Preparing Your Richmond Condo for Moving Day: A Complete Checklist

Moving out of or into a Richmond condo involves more advance coordination than a typical house move. Strata buildings in Richmond's City Centre, Brighouse, and Capstan areas each have their own rules around elevator access, loading zones, and moving hours. Fail to coordinate these in advance and you can find yourself on moving day with a full crew standing idle because the elevator is unavailable.

This checklist gives Richmond condo residents everything they need to prepare for a smooth, penalty-free move.

4–6 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Notify your strata manager or building concierge of your move-out/move-in date
• Request the building's move-in/move-out rules document (most Burnaby and Richmond strata have one)
• Book your elevator window — most Richmond buildings require advance booking (typically weekdays only, or limited weekend windows)
• Ask about parking permits for the moving truck — some buildings require a specific loading bay
• Confirm whether a damage deposit is required by the strata for the move (separate from your tenancy deposit)
• Start decluttering — items you donate or junk before moving day reduce load and cost

1–2 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Confirm elevator booking in writing (email the building manager for a paper trail)
• Share building access instructions with your moving company — lobby code, parking instructions, elevator location
• Begin packing non-essentials: books, seasonal items, decor
• Label boxes by room AND by floor if moving into a multi-floor unit
• Arrange for internet/utilities transfer or disconnection
• Measure large furniture against elevator and doorway dimensions to confirm items will fit

The Day Before Moving Day

• Confirm your elevator booking time and crew arrival time align — build in a 30-minute buffer
• Defrost the refrigerator overnight if you're moving it
• Pack a "last night" box with essentials you'll need the night of your move (toiletries, one set of bedding, chargers)
• Empty all rubbish bins and remove all garbage from the unit
• Protect the elevator interior with moving blankets if your building requires it (many Richmond buildings provide these, or your movers will bring them)

Day-of Checklist

• Be on-site when the crew arrives — don't leave them waiting in the lobby
• Do a final walkthrough before the crew loads anything — identify fragile items and communicate clearly
• Photograph any existing damage to the elevator or loading area before the move begins (protects you from strata damage claims)
• Keep your building manager's number accessible in case of elevator issues
• After loading, walk every room and closet to confirm nothing is left behind

After Moving Out

Return all fobs, keys, and parking passes to the strata. Confirm in writing with your property manager that the unit was vacated. If you're also concerned about your damage deposit, consider a professional move-out clean before the final walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book an elevator for moving in Richmond?

Yes, most Richmond strata buildings require advance elevator booking for moves. Contact your building manager at least 2–4 weeks in advance.

Can I move on a weekend in a Richmond condo?

It depends on your building's rules. Many Richmond strata restrict moves to weekdays or specific weekend hours. Always confirm before scheduling.

Do Richmond buildings charge a move-in deposit?

Some Richmond strata buildings require a refundable move-in/move-out deposit to cover potential damage to common areas, separate from your tenancy deposit.

What happens if the elevator isn't available on moving day?

You may need to wait or reschedule. Always have your building manager's direct contact accessible on the day.

How far in advance should I notify my Richmond strata about moving?

Most Richmond buildings require 2–4 weeks advance notice. Some require a formal written notice — check your building's rules.