Moving into a new body corporate building requires preparation and awareness of the rules and regulations that apply to the specific scheme. By following this ultimate moving house checklist, you can set off on the right foot and smoothly transition into your new home.
◯ To ensure a smooth transition, requesting a copy of the body corporate by-laws/rules from the selling agent or property manager is advisable. These by-laws can vary from one body corporte to another, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with them beforehand.
◯ By the time moving day arrives, you should have everything neatly wrapped and packed in labeled boxes. It’s recommended to label the boxes to distinguish fragile items or important documents easily.
◯ If you plan to utilize the building lift during your move, it’s crucial to notify either your body corporate manager or property manager at least 14 days in advance. This advance notice allows them to:
- Inspect the lift before your move and document any existing damage
- Avoid any disputes regarding responsibility or repair costs
- Some body corporate may even provide lift-protective “curtains” to prevent accidental damage. In the case of multiple lifts, you might be able to reserve one lift for the duration of your move-in or move-out day.
◯ If there are any scheduled building maintenance activities that could potentially disrupt your move-in or move-out process, they may consider rescheduling them to minimize any inconveniences.
◯ To ensure easy access, you can also inquire about any height limitations or parking arrangements for moving vans.
Living within a strata community entails different considerations compared to residing in a standalone house. By-laws and rules govern what you can and cannot do, as well as the use and upkeep of common areas shared with others. On your move-in or move-out day, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
✔ Be mindful of your neighbours’ proximity when scheduling your move-in or move-out time. Try to choose reasonable hours to minimize disruptions.
✔ Avoid blocking common areas such as garages, driveways, and road access. Respect the shared spaces.
✔ Taking the initiative to introduce yourself to your neighbours and apologize for any inconvenience caused during the move can foster a harmonious community.
✔ When moving out, consider dropping a note into each letterbox to inform everyone about the presence of a removalist truck on-site. This allows people to move their cars if necessary.
✔ In common areas, ensure that you keep the space clear and clean during your move-in or move-out. Avoid leaving unwanted items or oversized items that don’t fit in the bins provided.
Furthermore, your notice can serve the purpose of informing other residents about your upcoming move. This proactive approach helps avoid any negative encounters with tenants who might be unaware or inconvenienced by your relocation.
The following are additional considerations for moving in and out:
◯ Coordinate with your new and old property managers to arrange key collection and drop-off. Familiarize yourself with the process, including where to return the keys and any required paperwork, such as proof or photocopies of the keys you receive.
◯ If you have pets, it’s beneficial to have a trusted friend or family member take care of them on the moving day.
◯ Take measurements of your large furniture items to ensure they can fit through stairwells and into lifts.
◯ Before conducting any maintenance or making changes to your new apartment, seek permission from your Body Corporate Committee.
◯ Don’t forget to update all your insurers, including those for your car, home/contents, and personal items, with your new address.
If you require further information on moving to a new address or moving out of a strata property, feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable and experienced Community Relationship Manager.
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