Property access planning

Moving truck parking and access checklist

Check where the truck can legally stop at both addresses, then measure the route from that position to the furniture. Share the signs, restrictions and carrying distance before moving day—do not assume a nearby space will be available.

Request a moving quote Prepare your move details

Start at each street

Find the lawful loading position first.

The closest kerb, driveway or loading bay is not automatically suitable for a moving truck.

Read every current sign

Check the exact side of the street and the hours that apply on the planned day. Photograph parking, loading, clearway and permit signs rather than relying on an old street-view image.

Ask the building or owner

Confirm whether the property has a loading dock, private driveway or booked bay, and whether a truck may use it. Ask about gates, intercom access, keys and security induction.

Check the truck route

Identify narrow streets, tight turns, low trees, gates, ramps and signed height or weight limits. For a basement or dock, obtain the usable height, width and turning clearances.

Measure the carry

Estimate the distance from the lawful truck position to the entry, including paths, foyers, lifts, stairs and corridors. Tell AA if the route crosses a road, shared area or steep surface.

Loading zones

A loading zone has rules and a time limit.

Transport Victoria says loading zones may display 15-minute, 30-minute or hourly limits. Where no time is displayed, the default limit is 30 minutes. They can be used only while loading or unloading, and the stated limit cannot be exceeded.

Check the sign, vehicle eligibility and time at the particular location. A loading zone near the property is not a booking and may be occupied when the truck arrives. If the move cannot fit within the applicable rules, investigate another lawful arrangement before moving day.

Read Transport Victoria’s loading-zone guidance ↗

Clearways and truck rules

Restricted times can change the whole plan.

Transport Victoria warns that vehicles parked in a clearway or tow-away zone during restricted times may be towed and the owner fined. Recheck the sign for the moving date and time, including restrictions that apply only during peaks, events or certain days.

Separate heavy-vehicle parking rules may also apply. Transport Victoria says a heavy or long vehicle generally cannot remain parked on a road in a built-up area for more than one hour unless signs allow it or the driver is picking up or setting down goods. This does not override another restriction, sign or loading-zone limit.

Check clearway and tow-away rules ↗

Check Victorian heavy-vehicle road rules ↗

Permits and reserved bays

Ask the correct council before promising access.

Parking permits and reservation processes differ between councils. The City of Melbourne offers short-term reserved parking permits for activities including removals, but that process does not automatically apply in another council area or guarantee approval for a particular place or time.

Confirm the council for each street address, check its current process and apply early enough for assessment. Keep the approval and any conditions available on moving day. Unless AA agrees otherwise in writing, do not assume the removalist has arranged a council permit or reserved public parking.

See City of Melbourne reserved parking permits ↗

From truck to room

Show the complete carrying route.

Outside

Record steps, slopes, soft ground, narrow gates, low eaves and shared paths. Keep the route clear without blocking public access or moving heavy items yourself.

Building entry

Confirm door and corridor widths, lift dimensions, loading-dock rules, protective covering requirements and the permitted moving window.

Inside

Identify stairs, tight turns, balconies and rooms where large furniture must go. Send photos of difficult points and note items that may need dismantling.

Read the apartment moving checklist or check furniture dismantling details.

What to send with the enquiry

Give AA the access evidence, not just “easy parking”.

Provide both full addresses, the nearest lawful loading position, photographs of all relevant signs and the approximate carrying distance. Add building contacts, lift or dock bookings and any council approval already obtained.

If access is uncertain, mark it as unknown and explain what is being checked. AA can assess the proposed move and written scope, but the driver must still follow the conditions and road rules present on the day.

Common questions

Does AA arrange the parking permit?

Do not assume a permit or bay reservation is included. Check the relevant council or building process and ask AA who is responsible. Rely on the written quote and confirmation for your particular move.

Can I reserve a street space with bins or cones?

Do not place objects on the road or reserve public space without the required approval. Use the relevant council process and follow any permit conditions.

Can the truck use a loading zone for the whole move?

Only within the sign, vehicle-eligibility and time-limit rules. A loading zone is not reserved and may be unavailable. Plan an alternative lawful position if the move cannot fit the applicable conditions.

What if the truck has to park farther away?

Tell AA as soon as possible. A longer carry, stairs, restricted lift or changed loading position can affect the plan, time and written quote.

Is a driveway automatically suitable?

No. Confirm permission, width, surface, slope, gates, overhead clearance and whether the truck can enter and leave safely without blocking public access.

Checked both addresses?

Send the lawful loading position, carry distance and inventory.

Request a moving quote