How early should I book movers?

It’s best to book your movers at least 1–2 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. During busy periods like weekends or end-of-month moves, booking 3–4 weeks earlier is recommended. However, if you have any urgent requirements, reach out to us and we will try our best to accommodate them.

How much do movers near me cost?

The cost depends on factors such as the size of the move, distance, number of movers, and time required. Most local moves in Melbourne are charged on an hourly basis, with a clear quote provided before the move. At Yes Movers, our hourly rate starts at $120/hour. We will be sure to offer you a transparent quote at the beginning itself.

What is the cheapest day to move?

Weekdays (Monday to Thursday) are usually the most affordable days to move because demand is lower compared to weekends and end-of-month dates.

What makes Yes Movers the best movers in Melbourne?

At Yes Movers, we stand out for reliable service, experienced removalists, transparent pricing, and careful handling of belongings, ensuring every move is smooth, safe, and stress-free.

How far in advance should you plan a move?

We generally suggest planning your move around 2-4 weeks in advance where possible. That gives you enough breathing room to organize packing, sort out utilities, and lock in your preferred moving date. In Melbourne, weekends and end-of-month slots tend to book out quickly. At Yes Movers, we always try to help with last-minute moves too, but earlier planning usually makes the whole process easier.

What is the hardest room to pack when moving?

From our experience handling over 7000 moves across Melbourne, the kitchen is usually the hardest room to pack. It contains many fragile and oddly shaped items like glassware, plates, and small appliances. We often suggest starting with items you rarely use first. Packing the kitchen gradually makes the process much more manageable.

Is it worth paying for a moving company?

For many people, it really is. Moving involves more heavy lifting and logistics than it first appears. When you work with a professional team like ours at Yes Movers, we handle the loading, transport, and careful placement of your belongings. It usually saves a lot of time and reduces the risk of damage or injury along the way.

What should you not pack when moving?

There are a few items that shouldn’t go into a moving truck. Hazardous materials such as fuel, paint, gas bottles, or strong chemicals are generally unsafe to transport. We also suggest keeping valuables, important documents, medications, and personal electronics with you. That way you know exactly where they are during the move.

Apartment Movers Melbourne: Lift Bookings, Walk-Ups & Strata Rules 2026

Updated May 2026. Half of all Melbourne moves are apartment moves. Lifts that fit half a couch. Three-flight walk-ups. Strata fines for the wrong dock time. Body-corporate rules nobody mentioned until move day. Apartment removals are their own discipline — and the wrong removalist will eat your bond and your weekend. This is the 2026 apartment moving playbook from Yes Movers.

See also: Yes Movers small/apartment move service — book directly with our crew.

What apartment moves cost in Melbourne in 2026

Studio with lift access — $350–$550
1BR walk-up (1 flight) — $480–$700
1BR walk-up (2–3 flights) — $620–$950
2BR with lift — $700–$1,100
2BR walk-up (2 flights) — $950–$1,400
3BR apartment with lift — $1,000–$1,500

Stairs add 30–60 minutes per flight. Long carries (truck to door >20m) add similar time. Both compound.

Walk-up apartments — what to know

Crew size matters more than truck size

A 2BR walk-up move on the 3rd floor is faster with 3 movers than 2 movers — the extra body cuts the stair time by 35–40%, which is most of the job. Don’t economise on crew for walk-ups.

Furniture disassembly is non-negotiable

Assembled wardrobes, large couches and king-size bed frames physically won’t make stair turns in Melbourne walk-ups. Plan to disassemble before move day.

Stair landings are your loading zones

Smart crews stage boxes at each landing on the way down, then chain-pass to the truck. Saves 25% of total time.

Lift apartments — the body-corporate playbook

Two weeks before — request the lift booking in writing

Email building management. Get: lift booking time slot, dock allocation, bond amount (typically $100–$300 refundable), lift dimensions (W × D × H), maximum weight, certificate of currency requirement.

One week before — request COI if needed

Many Melbourne strata properties require a Certificate of Insurance from the removalist before move day. We issue these in 24 hours — but request early.

Three days before — confirm with concierge

Re-confirm lift, dock and access codes. Get the concierge mobile for the day. Ask if the goods lift is operational (some buildings the goods lift has been out of service for weeks).

Move day — arrive 30 mins early

Pad the lift if the building hasn’t. Pad the dock. Walk the route. Then move.

The Melbourne apartment building shortlist (lift sizes we know)

Eq Tower (City) — service lift 2.7m deep, fits standard 3-seater couch on side
Eureka Tower (Southbank) — 2 service lifts, 90-min slot
Aurora (LaTrobe St) — single service lift, expect 30-min queue peak times
Yarra’s Edge (Docklands) — 7 day booking minimum, $200 bond
Mantra Southbank — lift too small for most couches, expect couch disassembly
Mid-rise (4–8 storey) in Brunswick, Carlton, Richmond — single lift, often 2.1m deep, plan accordingly

What kills your bond at the old apartment

Walls scuffed by furniture corners — use furniture blankets on every piece going through doorways
Carpet stains from dragged boxes — use a trolley, never drag
Damaged lift padding — pad before, photograph before/after
Late checkout — your move slot includes loading AND a final clean check, leave 90 minutes buffer
Missing keys at handback — bag and label every key set

What you should pack vs what we should pack

You pack: books, clothes, kitchen non-fragiles, linen, decor, electronics in original boxes if you have them
We pack: kitchen fragiles, mirrors, artwork, lamps, TV (if no original box), glassware
Either way: photograph valuables from all angles before they go in a box

Get an apartment-specific quote — give us building name, floor, lift access, and your inventory. We’ll quote within 30 minutes.

Popular service areas: our crews run daily moves across Melbourne — see local details and pricing for Elwood, Caulfield North and Dingley Village.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an apartment move cost in Melbourne in 2026?

Studio with lift $350–$550, 1BR walk-up (1 flight) $480–$700, 2BR with lift $700–$1,100, 2BR walk-up (2 flights) $950–$1,400, 3BR with lift $1,000–$1,500. Stairs and long carries add 30–60 minutes per flight.

Do I need to book the lift for my Melbourne apartment move?

Yes — almost every Melbourne apartment building requires a lift booking, typically 1–2 weeks ahead with a $100–$300 refundable bond. Some buildings also require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the removalist.

Can movers handle a 3-storey walk-up apartment?

Yes, but book a 3-person crew, not 2. Walk-up moves are 35–40% faster with three movers — the labour saving usually exceeds the extra wage. Plan to disassemble wardrobes, couches and bed frames.

How early should I book my apartment lift?

Two weeks ahead is comfortable. Peak season (December–February, end of month) book 3–4 weeks ahead. Some buildings have only one service lift and book out fast.