Apartment Move Checklist (Perth Units & Apartments)

A house move is mostly about boxes and furniture. An apartment move is about rules and access — lift bookings, loading docks, parking restrictions, noise rules, and building security.

Perth furniture removals done right means knowing these rules before moving day, not figuring them out at 8am with a truck double-parked.

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2–4 Weeks Before Moving

Book the Moving Window

• Contact building manager / strata
• Book lift access (confirm size limits — internal dimensions matter)
• Ask about protective padding required for lifts and walls
• Confirm permitted moving hours (some buildings restrict weekends and evenings)

If you want to get a free quote in 2 hours from a removalist who handles lift bookings regularly, do it at this point — not the week before.

Confirm Access

• Loading dock location and height clearance for the truck
• Where the truck can park legally
• Whether you need a parking permit or visitor bay booking
• Entry codes, swipe access, concierge procedures

Measure Everything

• Lift internal dimensions and door opening width
• Corridor width (and stairwell width as a backup route)
• Your largest items: sofa, fridge, bed frame, wardrobe

If your sofa doesn't fit, you want to know now — not at 4pm on moving day.

Update Utilities

• Electricity, gas (if relevant), internet
• Arrange disconnection/connection dates
• Confirm NBN type at new place (avoid a "no internet for a week" surprise)

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1–2 Weeks Before Moving

Packing System That Actually Works

• Pack by room and label clearly (room + contents)
• Use smaller boxes for books — weight matters in lifts
• Keep valuables and essentials separate — don't trust "we'll find it later"
• For professional packing and storage, book at this point

Building Protection Plan

• Confirm you're allowed to use lift padding (we provide it)
• Confirm where to place rubbish and cardboard
• Ask if you must lay protective sheeting in hallways

Notify Neighbours (Optional But Smart)

• A quick note reduces complaints
• Especially useful in high-density buildings

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3–5 Days Before Moving

Essentials Bag — Carry This Yourself

• Keys, wallet, ID
• Medications
• Phone chargers
• Toiletries and snacks/water
• Basic tools (Allen keys, screwdriver)
• Important documents (lease, insurance, passport)

Prepare Appliances

• Defrost fridge 24–48 hours before
• Drain washing machine hoses
• Secure appliance cords and tape doors shut

Furniture Prep

• Disassemble what you can — bed frames, shelving, flat-pack items
• Keep screws in labelled bags taped to each item
• Protect edges and glass with blankets or foam

If you need pickup and delivery for single items (marketplace buys, furniture pickups), organise this separately.

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Moving Day Checklist

Before Movers Arrive

• Lift booking confirmed, concierge aware
• Lift padding installed (if required)
• Truck parking spot secured
• Hallways cleared and doors wedged open

During Loading

• Assign one person as building "runner" — lift, doors, concierge
• Keep the lift moving. Time windows go fast.
• Protect walls on tight corners (blankets are cheaper than wall repairs)

At the New Apartment

• Do a quick walk-through and photograph any pre-existing marks
• Place large items first: bed, fridge, sofa
• Then boxes by room — saves hours of "where did that go?"

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The Common Apartment Move Failures (Avoid These)

• Not booking the lift properly — the #1 cause of delays
• Forgetting loading dock access or height limits
• Underestimating time needed (apartments take longer than houses)
• Getting stuck with a sofa that won't turn the corner
• Losing keys/swipes during the move

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Perth Apartment Move Tips

Getting local with your suburb matters:

• [Removalists in Perth CBD](/areas/perth-cbd) — loading zones are strictly enforced. Plan parking 1–2 weeks ahead.
• [Removalists in Victoria Park](/areas/victoria-park) — narrow streets can restrict truck positioning on main roads.
• [Removalists in Rivervale](/areas/rivervale) — mix of newer units and older buildings; access varies significantly.
• New builds — strict move-in rules. Lift padding and formal booking are almost always required.
• Older mid-rise buildings — smaller lifts and tighter corridors. Always measure first.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book lift access for an apartment move?

At least 2 weeks, ideally 3–4 weeks for popular times (weekends, end of month, school holidays). Some CBD buildings have very limited move-in windows and can be booked out for months.

What happens if I damage the lift or walls during an apartment move?

You'll generally be liable for repairs through strata. This is why using lift padding and moving blankets is non-negotiable. Professional removalists carry these as standard.

Can a removalist handle the lift booking for me?

We can advise, but the booking needs to go through the building manager or strata — only residents or their authorised representatives can make the reservation. We'll tell you exactly what to request.

How long does an apartment move take compared to a house?

Typically 20–40% longer per item due to lift wait times, corridors, and restricted access windows. A 2-bedroom apartment move that would take 3 hours in a house may take 4–5 hours from an apartment with a single lift.

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Want a Smoother Apartment Move?

Perth Priority Removals handles apartment moves daily, including lift bookings, tight access, and careful handling.

Call us: 0449 987 350 (7 days, 7am–7pm)