Practical guide

Apartment Move Planning

Plan lifts, corridors, parking and access before you optimise box count.

Apartment moves are often constrained by building logistics rather than distance.

Book shared facilities

Confirm lift reservations, loading-bay rules and permitted move times. Some buildings require advance notice or proof of insurance from professional movers.

Measure the route

Check lift dimensions, corridor corners and stair widths for sofas, mattresses and large cabinets.

Stage the load

Group boxes near the exit without blocking fire routes. Keep keys, documents and valuables separate from the main load.

Try these quantities in the Moving Day Time Calculator, then adjust them to your inventory.

Worked planning example

An apartment inventory of 12 m³, two handlers, one total stair flight, 80 ft combined carry and 30 minutes driving gives about 4.49 handling hours in the moving-day model. Adding 0.5 hours driving and the 0.75-hour buffer gives 5.74 hours. A booked lift window or loading-bay delay needs separate allowance.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming an available lift means no waiting.
  • Reserving a loading bay without checking vehicle access.
  • Leaving destination access out of the plan.

Related calculators

Frequently asked questions

Does the time calculator include lift queues?

No. Add observed or booked waiting time separately; the model’s access inputs cover stairs and carrying distance.

What apartment measurements matter most?

Door openings, lift interior and door size, corridor turns and the largest packed item dimensions.

How should I plan a restricted move window?

Estimate handling plus driving, then add building-specific waiting and setup. Confirm the window with the building before committing to a vehicle booking.