Relocating to a new property is a major life event, but apartment & high-rise moving in Perth presents a unique set of challenges compared to a standard suburban move. Whether you are moving into a new apartment in East Perth or leaving a complex in Subiaco, the process requires precision planning. Unlike a standard house move where we can back the truck right up to the garage, high-rise moves involve strict strata bylaws, lift bookings, and tight time windows.
Perth Cheap Movers understands these specific logistics. This comprehensive guide covers what you need to know to ensure your apartment relocations are efficient, compliant, and truly stress free.
Key Takeaways
- Book the lift immediately: Facilities managers often require 2 weeks’ advance notice to install protection.
- Watch for fees: Hidden costs like stairs fees or long carry charges can inflate your final bill.
- Check truck height: Many Perth basements are too low for a standard moving truck, requiring a ferry vehicle.
- Permits are vital: Securing access often means dealing with local council permits.
Why Apartment Removals Are Different
Summary:
Why do apartment moves cost more than house moves?
Apartment removals often cost more due to logistical complexities that slow down the process. Removalists must navigate lifts, long corridors, and parking restrictions, which increases the total labour time. A professional moving service like Perth Cheap Movers will factor in access issues, such as the need for a ferry vehicle if the main truck cannot fit in the basement. These factors, along with potential hidden fees for stairs or difficult access, contribute to higher overall costs compared to a straightforward house move.
The Logistics of Lift Access
The elevator is the bottleneck of your entire move. If you show up without a booking, you could be turned away by the building manager.
Booking the Lift
You must book the lift well in advance. Most apartment buildings in Perth require a dedicated booking to ensure you aren’t fighting peak-hour traffic. Without this, your team is competing with residents, dragging out the job and increasing prices.
- Exclusive Use: Ask for a “lock-off” key so the lift doesn’t stop at every floor.
- Timing: Book a slot that gives Perth Cheap Movers ample time—usually 3-4 hours for a one bedroom unit.
Lift Protection and Dimensions
Building managers will insist on hanging padded curtains to protect the lift walls from scratches. If your furniture damages the lift, you will lose your bond.
- Measure First: Check the lift door height and depth. Some large sofas or kitchen equipment simply won’t fit.
- Stair Contingency: If items don’t fit, they must go via the stairs, which attracts additional costs.
Parking Permits and Council Rules
If your building doesn’t have a loading dock, the truck must park on the street. In busy areas like the CBD or West Perth, you cannot just double-park.
City of Perth Obstruction Permits
You may need to apply for an Obstruction Permit to reserve bays or block a lane. In the City of Perth, this can cost upwards of $200 and takes days to process.
- Lead Time: Apply at least 5 days in advance.
- Liability: If you don’t secure a permit, any parking fines (often $100+) fall on you. Perth Cheap Movers can advise you on where to apply.
Dealing with Height Restrictions
Most apartment basements in Perth have a clearance of 2.1m or 2.2m. A standard removal truck is over 3.4m high. This means the truck must park on the street, and the team must shuttle your belongings from the street, down the ramp, to the lift. This “long carry” is a primary driver of hidden fees.
Packing Strategies for High-Rise Moves
Packing for an apartment differs from a house. You have less space for staging boxes and narrow corridors to navigate.
Organising Boxes for Efficiency
Perth Cheap Movers recommends using standard boxes that stack safely on a trolley. Loose bags cannot be stacked, requiring more trips to the lift.
- Uniformity: Uniform boxes allow for faster loading and unloading.
- Weight: Don’t overfill boxes; the bottom must hold during the long walk to the lift.
Protecting Furniture and Small Items
Professional wrapping of furniture is essential. Corridors in new apartment blocks are often narrow, and scuffed walls are a common dispute.
- Small Items: Pack all small items into larger boxes.
- Fragiles: Ensure kitchen equipment and glass are bubble-wrapped.
- Labelling: Clearly mark boxes for the new place so the team knows exactly where to go.
Financial Planning: Costs and Hidden Fees
We pride ourselves on transparency, but the industry is rife with additional costs. To save money, you must understand where the costs come from.
Understanding Long Carry Charges
If the truck cannot get close to the lift entrance (usually within 20 meters), a “long carry” fee applies. This covers the extra physical labor and time required to move your belongings safely over that distance.
Stair Fees and Access Issues
If the lift breaks or an item is too big, it has to go up the stairs. Most companies charge a fee per step or per flight for this service.
- Ferry Vehicle: If a big truck is banned from your street, Perth Cheap Movers may need to use a smaller “ferry vehicle” to shuttle items. This involves double handling and increases prices.
| Cost Factor | Why it happens | Estimated Impact |
| Long Carry | Truck parks far away. | $50 – $150 surcharge |
| Stairs | Lift failure or oversized item. | Per-step fee applies |
| Ferry Vehicle | Truck won’t fit in street. | Additional costs |
| Parking Fines | No permit organised. | Client liable |
Moving Day Timeline
To ensure a stress free experience, follow this run sheet used by Perth Cheap Movers.
The Arrival and Loading Process
Ensure the crew has access codes and knows exactly where to park. The team will introduce themselves and assess the job.
- 08:00 AM: Crew arrives and lays floor protection.
- 08:30 AM: Loading begins. Furniture is wrapped and moved first.
- 11:00 AM: Final sweep of the one apartment to ensure nothing is left behind.
Transit and Unloading at the New Place
At the new space, the process reverses. Priority is getting the bed and essential furniture set up.
- Communication: Keep your phone on. The driver may need directions to the new home entrance.
- Inspection: Check items as they come off the truck to ensure customer satisfaction.
Insurance and Safety
Accidents can happen, even with the most careful team. Understanding insurance is part of what you need to know.
Protecting Your Belongings Safely
Standard transit insurance covers your items in the truck during a collision or fire. However, full comprehensive insurance covers incidental damage during loading and unloading. We highly recommended taking out full cover for peace of mind.
Public Liability and Property Damage
If a mover scratches the building foyer or breaks a glass door, who pays? Perth Cheap Movers carries Public Liability insurance to cover damage to the property or facilities. This is crucial when dealing with strict strata managers.
Storage and Downsizing
Downsizing from a house to an apartment often requires storage. You may realise your furniture doesn’t fit the new space.
- Off-site Storage: Perth Cheap Movers can advise on storage for items that don’t fit.
- Decluttering: Use this opportunity to sell or donate unused household items.
- Space Planning: Measure your new apartment carefully before moving day.
Choosing the Right Service
Not all companies are equipped for high-rise work. You need a team that is highly trained in apartment logistics.
Questions to Ask
- “Do you have experience with apartment relocations in my suburb?”
- “Do you provide lift protection curtains?”
- “Are there hidden fees for stairs or waiting time?”
Comparing Perth to Melbourne
If you are relocating from interstate, note that Perth strata rules can differ from Melbourne. In Melbourne, high-rise moves often have stricter “move-in” windows. In Perth, the focus is heavily on council parking permits. If you are used to Melbourne logistics, don’t assume the same rules apply here. Melbourne movers might not warn you about Perth specific parking fines.
Conclusion
Apartment & high-rise moving in Perth doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right plan, a professional team, and awareness of hidden costs, you can enjoy a stress free move.
Whether you are moving a one bedroom unit or a luxury penthouse, our service is designed to handle the pressure. We focus on dealing with the hard stuff—lifts, permits, and stairs—so you can focus on your new home.
Ready for an excellent job? Contact Perth Cheap Movers for free quotes and experience the difference of a specialist apartment moving service. We provide peace of mind and handle your belongings safely every step of the way.