Darwin's apartment living is growing — the CBD, the Waterfront, Larrakeyah, Cullen Bay and Stuart Park all have plenty of high-rise and mid-rise buildings.
Apartment moves are a different job from house moves. The biggest risk isn't heavy lifting; it's waiting — for the lift, for the loading dock, for the building manager. And when you're paying by the hour, waiting costs you.
Quick checklist: Book the lift and loading dock · Ask the building manager what they need from your removalist · Check truck height limits · Measure your big furniture and the lift · Tell your removalist everything before the day.
Step 1: Contact the building manager early
As soon as you have a moving date, contact the building manager, strata manager or body corporate for both buildings. Ask:
- How do I book the lift for moving? Is there a time limit?
- Is there a loading dock? How do I book it?
- What days and times are moves allowed? (Some buildings don't allow weekend or after-hours moves.)
- Is there a bond or fee for using the lift?
- Do you need lift padding installed?
- What does my removalist need to provide — for example, a certificate of insurance?
- What's the height clearance for the loading dock or car park?
Get the answers in writing and send them to your removalist.
Step 2: Tell your removalist everything
A good removalist will ask about access before they quote. Share:
- Floor numbers at both ends
- Lift booking times
- Loading dock location and truck height limits
- The walking distance from the truck to the lift
- Any stairs or narrow corridors
✎ Edit: Note that you provide certificates of currency to building managers on request.
Step 3: Measure the big stuff
Lifts and apartment doors are smaller than you think. Measure:
- Lift door width and height
- Lift interior — width, depth, and diagonal height for tall items
- Apartment door and hallway corners
Items that often cause trouble: corner lounges, king beds, tall wardrobes, large fridges and dining tables. Many can be dismantled — tell your removalist in advance so they bring the right tools.
Step 4: Pack for an apartment move
- Use same-size boxes — they stack neatly on trolleys and fit more per lift trip
- Keep boxes to a manageable weight
- Label each box by room
- Stage boxes near the front door so the crew can load the lift quickly
Step 5: On moving day
- Make sure the lift is keyed or reserved before the crew arrives
- Have your building access fobs and parking passes ready
- Keep a neighbour-friendly pace — corridors and lobbies stay clear
- Stay available so the crew can ask where things go
How long does an apartment move take?
| Apartment | Typical time (with good lift access) |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 2–3 hours |
| 2 bedroom | 3–5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | 5–7 hours |
Without a booked lift, or with a long walk from the truck, it can take much longer. For prices, see How Much Do Removalists Cost in Darwin?
Moving out of an apartment rental?
Book the move and bond clean together, and the cleaners can start as soon as the lift booking ends. See our Move + Bond Clean package and Moving Out of a Darwin Rental.
Apartment moves are our everyday work
We move people in and out of buildings across the CBD, Larrakeyah, Stuart Park and the Waterfront.
Get a free quote · or see our house removals service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the lift to move into a Darwin apartment?
In most apartment buildings, yes. Contact the building manager or body corporate to book the lift and loading dock, and ask about allowed moving times.
What do building managers ask removalists for?
Commonly a certificate of currency for public liability insurance, the truck's height and size, and the time of the move. Some buildings require lift padding.
How long does an apartment move take?
A 1 or 2 bedroom apartment move usually takes 2–5 hours, depending on lift access, how far the truck parks from the lift, and how well packed you are.
Will furniture fit in the lift?
Measure the lift doors and interior, including the diagonal height, before moving day. Large couches, wardrobes and fridges sometimes need to be dismantled or moved via a goods lift.