Six weeks out
- Ask building or strata management for the move-in and move-out rules in writing.
- Book the service lift for both ends. First slot of the day is the safest.
- Ask whether a bond is held against lift or common-area damage.
Two weeks out
- Ask your removalist to send their certificate of currency directly to building management.
- Confirm the loading dock clearance height and pass it to the removalist.
- Measure the lift interior if you own a long sofa, a tall wardrobe or a large mirror.
On the day
- Have fobs, keys and lift keys ready before the truck arrives.
- Keep the lift window: have everything packed and staged so the crew can start immediately.
- Walk the common areas with the building manager afterwards if a bond is held.
Where this matters most
Apartment-heavy areas such as Kirribilli, Neutral Bay, Elizabeth Bay, Potts Point, Bondi and Manly often have strict building rules, limited dock heights and tight street parking. Building rules vary widely, so treat any general guidance as a starting point and confirm with your building.
Questions and answers
How long a lift booking do I need?
Two to three hours usually suits a one or two-bedroom apartment if the crew starts the moment the booking begins. Larger apartments, or a lift shared with residents, may need longer.
Further reading from Sydney Relocators
Terms used in this entry
Continue this reading path
Parking and permits for removal trucks in Sydney
How parking for removal trucks works across Sydney councils, which councils cover the premium suburbs, and why a permit is often cheaper than a long carry.
Moving difficult-access homes: stairs, slopes and waterfronts
How removalists plan moves for Sydney homes with steep driveways, long stairways, harbourside access and narrow terrace streets, and how to describe access for an accurate quote.
Moving day: what to expect, hour by hour
How a well-run Sydney moving day unfolds: arrival, walk-through, protection, loading order, the drive, unloading, reassembly and final checks.
Cite: Sydney Relocators, "Apartment and strata moves in Sydney", Removalists in Sydney, reviewed 2026-11-08, https://removalistsinsydney.com.au/apartment-and-strata-moves/