Moving can be such an exhilarating, yet exhausting, experience. There’s the excitement of a new beginning in a new environment. There’s the thrill of decorating different spaces with different pieces of furniture.
There are neighbors to meet and unfamiliar streets to explore. There’s also the burden of sorting and packing up closets, drawers and cupboards filled with memorabilia collected over the years. Plus, there’s the underlying task of trying to find friends to help you move your overstuffed loveseat, giant television, and king size bed from one apartment to another.
It’s frustrating, but there are ways to make it easier on yourself. One way is to hire a moving company to help you. Sites like Moving Company Reviews can help you find suitable moving quotes and movers within your budget that have good reviews. Another key thing is to make a list of things you need to prepare before moving into your new rental apartment.
A list can be made up of several categories, one for each day of the week. It may take more time to complete each task, but the general idea is there. Each category also begins with the letter “C” to help remember the chore. Let’s see a quick overview.
- Day One – Connect with Landlords – Present and Future
- Day Two – Contact Utilities and Renter’s Insurance
- Day Three – Change Address
- Day Four – Consider Shopping
- Day Five – Collect and label your belongings
- Day Six – Clean
- Day Seven – Crash and Collapse – you’re finished
Day 1: Connect with Landlords – both present and future
Telling your present landlord that you’re moving out is common courtesy and most likely a clause in your lease. There may even be legal repercussions for not giving the landlord a proper notice for vacating your rental. It’s best to reread your lease and abide by the contract signed. Speak to your landlord about any issues that may incur. For instance, is there a moving out checklist that must be completed? Are there rules regarding where and when to drop off keys? Find out what happens to your security deposit. Ask the appropriate rental questions, so you won’t be caught off guard once you’re in your new place.
Don’t forget to contact your new landlord either. Find out when and where you can pick up your new keys. Is there a moving in checklist required by your new landlord? Do you know where to park while moving your furniture into your fresh apartment? Where do you pay the first month’s rent? Write up a list of questions to ask him or her in regard to guest parking or allowed rules inside the apartment complex. It’s better to be prepared than to be the problem.
Day 2: Contact Utilities and Renter’s Insurance
Time to call the utility companies. Make a list of all the utilities being used in your current apartment and inform them regarding your closing date. This is when all your electricity, gas, lights, etc. will need to be shut off. If these same companies are conducive for your new place, set up the times for when the utilities need to be turned on. Change your address as well. Make sure to set up new accounts for any additional utilities too. This one step can determine if you’ll have power on in your new apartment or be paying for an extra month on your old one.
Day 3: Change Address
Decide when you want to officially receive mail at your new place. Fill out all the forms for an official change of address. Some mail will be quicker than others to respond, but you don’t want to miss any important notices due to confusion from the mailman. Update your information also with your bank, credit cards companies, medical personnel, and any other people who may need this information. Don’t forget to tell grandma and great aunt Beatrice too. They’ll need to know where to send your birthday cards.
Day 4: Consider Shopping
Before moving into your new rental apartment, it may be smart to check out where the locations of your favorite stores are? Are there grocery stores nearby or do you have to travel ½ hour away to buy food? What restaurants are close? Is this apartment close to any gyms or department stores? How far will you have to go to find a gas station? Don’t be surprised when your tank reads empty and your nearest gas station is 20 miles away. Check out all the conveniences before you move. It will give you peace of mind on a chaotic and crazy day.
Day 5: Collect and label your belongings
This day may take the longest and can begin long before any leases are signed, or keys are allotted. When moving, it’s important to sort out any extra and unnecessary items in your possessions so they won’t be packed. Extra things take up extra space and won’t leave room for anything new and improved. The rule is that if you haven’t used it in the past year, you probably don’t need it. Of course, there’s always those special mementos that are too dear to leave or discard. Put those away in a specific box and mark it accordingly.
Gather boxes together of different sizes, along with packing tape, and markers. Label everything that is packed in the box, then assign what room it belongs to. This will save time and frustration for when you need something, whether you move the boxes yourself, or you hire professional movers.
Remember to also pack a separate box for the first day at your new place. This will cover all the necessities for you to be comfortable, and not be searching for hours or days for your coffee mugs, sheets or pillowcases.
Day 6: Clean
It’s important to according to the specs of your landlord. Take pictures of your place when it’s done. Then have the landlord critique it and make a note of it on your lease. Taking pictures is also helpful with your new place. Check for anything that’s broken or needs to be fixed or is missing. Show these to your new landlord. This will prevent you from being responsible for repairing such objects.
While you’re cleaning your old place out, it might be helpful to clean your new place too. The landlord may hire someone to come in and clean the basics, but nothing feels cleaner than when you do it yourself. The mere knowing that your toilet was actually washed and cleaned according to your liking, can give you a peace of mind. Make sure to include the appliances and cupboards too. While washing and scrubbing, pay special attention to corners, dark spaces, and underneath cabinets. This is where unsuspecting bugs and pests may dwell. You don’t need any unwelcome visitors scurrying across your floors while you sleep.
Day 7: CRASH and Collapse
The day before the big move, take some time to relax. Stay overnight with a friend, if necessary. Gather up your energy for the next morning. Prepare notes for anything that could happen, such as unexpected rain or snow, changes in the parking situation, etc. Try to plan how the day might flow. Keep a positive attitude and remain calm in the midst of the chaos. This one day could be so beneficial for the rest of the week to come.
In conclusion, moving into a new rental apartment takes preparation and consideration. Although most big moves take more than 7 days, the idea is still valid. Connect, contact, change, consider, collect, clean, and crash will help you to start the process and follow through successfully so your new home will be just as comfortable as your last one.
