Moving Apartment in Melbourne: The Complete Checklist
Moving to or from a Melbourne apartment? This complete checklist covers building access, lifts, parking, packing tips and removalist coordination.
Key Fact: Melbourne apartment moves have unique challenges — building access times, lift bookings, parking permits and body corporate rules. Plan ahead to avoid costly delays on moving day.
Before Moving Day: What to Arrange
1. Book the Service Lift
Most Melbourne apartment buildings require residents to book the service (goods) lift in advance — sometimes weeks ahead. Contact your building manager or body corporate as soon as you have a moving date. Many buildings only allow moves during specific hours (e.g., 8am–5pm weekdays only).
2. Check Body Corporate Rules
Your strata or body corporate may have specific rules about: approved moving hours, lift padding requirements, parking for the removalist truck, and whether you need to pay a bond for use of common areas.
3. Arrange Parking for the Moving Truck
Moving trucks need to park as close as possible to the building entrance. In inner Melbourne suburbs like Fitzroy, Richmond, South Yarra, and Carlton, street parking can be extremely tight. You may need to apply for a temporary parking suspension from Melbourne City Council (allow 5–10 business days).
4. Measure Large Items
Before moving day, measure your large furniture against the service lift dimensions. Sofas, bed frames, and wardrobes sometimes can't fit in apartment lifts. If items need to go up stairs, inform your removalist upfront so they can plan and price accordingly.
Moving Day Checklist
- Confirm lift booking time with building management
- Protect lift walls with supplied padding
- Reserve parking space early (cones if allowed)
- Clear hallways and common areas of obstructions
- Keep pathways clear for removalists moving heavy items
- Have lift fob/key ready for removalist team
- Protect floors and door frames with blankets or cardboard
- Disconnect and prepare all appliances the night before
Packing Tips for Apartment Moves
Apartment moves often mean tight spaces and multiple trips in the lift. Label all boxes clearly with destination room to speed up placement. Use smaller boxes for heavy items (books, kitchen) — they're easier to handle in lifts. Wrap fragile items individually and mark boxes "FRAGILE — THIS SIDE UP".
Working With Your Removalist
When booking a Melbourne apartment mover, be upfront about: building floor level, whether there's a service lift, parking situation, building access time restrictions, and whether any items need disassembly. Professional removalists handle apartment moves daily — giving them accurate information upfront leads to an accurate quote and smoother moving day.