When you’re moving into a strata apartment, you need a bit more consideration than when you’re moving into a house. The building is shared. And the people you share it with, including the body corporate, have expectations about how move-in day is supposed to go. Scratched walls and blocked driveways can damage your relationship with neighbours and landlords from the jump. They might even cost you money.
Most of it comes down to a lack of planning. Here are the precautions to take when moving into an apartment if you want to avoid complaints or repair bills before you’ve even finished unpacking.
Check the by-laws before you book anything
Every strata scheme has its own set of by-laws, and some of them are very specific about moving. There may be set hours during which removalists are allowed to operate in the building. There may be restrictions on which entrance they can use, or requirements around protecting the lobby floor and lift walls during the move. Some building managers even ask you for your removalist’s certificate of insurance before you can move in.
Before you go through logistics, get a copy of the by-laws from your real estate agent or the building manager.
Let the building manager know you’re coming
Contact the building manager as soon as you have a confirmed moving date. If your building has a lift, it almost certainly needs to be booked for your move. Most strata buildings have a service lift, or they pad and reserve the main lift for removalists. If you move without booking the lift, you risk holding up other residents or being held responsible for any damage to the lift walls.
Don’t assume the lift will be available to you. On a busy weekend, multiple residents may be moving in or out, and whoever books first gets the time slot.
Building managers can also let you know about any quirks in the building, like tight corners, where to access the loading dock, or whether you need to prop the fire door open. They’ve seen a lot of moves and know what causes problems.
It also just helps the relationship. Walking in on move-in day without any notice, with a large truck and a team of removalists, is going to start you off on the wrong foot with the people who manage your building.
Book a removalist who comes prepared
A lot of disputes in strata buildings come from moving day. Scratched lift walls, scuffed skirting boards, and damaged foyer floors. That’s why some buildings even charge a bond before they let removalists near the lift.
To protect yourself, look for a removalist who treats common area protection as common sense. Floor runners, furniture blankets, and door frame padding come with the job. If you’re booking in Sydney, look for a Sydney removalist who regularly works in apartments. They’ll know how to move bulky furniture through tight spaces without leaving a mark on anything shared.
If you’re handling any part of the move yourself, pick up floor protection sheets for the lobby and lift. It’s cheap and saves you from a bill you don’t want at the end of your tenancy.
Think about your neighbours, not just your schedule
Move-in day is loud. There’s no getting around that. But there is unavoidable noise and avoidable noise. Moves that start at 6am on a Sunday, or that drag on past 8pm, tend to generate complaints.
If the by-laws specify hours, stick to them. If they don’t, aim to get things done from 8am to 6pm on a weekday, or 9am to 5pm on a weekend. Starting later and finishing earlier is better for everyone (including you).
Introduce yourself
Once the boxes are in and the truck is gone, knock on a few doors. It doesn’t need to be a long conversation. You just need a quick introduction. Your neighbours have just dealt with a moving crew coming through their building for six hours. They would appreciate at least knowing who moved in.
It sets the tone for the months or years ahead. And in a strata building where you share walls, lifts, and common spaces, that tone matters to your everyday life.
Key takeaways
Read the by-laws, book the lift, give the building manager notice, and keep the noise within reasonable hours. Protect the common areas and introduce yourself when it’s done. None of it is complicated — it’s mostly just the kind of consideration that makes shared living work.
Moving into a Sydney apartment takes a bit more coordination than a standard house move. Read the by-laws early and book the lift before someone else does. Give the building manager enough notice so they can help you come prepared. On the day, keep noise to reasonable hours and make sure common areas are protected. Once the truck leaves, knock on a few doors and introduce yourself. If you start off well with the neighbors now, they might cut you slack later. Get the planning right, and move-in day is straightforward.
Also read: Keeping in Touch with Family and Friends after Moving Away
