Moving home is a big project. From getting quotes from movers and decluttering, to packing and moving into your new place (or storage), it is easy to feel overwhelmed without a clear plan.
Apple Storage has put together this practical moving checklist to help you avoid common mistakes and stay organised. Whether you are moving home or relocating an office, you can make the whole process smoother and more stress‑free.
Before You Move: Key Preparations
1. Fix Your Moving Date and Choose a Mover
Start by confirming your moving date and then book a moving company. It is best to reserve your slot 3–4 weeks in advance, especially for weekends, month‑end and public holidays, when popular movers get fully booked quickly.
When comparing companies, always ask for a clear written quotation. It should list the number of movers, what basic packing materials are included, and any charges for furniture dismantling and reassembly. Also check in advance whether there will be extra fees such as staircase charges, long push distance fees, surcharges for remote areas, tunnel tolls or parking charges. This helps you avoid surprise mark‑ups on moving day.
If the company has its own in‑house trucks and team, the workflow is usually more reliable and communication tends to be easier.
2. Inform Your Landlord and Building Management
If you are a tenant, remember to follow the notice period in your tenancy agreement and give written notice to your landlord if you plan to renew or move out. Otherwise, part of your deposit may be deducted as one month’s rent, depending on the contract terms.
You should also inform both your current and new building management a few days in advance. Let them know your moving date and time, and ask about truck access arrangements. If you need to reserve a loading bay, service lift or special access route, arrange this early.
Some estates only allow moves on weekdays or during daytime hours, so it is worth double‑checking to avoid last‑minute rescheduling.
3. Arrange Utilities, Internet and Cleaning
Before you move in, take note of the final water and electricity meter readings at your old place for a clear handover. At the same time, contact the water, electricity, gas and internet providers to open or transfer your accounts so that you have water, power and Wi‑Fi ready on the day you move in.
If time allows, schedule a thorough cleaning of your new home before the big furniture arrives. Focus on the floors, skirting boards, windowsills, kitchen and bathrooms. Once furniture is in place, deep cleaning becomes much harder. You may consider hiring professional cleaners or hourly helpers to save time and effort.
This is also a great chance to do some decluttering. Donate or dispose of furniture and items you no longer use to cut moving costs and keep your new home fresher and more spacious. Seasonal items or things you will not need immediately can be stored in a mini storage unit and sorted out later when you have settled in.
4. Get Your Packing Materials Ready
Prepare all the materials you need for packing in advance, such as cartons in different sizes, bubble wrap, packing tape, labels, markers, heavy‑duty garbage bags and vacuum bags.
If you use Apple Storage’s moving service, we can provide suitable packing materials and arrange a professional team to help with on‑site packing, saving you both time and effort.
Packing Smart: How to Pack “Properly”?
Packing is not just about throwing everything into boxes. Good packing reduces the risk of damage and makes it much easier to unpack and restore your life in the new place.
Follow the “Heavy at the Bottom, Light on Top” Rule
When sealing the bottom of your boxes, avoid folding the flaps into a criss‑cross pattern. Instead, tape the base in an “H” shape – this gives better support and helps prevent the bottom from bursting open.
Try to keep each box within around 20 kg so that it is easier and safer to move. Use smaller boxes for heavier items like books and tableware, and larger boxes for lighter items such as clothes and bedding. Fill any gaps inside the box with old newspapers, bubble wrap or towels to stop things from shaking and colliding during transport.
For easier unpacking, clearly write the room name (e.g. “Master Bedroom”, “Living Room”, “Kitchen”) and the main contents on each box, and mark “Fragile” wherever necessary. If you have many boxes, consider making a simple box list, for example:
- Box 1 – Living Room: books, decorations
- Box 2 – Kitchen: cups, plates, cutlery
This will save you a lot of time when you unpack at your new home.
What to Pack First, What to Leave for Last
When planning your packing order, start with items you use less often, such as books, ornaments, seasonal clothing and collections. Everyday clothes, frequently used kitchenware, cleaning products and chargers can be left until the last one or two days before the move.
It is also very helpful to prepare a “essentials box” or “first‑night box”. Pack it with a change of clothes, towels, toiletries, basic medicines, phone chargers, an extension cord, and some simple or disposable tableware. Even if other boxes are not yet unpacked, you will still be able to get through the first night or two comfortably.
Tips for Packing Different Types of Items
Different items need different packing methods:
- Glassware and fragile items: Wrap each piece with bubble wrap or newspaper, stand them upright where possible, and fill empty spaces with soft materials. Mark the box clearly as “Fragile” or “Handle with care”.
- Books and documents: Use small boxes to avoid excessive weight. Important documents should go into a file or briefcase and be kept with you instead of going onto the truck.
- Clothing and bedding: Use vacuum bags or large plastic bags to save space, or pack them into suitcases so they can be wheeled easily.
- Large furniture (beds, wardrobes, etc.): Check in advance whether any items need to be dismantled. If you need the movers to handle dismantling and reassembly, mention this clearly when requesting a quotation.
For appliances, empty and defrost the fridge around 24 hours before moving, then dry it thoroughly to prevent leakage during transport. Unplug the washing machine, remove the drainage hose and drain any remaining water so the inside is dry.
For computers, audio systems and TVs, original boxes are ideal. If you do not have them, use thick foam, cardboard and bubble wrap for extra protection. Cables and extension cords can be labelled with coloured stickers and packed together in one box to make reconnection easier at the new place.
Items like massage chairs and pianos usually require special handling – always check with the supplier or moving company in advance to see if special arrangements are needed. For liquids such as cleaning products or sauces, tighten the caps securely and wrap them separately to prevent leaks.
Moving Day: You Are the Coordinator, Not the Mover
Keep Valuables with You and Communicate Clearly
For valuables, such as IDs, jewellery, cash and watches, it is best to keep them with you and move them personally. If you really need the moving company to help, declare these items in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
When the moving team arrives, briefly walk them through your flat and point out which boxes and furniture are fragile or require extra care. This helps them plan the loading sequence and placement more safely.
Before the truck leaves, use your checklist to count the number of boxes and large furniture pieces together with the movers. Repeat this check when everything is unloaded at your new home to make sure nothing is missing.
Before you hand over the keys, do one last walk‑through of the old place – check drawers, the tops of cupboards, under the bed, the storage room and the balcony to ensure nothing has been left behind.
At the new home, you can label each room door (for example, “Master Bedroom”, “Guest Room”, “Study”) so that movers can place boxes directly into the correct rooms, reducing the need to move things around again later.
Moving into Mini Storage: Placement Matters
If some items will go straight into an Apple Storage unit, it is worth planning your layout in advance:
- Put long‑term or seasonal items at the back of the unit
- Place items you will use more often near the door
This way, future access and organising will be much easier.
If you are using both our moving and storage services, you can also let our team arrange the loading and placement for you based on this principle.
Plan Ahead + Work with Professionals – Moving Can Be Simple
With a bit of planning and the right support, moving does not have to be stressful. Follow the steps above, choose a moving company with transparent pricing and an in‑house professional team, and your move can be much smoother than you expect.
To learn more about our moving fees and service details, visit our: Moving Service page.
