As removalists, we know apartment moves can be just as stressful as house relocations, sometimes even more so because of lifts, stairwells, parking, and building rules. That’s why we’ve put together this moving flat checklist to guide you through every stage, from giving your apartment move out notice to settling into your new place on apartment move in day.
Whether you’re moving into your first flat, downsizing, or upgrading to a bigger apartment, this guide is packed with practical apartment moving tips to make the process smoother and less overwhelming.
Apartment moves often come with unique challenges such as body corporate requirements, strict moving hours, and limited access. With the right preparation and a reliable removalist team, you can avoid delays and protect your bond. Use this checklist as your step-by-step plan for a stress-free move.
8 Weeks Before Moving
Two months out may feel early, but this is the perfect time to start laying the groundwork for a stress-free move. The sooner you give notice, book movers, and begin decluttering, the easier the weeks ahead will be.
Moving Out:
- Give Notice: Provide your landlord or property manager with written notice according to your lease.
- Book Apartment Removalists: Research apartment movers or flat moving services. If you’re in Brisbane, look for experienced apartment removalists Brisbane who understand building access and lift bookings.
- Start Decluttering: Donate, sell, or dispose of what you don’t need before packing.
- Budget Planning: Moving costs add up, so plan early.
- Pack Non-Essentials: Begin boxing seasonal items, books, and décor.
Moving In:
- Research Your New Building: Learn the building rules, lift access, and neighbourhood vibe.
- Sign Lease Agreement: Finalise paperwork for your new apartment.
6 Weeks Before Moving
With six weeks to go, it’s time to focus on utilities, addresses, and securing your removalist booking. This is also when you want to make sure your belongings and family will be protected throughout the process.
Moving Out:
- Arrange Utility Disconnections: Contact electricity, water, and gas providers.
- Change Your Address: Update details with Australia Post, banks, and subscriptions.
- Organise Insurance: Ensure your items are covered during the move.
- Confirm Removalist Booking: Double-check your apartment moving services are locked in.
- Plan Pet/Child Care: Make moving day easier by organising care.
Moving In:
- Set Up Utilities: Arrange for services to be connected at your new flat.
- Insurance Update: Protect your new home and belongings.
4 Weeks Before Moving
The countdown is on. With just a month left, preparation becomes more detailed. From booking cleaners to arranging access with building management, this stage helps avoid last-minute hiccups.
Moving Out:
- Notify Building Management: Arrange lift bookings, parking, and moving access.
- Continue Packing: Label every box with contents and destination room.
- Confirm Utilities: Ensure disconnections are scheduled.
- Update Banks & Institutions: Don’t forget official addresses.
- Book Cleaners: Professional apartment move out cleaning can help with bond return.
- Prepare a Moving Kit: Include essentials like toiletries, medication, and snacks.
Moving In:
- Contact Building Manager: Confirm move-in details, lift access, and key collection.
- Set Up Internet: Book ahead for NBN or cable installation.
2 Weeks Before Moving
At the two-week mark, it’s all about getting organised for the big day. Start breaking down furniture, confirm key details with service providers, and set aside your important documents.
Moving Out:
- Defrost Fridge/Freezer: Do this at least 24 hours before moving.
- Disassemble Furniture: Get larger items ready for transport.
- Confirm Final Details: Double-check with removalists, utility providers, and building managers.
- Keep Important Documents Safe: Passports, IDs, and contracts should stay with you.
- Redirect Mail: Set up a forwarding service with Australia Post.
Moving In:
- Plan Furniture Layout: Decide where each item goes to make move-in quicker.
- Buy Essentials: Stock up on cleaning supplies, toiletries, and light bulbs.
1 Week Before Moving
The last week before moving is all about finishing touches. Make sure packing is complete, the apartment is cleaned to standard, and your essentials are ready for the first night in your new place.
Moving Out:
- Finish Packing: Don’t leave it until the night before.
- Clean Your Apartment: Meet end-of-lease standards.
- Confirm Parking: Book space for the moving truck at both ends.
- Pack an Essentials Box: Include first-night items like clothes, phone charger, and toiletries.
Moving In:
- Confirm Key Collection: Make sure you know when and how to pick up your keys.
- Arrange Entry: Coordinate with building managers for smooth access.
Moving Day
The big day has arrived. This is where all your planning pays off. Staying calm and keeping communication clear with removalists and building management will ensure everything runs smoothly.
Moving Out:
- Coordinate with Removalists & Building Management: Keep everyone on the same page.
- Protect Common Areas: Use blankets or covers in lifts and hallways.
- Supervise Removalists: Ensure everything is handled carefully.
- Final Walk-Through: Don’t leave valuables behind.
- Hand Over Keys: Return them to your landlord or property manager.
Moving In:
- Collect Keys: Pick them up before the truck arrives.
- Coordinate with Removalists: Direct items to the right rooms.
- Protect Common Areas: Avoid damage in your new building.
- Unpack Essentials: Start with the basics so you can rest that night.
After the Move
Once the dust has settled, there are still a few important tasks left. Take time to unpack gradually, complete final inspections, and start enjoying your new neighbourhood.
Moving Out:
- Final Inspection: Meet with your landlord for bond return.
Moving In:
- Unpack and Organise: Take it step by step.
- Update Remaining Addresses: For anything you missed.
- Explore Your Neighbourhood: Get familiar with local shops and transport.
- Dispose of Packing Materials: Follow building recycling rules.
- Relax and Enjoy: You’ve earned it.
Final Word from Your Removalists
At All Purpose Removals & Storage, we’ve handled countless apartment moves and flat relocations. Whether you need expert apartment removalists in Brisbane, storage options, or just reliable movers who know how to coordinate with building management, we’re here to make your move stress-free.
If you’re searching “apartment movers near me” or wondering “how to move from apartment to apartment smoothly”, use this checklist to stay on track, and leave the heavy lifting to us.