Start with the building
Before you ask for a quote, ask your building manager or owners corporation four things: can the lift be booked and protected, where can the truck load, what hours are moves allowed and is any notice or bond needed. Those answers decide how long the move takes. Across Greater Melbourne 15.6% of homes are flats or apartments, and in Greater Sydney 30.7% (ABS 2021 Census), but in the inner suburbs it is most of them: see Southbank, Carlton and Collingwood.
Owners corporation and strata rules
In Victoria, an owners corporation that has made no rules of its own is covered by the model rules in Schedule 2 of the Owners Corporations Regulations 2018 (legislation.vic.gov.au). None of the model rules is about moving house as such, but several apply on moving day:
- Rule 4.1: do not obstruct other people's lawful use of the common property, such as lobbies, corridors and lifts.
- Rule 4.2: do not leave a vehicle in a space allocated to another lot or where it blocks a driveway, pathway, entrance or exit.
- Rule 4.3: do not damage or alter the common property without written approval.
- Rule 6.2: do not unreasonably create noise likely to disturb others' use of the common property.
Many buildings have their own registered rules too. Consumer Affairs Victoria says it may be fair for a building's rules to require permission before bulky or fragile furniture is moved through common property (Consumer Affairs Victoria). Ask for your building's rules and pass them to the removalist.
Other states differ. Western Australia's default conduct by-law 9 says furniture or a large object must not be moved through common property without first giving the strata council enough notice to arrange for its nominee to be present (see Perth), while Queensland's standard by-laws bar obstructing or damaging common property (see Brisbane).
Loading zones and the street
Where there is no dock, the truck needs the street. Under rule 179 of Victoria's road rules a truck dropping off or picking up goods may stop in a loading zone, as may a registered goods vehicle, for 30 minutes unless the sign shows another time (Road Safety Road Rules 2017). That is rarely long enough for a whole apartment, so a council parking permit is often the better plan: in the City of Melbourne, removalists can apply for a reserved parking permit more than five clear business days ahead (City of Melbourne). Then request a free quote.
At short notice
Tell us when you need to move. We'll try to find a removalist who can help at short notice. On a quick apartment move, book the lift and dock the moment you know the date, and tell the strata or owners corporation straight away.
Apartment move questions
Do I have to tell my owners corporation I am moving?
The model rules do not require it, but your building's own rules may, and most buildings need the lift or dock booked. Check with your building manager or owners corporation before moving day.
Can a removal truck use a loading zone?
Yes, a truck dropping off or picking up goods may stop in a loading zone, for 30 minutes unless the sign shows another time. For longer, ask your council about a parking permit.
Who pays if the lift or lobby is damaged?
Model rule 4.3 says an owner or occupier must not damage the common property. Ask the removalist how they protect lifts and walls, and check what your building's rules say about damage.