Apartment Move Guide · Nashville, TN · Updated October 2026
Moving out of a Nashville apartment
Most apartment moves go wrong on access, not trucks. Book the elevator, ask about a certificate of insurance, and plan parking before move day. Call or text (615) 258-6469 and we will plan the crew around your building’s rules.
- A 30, 14, and 7 day lease-end timeline
- Questions to ask your leasing office
- What your movers need from you
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Your lease-end timeline
30 days out
- Check your lease for the notice date and move-out rules, then give notice in writing.
- Ask the leasing office for move-out rules: elevator, loading dock, hours, and insurance requirements.
- Get moving estimates and pick a date. End-of-month dates fill up first, so book early if you can.
- Start clearing out what you will not take. See junk removal for furniture and bulky items.
14 days out
- Reserve the service elevator or loading dock for your move window, at both buildings if you are moving to another apartment.
- Send your mover the building’s certificate of insurance (COI) requirements, if it has them.
- Schedule utility and internet shut-off and start dates.
- Start packing rooms you use least. Our packing checklist has a room-by-room list.
7 days out
- Confirm the elevator reservation, move window, and where the truck can park.
- Send your mover gate codes, unit numbers, and parking details.
- Ask how keys, fobs, and parking passes are returned.
- Book any move-out cleaning, and ask about a final walkthrough so you can protect your deposit.
Questions for your leasing office
Every building is different. Do not assume. Many Middle Tennessee properties set their own move rules, so ask these early and get answers in writing if you can.
- Elevator: Is there a service elevator? How do I reserve it, and for how long? Does it need pads?
- Certificate of insurance: Do movers need to send a COI? What names, address, and coverage does it need to list, and who should receive it?
- Loading dock and parking: Where can a moving truck park? Is there a loading dock, and does it need a reservation? Are there height limits in the garage?
- Hours: Are moves only allowed on certain days or times? Are there quiet hours?
- Move-out: When are keys and fobs due? Is there a walkthrough, and what is checked?
What your movers need from you
- Both full addresses with unit numbers.
- Your elevator or dock reservation times at each building.
- The COI requirements, if your building has them. Send these with your estimate request so there is time to sort them out.
- Gate codes, door codes, or who to call to get in.
- Where the truck can park, and how far that is from your door.
- Stairs, elevator size, and any tight hallways or turns.
- Any large, heavy, or fragile items.
Stairs vs. elevator
Walk-ups and elevator buildings both take planning. With stairs, every flight adds carrying time. With an elevator, the reservation window and the elevator size set the pace, and a large sofa may need to go on its end or come apart.
Our guide to stairs, elevators, and long carries explains how access changes the time a move takes, and how to describe it so your estimate matches the job.
What an apartment move costs
Local moves are usually priced by the hour, so anything that adds time adds cost: stairs, a long walk from the truck, waiting for an elevator, and packing. Our Nashville moving cost guide shows typical market ranges by home size, with sources.
For your price, request a free estimate. We explain the price before moving day.
Packing an apartment
Small spaces fill up with boxes fast. Pack one room at a time, stack sealed boxes against a wall away from the door, and keep the path to the elevator or stairs clear. Use small boxes for books and heavy items so they are easy to carry down halls and stairs.
Use our packing checklist, or have us pack some or all of it with packing services.
Plan your apartment move
Send us both addresses, your move date, and your building’s rules. We will plan the crew around your elevator window and parking.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Nashville apartments require a certificate of insurance for movers?
Many apartment and condo buildings do, but it depends on the property. Ask your leasing office whether a COI is required, what it must list, and where to send it. Then pass those details to your mover as early as you can.
How do I reserve an elevator for move-out?
Ask your leasing office or concierge. Most buildings that require a reservation will give you a time window for the service elevator or loading dock. Book it as soon as you know your date, and confirm it a few days before the move.
Can movers do same-day apartment moves?
Sometimes. Giga Moving does same-day and short-notice moves when the crew schedule allows. Your building may still need an elevator reservation or COI first, so check that too. See last-minute moving or call or text (615) 258-6469.
More answers on our FAQ page.