Moving Into Your First Apartment: The Car Packing Guide
You have signed the lease. Now comes the part nobody tells you about — how do you actually get everything into a car and into your place without losing your mind or your deposit? This is the guide we wish someone had given us.
The Big Mistake First-Timers Make
Most people moving into their first place either over-buy or try to move everything in one go without checking if it actually fits. The result: a chaotic day, damaged furniture, and a second trip to return things to IKEA.
The smarter approach is to think in phases. You need Day 1 Essentials (sleep, cook, shower), Week 1 Additions (desk, couch, storage), and the rest can wait until you know what you actually want.
Phase 1: Day 1 Essentials
These are the things you need to function on the very first night. Most fit easily in a standard hatchback or sedan boot:
- Mattress (single or double — most delivery services include this)
- Bedding set: pillow, doona, fitted sheet — packed into the duvet cover as a bundle (~60 x 40 x 30 cm)
- Towels (x2–3) — roll them tight and stuff into gaps
- Basic kitchen kit: one pot, one pan, one knife, cutting board, plates and cups (~40 x 40 x 30 cm box)
- Kettle or coffee maker — fits in boot easily
- Cleaning basics: toilet paper, dish soap, sponge, paper towels
- Clothes for 3–4 days in a duffel bag
- Toiletries bag
- Phone charger, laptop, power board
Everything above fits in a small hatchback boot with room to spare. That is your Day 1 load.
Phase 2: The IKEA Run (Week 1)
Once you are settled in, do one focused IKEA trip. Here is a starter kit that fits in a standard hatchback or small SUV with seats folded:
| Item | Box Size (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LACK Side Table (x2) | 55 x 55 x 5 cm each | Flat and thin — stack them |
| KALLAX 2x2 Shelf | 78 x 78 x 10 cm | Fits in sedan/SUV boot |
| STEFAN Chair (x2) | 52 x 46 x 10 cm each | Very flat, stacks well |
| MICKE Desk | 102 x 50 x 10 cm | Fits in hatchback boot |
| SKUBB Storage boxes | Flexible | Soft packs — fill gaps |
| GRUNDTAL Towel rail | 55 x 8 x 5 cm | Tiny — fits anywhere |
Use stowey's IKEA calculator to check this specific list against your car before you go.
What to Leave for Later or Deliver
- Sofa/couch: Almost always requires a van or delivery. IKEA delivery for large items is often $79–$99.
- Bed frame: A double MALM frame is multiple large boxes over 200cm long. Pay for delivery or hire a van.
- Large wardrobes (PAX): The boxes are huge. Delivery or a dedicated van day only.
- Washing machine and fridge: These should almost always be delivered. They are extremely heavy and need to stay upright.
Apartment-Specific Tips
- Book the lift in advance. Most apartment buildings require you to book the service lift for moving. Book at least 1 week ahead.
- Measure your doorframes and corridor widths. A sofa that fits in the van might not fit around the first corridor corner.
- Check if there is a loading dock. Most apartment buildings have a loading bay — confirm dimensions and booking with your building manager.
- Stairwell width matters. For walk-up apartments, measure the stairwell width before buying any large furniture.
The Borrow Before You Buy Rule
Before you spend money furnishing your first place, borrow anything you can. Parents, friends, and Buy Nothing groups are goldmines for kitchen gear, lamps, small furniture, rugs, curtains, and coat hangers. Give yourself a month living in the space before buying expensive items.
Plan Your IKEA Haul
Check exactly which IKEA items fit in your specific car before you leave home. No surprises at the car park.
IKEA Fit Calculator