You’re excited about moving into a new apartment.
But now you’re starting to stress about the preparation.
No need to worry! We understand how stressful preparing to move can be, but we’ve got you covered.
Here are eight great tips for moving to a new rental.
#1: Consider hiring professional movers
Sometimes it’s in your best interest to hire professionals.
They have all the necessary supplies to ensure a smooth move: boxes, tape, moving dollies, trucks, ramps to the truck and experienced workers.
Hiring professional movers reduces the chances your belongings or the rental will sustain damage. Furthermore, movers are insured, so if anything does happen, the moving company is responsible for paying you or your landlord.
#2: Check in with your landlord
After you’ve scheduled the professional movers or if you’re getting ready to move things yourself, you should let your landlord know the approximate time you’ll arrive on move-in day. When you notify your landlord, you may need to ask a couple follow-up questions depending on the place you’re moving into.
For example, if there’s an elevator in the building, you’ll want to ask if you need to schedule a time slot to utilize it. You’ll also want to ask about parking your moving truck. Your landlord might have a specific spot they want you to park.
Here are a few more things you’ll want to square away with your landlord before moving day:
- Keys for your new place
- Whether or not your landlord wants to be physically present for move-in day
- Whether or not you have a parking spot
#3: Buy a parking permit
In some cities, you may need to purchase a parking permit if there isn’t somewhere designated for you to park. Most places offer daily passes available for purchase online. You may need multiple passes to block enough space, depending on the size of your truck.
#4: Forward mail to your new address
Once you know your official move-in date, let the U.S. Postal Service know the date and have your mail forwarded. You can complete the necessary form online or go into the post office and fill it out in person.
This process is quite simple: enter your new address, choose whether your new address is temporary or permanent, choose whether it’s a family or individual address, and choose a forward date. Your forward date should be your move-in day.
When you move in, make sure your mailbox key works (if you need one) and check for any mail left by previous residents. You’ll want to make sure the landlord is aware of mail coming in from previous residents (if this is the case).
#5: Make sure utilities turn on the day before move-in day
You want to set things up so that your utilities are on the day before you move in. This way, you can ensure everything is working properly when you get to the new property.
You’re going to need electricity and water right away, so don’t wait to get these up and running.
#6: Get furniture sliders
If you and your buddies decided to take care of the move, then you’re going to want furniture sliders. These helps prevent scrapes on the floors as you move things into your new rental. You want to get your security deposit back, and scrapes on the flooring could hurt your chances with that.
#6: Organize your packing
Pack your belongings early to avoid the stress of rushing around the day of the move. Packing usually takes more time than people think it will, so it’s a good idea to get a head-start.
Here are some helpful packing tips for moving make a big difference:
- Pack plates vertically rather than putting them flat in a box. They’re less likely to break this way.
- Get creative with protective materials. Use newspaper to cushion items, socks to protect glassware and blankets to provide extra padding for furniture.
- Use saran wrap or something similar for open toiletries and food products. No one wants ketchup loose in their moving boxes.
- Label your boxes. Trust us. This makes moving so much easier.
- Consider leaving your clothes in the dresser and sealing the drawers with press-and-seal to keep your clothes from moving around.
- Take photos of electronics before taking them apart or keep the instruction manual handy, so you know where all the cords go when you unpack them in your new rental.
- Make sure you’re prepared before your movers or friends arrive to help. Also, placing your packed boxes in one area will expedite the moving process and save you money if your movers charge per hour.
- Pack your hangers in an easily accessible box. You won’t want to unpack every box to find hangers for the clothes you want to wear for the first couple of days.
- Keep cleaning supplies accessible. You’ll want to clean your old apartment after moving everything out and clean the new apartment before moving everything in.
- Place your necessities in a specific suitcase or clear plastic box that you can get to easily.
- For electronics, particularly televisions, it’s best to pack them in their original cases. However, if you didn’t keep the original cases, still take care when packaging them.
- Disassemble furniture that is too large to fit through doorways. As you take apart the furniture, measure everything to ensure the pieces will fit in the doorway of your new place.
- Lastly, it’s important to note that moving is a great time to get rid get rid of anything that you don’t need or haven’t used in a long time. You can sell items or donate them.
#7: Prioritize unpacking
Moving can be exhausting. Don’t feel like you need to unpack everything the day you move in. Maybe start by making your bed and get some much-needed rest. Then, unpack toiletries, towels and clothes for the first few days.
After unpacking the essentials, move onto the kitchen. That way, you can begin cooking that first week. Don’t feel guilty if you want to order takeout for a couple days, though! Who wouldn’t be too tired to cook after all that packing and unpacking? Maybe use this as a good excuse to try a restaurant in your new neighborhood.
Conclusion
Moving can be a stressful process. But it doesn’t have to be something you lose sleep over.
The tips in this article will help the process go smoothly and more efficiently. For more helpful tips when renting, check out our tenant renting manual here.
