A checklist of tasks organised by timeline to avoid the last-minute rush.
Short answer
Moving house in Hong Kong should be prepared by counting down: first confirm the lease terms of new and old addresses and moving arrangements, then check building rules, sort boxes, and handle temporary storage. Bring your inventory list, documents, and essentials on the move day; check quantity and condition upon delivery. If the new home cannot receive items, treat move-out, temporary storage, and return as three confirmed arrangements.
Key summary
- If there is a gap between old and new leases, confirm temporary storage and the second move first.
- Check cargo lift and loading rules for both buildings before moving.
- Organise by room and box number; keep first-night essentials separate.
1. 30 days before
Confirm moving date, request moving quotes, notify building management.
2. 14 days before
Start packing non-essential items, arrange for items needing temporary storage to be moved to the warehouse.
- Books
- Seasonal clothes
- Decorations
3. On the moving day
Keep valuables and personal documents with you, and confirm the inventory with the moving team.
4. One week before moving: create a separate list for address and lifestyle services.
Review update procedures for bank, telecom, insurance, delivery, and other services based on your usage; save a list of applied and pending items. Different institutions have different effective dates and proof requirements; don't wait until after you move to handle them all at once.
Measure your new home entrance, hallways, and intended furniture locations, then check these against your item dimensions. A sofa that fit in the old home may not pass through the new home's lift or corners; indoor photos alone are insufficient to judge transport feasibility.
5. Three days before moving: know where each box goes.
Label outer boxes with room and serial number (e.g., 'Bedroom B03'), and keep a detailed content index yourself. Use appropriate smaller boxes for heavy items to avoid packing a box of books so heavy it's hard to lift; lids must close normally.
Prepare a first-night essentials bag with change of clothes, charging cables, basic cleaning supplies, and common items. Keep documents, cash, jewellery, and personal medicine with you to ensure you have them immediately, as they might not be accessible if shipped with furniture.
6. Moving day: check quantity and common area protection.
Before starting, check objects, moving path, items needing assembly, and new home placement with the team. Note whether the loading bay can be used, if vehicles can park, and if management requires protection for common areas.
Check cupboards, balconies, and storage spots for anything left behind before moving out; verify quantity by item number upon delivery. If damage is found or quantities don't match, record with photos immediately and contact us according to confirmed procedures; don't wait until all packaging is discarded.
7. Temporary storage solutions when new and old homes cannot be bridged.
If the new home is not ready or renovation is ongoing, separately confirm dates and costs for move-out transport, temporary storage, and return delivery. Explain both addresses, floor levels, and whether items need mid-storage retrieval to customer service for a more accurate quote.
After moving, place large furniture and essential supplies first, then unpack by room; remove empty boxes and packaging in batches to keep aisles clear. Set a review date for long-unpacked boxes to prevent turning your temporary storage into an unindexed junk pile.
Comparison at a glance
| Time | Key tasks | Information to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. 30 days before | Set date, list items, and compare plans. | Handover dates for new and old addresses; whether temporary storage is needed. |
| Approx. 14 days before | Categorise and book management office. | Cargo lift, parking, stairs, and large object dimensions. |
| Approx. 3 days before | Packing and checklist. | Box number, valuables, assembly, and payment arrangements. |
| On the day and following day | Count, placement, and batch unpacking. | Quantity, item condition, and outstanding issues. |
FAQs
- Is a room-count enough for a moving quote?
- It is insufficient for an accurate assessment. Provide an inventory list, photos, dimensions, both addresses, lift conditions, and specify assembly, parking distance, or mid-move temporary storage.
- If the new home isn't ready, can the transport vehicle wait?
- Do not assume it can wait for a long time. Coordinate handover times; if times don't align, enquire about temporary storage. Waiting, rescheduling, and second-move arrangements must be confirmed in advance.
- Can I pack on the day of moving?
- Complete customer-responsible packing tasks in advance; adding packaging or items on-site may affect timing, vehicle capacity, and the quote; inform the team as soon as possible.
Further reading
Further reading
- Local moving service and quote information.
- How to arrange temporary storage during renovation.
- Object dimension measurement methods.
- New home not yet handed over, old home must be vacated: How to arrange for furniture during the transition?
- Office relocation/renovation: Inventory of temporary storage for files, equipment, and furniture
- How to count, photograph, and keep records for inbound storage handover?
The content of this article is for general reference only. Please determine actual arrangements based on item condition and the latest official guidelines.
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