Moving apartment in Dublin is a different job from moving a house. There are stairs and lifts to deal with, tight parking, management company rules and often only a short gap between handing back one set of keys and collecting the next. A bit of planning makes the day far easier. Here are ten practical tips from the VIPVAN team to help your apartment move in Dublin go smoothly.

1. Book your moving date early

Weekends and the end of the month are the busiest times for removals, because that is when most leases start and finish. Book your van as soon as you know your date. If you have some flexibility, a weekday or a mid-month move usually gives you a wider choice of time slots.

2. Talk to your landlord or management company

Many apartment complexes have their own rules for moving in and out. There may be set hours, a lift that has to be booked, or a particular entrance you are expected to use. Ask at both your old and your new building a few days ahead, so nothing catches you out on the day.

3. Sort out parking for the van

Parking is often the biggest headache of a Dublin apartment move. Check where a van can stop safely and legally near both front doors. Private complexes frequently use clamping, so ask for a visitor permit or permission to use the loading area. On the street, read the signs for loading bays, pay-and-display hours and clearway times. The closer the van can park, the quicker and cheaper your move will be.

4. Measure lifts, stairs and doorways

Measure your largest items, such as the sofa, bed, wardrobe and fridge, and compare them with the lift, the stairwell and the door frames. Let your mover know which floor you are on and whether there is a working lift. This helps them bring the right number of people and the right equipment.

5. Declutter before you pack

Every item you do not bring is one less thing to carry down the stairs. Go through each room and decide what to keep, sell, donate or recycle. Less to move can mean a smaller van and a shorter job.

6. Choose the right size of van

A few boxes and a bed need far less space than a fully furnished two-bed apartment. VIPVAN has a small van, a big van and a very big van, so you only pay for the space you need. Not sure which one suits? Send us a list or a few photos of what you are moving and we will advise you.

7. Pack smart and label everything

Use strong boxes and put heavy things like books into small ones, so each box can be carried comfortably by one person. Wrap fragile items well and mark those boxes clearly. Write the room on every box, and it will go straight to the right place in your new home.

8. Take furniture apart in advance

Beds, tables and large wardrobes are much easier to get through narrow hallways when they are dismantled. Do this the evening before, and keep the screws and fittings in a labelled bag taped to the item they belong to.

9. Keep an essentials bag with you

Pack one bag that stays with you and does not go in the van: keys, documents, phone chargers, medication, a kettle and cups, toilet paper, snacks and a few basic tools. You will be glad of it on your first evening.

10. Take meter readings and photos

Before you leave, note the electricity and gas meter readings and take photos of each room. This helps with final bills and with getting your deposit back. Do the same when you arrive at the new apartment, and remember to update your address with your bank, your providers and An Post.

Need a man with a van for your apartment move in Dublin?

VIPVAN offers man with a van services in Dublin and across Ireland, including house and apartment removals, office removals, furniture and piano moving and long distance moves. Call us on 085 111 9555 or contact us for a free quote.