the risk that parking spots won’t be available, potentially adding hundreds of dollars in costs.
What Can Residents Do?
While moving in and out of a building with poor infrastructure can be frustrating, there are steps residents can take to minimize costs:
- Ask Questions Before Moving In: Before leasing or purchasing a property, inquire about elevator dimensions, hallway width, stairwell layout, and loading dock access. This can help you assess whether the building will be suitable for your move.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Hire a moving company with experience dealing with difficult buildings. They can help identify potential issues during the estimate process and provide a more accurate quote.
- Plan Ahead: Make sure to allow more time for your move than the building’s time window suggests. It’s better to reserve multiple slots than to risk penalties for delays.
- Measure Your Furniture: If your furniture is too large for the building’s elevator, plan for alternative solutions, such as external hoisting, and budget for it in advance.
- Consider the Bigger Picture: When choosing a home, consider the infrastructure and how it might impact moving costs. A luxury building might have high-end finishes, but could cost more to move in or out due to poor design choices.
Conclusion
In many cases, poor building infrastructure results in unexpected costs that residents must bear. Developers and architects often prioritize efficiency over practicality, cutting costs in ways that affect residents when it comes time to move.
Unfortunately, those who suffer the most are the residents, who are left to foot the bill for poor design decisions.
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