How to move furniture into an apartment

Moving furniture is a headache, especially large, heavy pieces, and most furniture isn’t designed to be moved around. Anyone who has moved furniture will know how awkward it is to get large pieces through doorways, hallways and up or down stairs. So how do you move furniture into an apartment where you have potentially less space and more obstacles? Here are five key tips to make your life easier.

 

Call in the professionals

Obviously, if you have the spare funds to pay for professional movers, this is the easiest and least stressful way to move furniture into an apartment. Professionals do this every day and know how to negotiate obstacles such as stairs and poor access. You pay professionals to deliver your furniture in the same condition it left your old apartment, and we protect your items with wrappings, good handling and secure storage.

Of course, not everyone has the funds to pay for professionals to move everything. So how do you manage your furniture if you have to move it yourself?

 

Successful moves begin with good planning

When moving into an apartment, you’ll need to plan how you will get your furniture to the building, where you can park and the route you’ll use to carry everything.

Choosing a vehicle

Find out if there are any parking restrictions in your new building and if there is anywhere you can park a truck. If you have access to a loading zone, you’ll be able to bring a larger vehicle and more items.

If you only have parking space for a standard car, you’ll need to hire a van, station wagon or another vehicle like a ute. This will mean more trips back and forth depending on how many items of furniture you own.

Planning your carrying route

Most apartment buildings have elevators, which makes moving items much easier. However, you’ll need to check the elevator’s maximum load for weight. If you have any heavy items, there is a safety risk using the elevator.

If there isn’t an elevator available or your items exceed the safety weight, you’ll need to plan another route. Handling heavy items up staircases is hard work and also comes with safety risks. If this is your only choice, make sure you have extra hands to help, or disassemble your furniture into smaller, easier to manage pieces.

 

Pack like a professional

Breakages happen during the period when your items are in transit, either getting carried or while in your vehicle. Pack everything to the same standards as professional packers. This provides the best protection against damage or breakages.

Here are some useful packing tips.

Disassemble as much as you can, even if it doesn’t seem necessary before moving day. Ensure every item and box is easy to lift, carry and traverse the route to your new apartment. Moving is tiring work, so every effort to lighten the load will help you get the job done with the least stress.

If any item isn’t suitable or you suspect it will cause a raft of problems to move, you’re better off selling it and getting a new item that’s easier to move, such as flat-packed furniture.

 

Be kind to yourself on moving day

Accidents and injuries occur when people get fatigued. Make sure you have plenty of time to complete your move, or call in a few favours with friends if you don’t think you can get it done in time by yourself. Take breaks to avoid fatigue, and remember to eat and hydrate.

 

Hire movers by the hour

This is an excellent option for people who are moving on a budget. You only pay for the time you use, so you can hire movers to handle all the items you can’t. If you find you need more help than you expected on moving day, you have the professionals there to help.