Moving day runs on momentum. Every minute your removalists spend hunting for parking, squeezing past obstacles, or waiting on a strata manager is a minute added to your bill. Preparing access points for your removalists is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your move on schedule — and it’s often overlooked.
Whether you’re relocating across the Northern Beaches, moving from the North Shore, or heading interstate from Sydney, this guide covers everything you need to know before the truck arrives.
Why Access Point Preparation Matters
Think of access points as the entry and exit paths your removalists will use repeatedly throughout the move: the driveway, front door, hallways, stairwells, lifts, and loading zones. When these are clear, organised, and communicated in advance, your removalists can work efficiently and safely.
Poor access is one of the most common causes of delays on moving day. Tight driveways, blocked parking, locked gates, and unbooked lifts all slow the job down. In some cases they can create genuine safety risks when removalists are navigating heavy furniture through cramped spaces.
The good news is that most access issues are completely preventable with a little preparation.
1. Reserve Parking for Your Removalists Early
This is the single most impactful thing you can do before moving day. A removal truck needs a large, clear space as close to your property as possible — ideally directly in front of your home or building entry.
What to do:
- The night before your move, block out a suitable parking space using your own car, wheelie bins, or witches hats
- Make sure the reserved spot is large enough for a removal truck — these vehicles are significantly longer than a standard car
- Check for and remove any overhanging tree branches that could prevent a truck from entering your driveway or pulling up to your property
- If you live on a busy road or in a suburb with high parking demand — common in areas like Manly, Dee Why, Mosman, or Neutral Bay — consider whether you need a council parking permit for the truck
Parking is an especially common challenge for Sydney moves in inner suburbs and apartment-dense areas along the Northern Beaches and North Shore. Don’t leave it until the morning.
2. Create Clear Access Points Inside Your Home
Once the truck is parked, your removalists need clear, safe paths through your property. Clearing internal access points minimises the risk of injury to your team and damage to your belongings and walls.
What to do before moving day:
- Remove all obstacles from driveways, hallways, and entryways — bikes, prams, shoes, rugs, and pot plants all need to go
- Prop open interior and exterior doors and gates to allow uninterrupted movement; a doorstop or a piece of furniture works fine
- Trim any overgrown hedges or branches near walkways and pathways that could snag furniture or slow movement
- If you have young children or pets, make arrangements to keep them out of the main thoroughfares during the move — both for their safety and to keep the team moving efficiently
For homes with narrow hallways or tight staircases — common in older Federation-style properties across the North Shore — it’s worth flagging these constraints to your removalist when you book. At John Bull, we’ll discuss access challenges as part of your pre-move assessment so nothing surprises us on the day.
3. Notify Neighbours and Strata to Allow Access
For apartment and strata moves across Sydney, communication is as important as preparation. Failing to notify the right people in advance can bring a move to a complete standstill.
For apartment and strata buildings:
- Contact your strata manager well in advance to book exclusive lift access during your move window. Most buildings require notice and won’t allow you to hold a lift without a formal booking
- Ask your strata manager whether there is a dedicated loading zone for removals and whether it needs to be reserved
- Check whether your building has any specific moving hours — many strata properties in Sydney restrict removals to weekday business hours or require moves to finish by a certain time
For houses and townhouses:
- Speak with neighbours ahead of time, particularly if the truck will be blocking shared driveways or their parking spaces
- Leave a note or knock on the door the day before — most neighbours are happy to accommodate when given notice
- If you share a driveway, confirm that access will be clear from the time your removalists are due to arrive
These steps matter just as much for interstate moves. If you’re moving from a Northern Beaches property to Melbourne or Brisbane, you’ll be coordinating access at both ends, often with a day or more between your departure and arrival. Clear communication with property managers, neighbours, and building managers at both addresses will save significant time and stress.
Quick Checklist: Preparing Access Points for Moving Day
Use this as a final check the day before your move:
Parking
- Space reserved for the truck the night before
- Space is large enough for a removal vehicle
- Overhanging branches checked and cleared
- Council permit organised if required
Inside the property
- Driveways, hallways, and entryways cleared of all obstacles
- Doors and gates propped open
- Walkways and garden paths cleared
- Children and pets managed
Neighbours and strata
- Neighbours notified
- Strata manager contacted and lift booking confirmed
- Building moving hours checked
- Loading zone reserved if applicable
