Moving out of an apartment and into a new one is not less overwhelming than moving from one house to another. Even if you live alone, you probably have a lot of stuff to pack and move and a lot of things to check off your to-do list.
Whether this is your first or fourth move, apartment moving tips should make things easier for you. Here are nine quick and simple apartment moving tips:
Tip #1: Warn your landlord long before moving out
When you decide to move out of your current apartment, you should first notify your landlord that you will not be renewing your lease.
Take a look at your lease, as it should state how much notice time you are required to give your landlord. It might be 30 days or even 60 or 90 days.
Be sure to warn your landlord, so you won’t have to pay rent for an apartment where you don’t live anymore.
Tip #2: Be sure to start packing early
The worst thing you could do is wait until the last minute to start packing. Start looking for boxes and packing your belongings months before your move if you can.
A good apartment moving tip is to start by packing non-essential items such as seasonal decorations and clothing, knick-knacks, keepsakes, books, and any item you don’t need to use daily.
Then, as moving day gets closer, pack the items you use more frequently.
Tip #3: Rent a moving truck or a portable storage container
If you decide to hire movers, schedule your move with a moving company week in advance.
If you want to handle your move with the help of friends and family, you will have to rent a moving truck or a portable storage container.
Portable storage container rentals are a good option for those not ready to move into their new apartment right after moving out. These containers can be packed just like a moving truck and moved to a different location for temporary storage.
Tip #4: Don’t pack things you don’t need or don’t like
Wouldn’t it be great if you had less stuff to pack? It’s possible if you take some time to eliminate the clutter.
Look through your belongings, and decide which items you want to keep. Place items you don’t need or don’t like in a box or a bag, and be sure to give them to someone, donate them to charity, or sell them before moving out.
Tip #5: Label your boxes properly
Labelling your boxes properly is important, especially if you start packing months in advance. Use a marker to write on stick-on labels or your boxes.
But don’t just write the room where each box should go. Take a few seconds to write a short description of what’s inside.
Since you will probably not unpack all your boxes on the same day, having a description of each box’s content will make things easier for you whenever you are looking for a specific item.
Tip #6: Measure the space of your new apartment
Do you feel like your new apartment might be smaller than your old one? It’s best to make sure before you move in with all your furniture.
Measure each room of your new apartment, then measure large furniture such as your couch and dining table. If you realize that some of your furniture will simply not fit into your new apartment, don’t waste time and energy moving them.
See if you could sell them before moving out.
Tip #7: Clean both apartments
You will probably want to clean your new apartment before settling in. But it’s also a good idea to clean your old apartment and make a few simple repairs before moving out.
Why? Because if the apartment is very dirty, with stains on the carpet and holes in the walls, you might not be able to get your security deposit back.
Take a moment to patch holes and clean and repair anything that needs some attention. If you painted the walls, you might need to paint them their original colour.
Tip #8: Schedule your installation appointments in advance
Schedule your installation appointments before moving day if you don’t want to spend some time without electricity, cable, and an internet connection.
Ideally, you should have the utilities turned off at your current apartment after the day you move out and have them turned on at your new apartment one day before moving day. If that is not possible, try to schedule an installation appointment as soon as possible after moving in.
Tip #9: Take a moment to make your address change
Finally, don’t forget to make your address change. It could be a good idea to list all the companies and services that need your new address so you don’t forget anything.
Of course, forget to notify your friends and family as well!
