Updated on May 24, 2024
Congratulations, you have decided to move into a new apartment! This is an exciting time of having a new space to call your own as well as potentially learning a new city or area to learn the ins and outs of. Before you get too far into the process, there are several things you should do before your moving date arrives. These tips could save you from extra stress associated with your move and issues that might arise with misunderstandings or contract problems with your landlord.
Ask Your Landlord Important Questions
To prevent renter's remorse, you should ask some essential questions before selecting and moving into an apartment. Any reputable landlord or property management company should be able to answer these questions without issue for you. While this isn't an all-encompassing list, be sure to ask anything you might be confused about or unsure of - once you sign your contract, it can be challenging to break it if there is a stipulation you are highly unhappy with.
> Which utilities are and are not included in the rent?
> Are there any security deposits or non-refundable fees, and what are they for?
> What are the lease terms?
> Is parking included, or is there an additional fee?
> Are there any restrictions on decorating or making cosmetic changes?
> What maintenance items are covered under the lease, and what is the procedure for submitting a request?
> How much notice do you give before you enter the apartment, and are there any circumstances where you will enter the apartment without notice?
> How are tenant disputes handled?
> What is your guest policy?
> What is the apartment building's pet policy?
> What important documents will you need for the day you sign your lease?
What Do You Need to Move Into an Apartment?
The process of moving into an apartment doesn't differ much from that of moving into a typical home, but there are many obvious things you will need to take into consideration. One will be planning on cleaning the apartment before you fully move in. Some landlords hire cleaning companies to come in and do a standard cleaning of the unit after a tenant moves out, but we recommend not relying on that. Be sure to bring plenty of cleaning supplies to clean bathrooms, the kitchen, etc.
Get a feel for the parking situation early on and try strategizing where and how you will move your stuff into your apartment. Your complex might even have a move-in loading zone or parking spaces near your unit or entryway. Be sure you know the layout of the complex well enough so you are not stressing over it on the day of your move.
Speaking of moving day, now is the time to enlist some moving help and create a moving checklist to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Find a moving company that fits your needs
Now is the time to start scoping out a mover that can move you where you need to be when you need to be there. Traditionally, this meant renting a large moving truck the day of your move, packing it in a rush, driving it to your new apartment, unloading it, and then dropping it off - all in one day or afternoon/morning. This kind of rushing can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress and hassles. That is why portable moving and storage containers are your best bet for apartment moving.
For one, a portable container from 1-800-PACK-RAT can fit inside a standard parking space, meaning you won't have a giant truck getting in your or other tenants' way when you unload. You also will have as much time to pack and unpack your container as you need. We give our customers as much time as they need to pack, meaning you don't have to do everything in one day. So, regardless of whether your unit is on the 1st floor or 10th floor, you don't have to rush to get everything done.
Another plus is you can leave all of the driving to us when you use portable moving containers. No more driving a large moving truck all over town or navigating tight apartment parking lots - we do everything for you so you can focus on all the other tasks involved with an apartment move. We make all of the logistics simple.
Find moving help for moving day
It can be extremely difficult to move by yourself - so before the big day is even on the horizon, start enlisting moving help now. Talk to your friends and family and see who can help with your moving day tasks. It doesn't have to be strictly labor-intensive tasks - some can be on food or water duty, getting essentials from nearby grocery stores, etc.
If help doesn't come easy for your moving day, you can also hire professional movers to assist you. 1-800-PACK-RAT can even suggest trustworthy third-party professional labor assistance who can help take all your packed and heavy items, place them in your container, and then unpack them into your new apartment. If you go this route, book your services as soon as possible to get the date you need, especially during summer.
Purchase Renter's Insurance
Every landlord or property management company typically requires renters insurance, but even if your new leasing company does not need it, you should strongly consider it. For a relatively low monthly cost, renter's insurance will cover the cost of your lost or damaged possessions due to burglary, fires, vandalism, etc.
Even if you don't own the unit you live in, you do own the stuff that resides in it - it is important to insure your apartment the same way you would a home or car.
Bonus Tip: Avoid getting off on the wrong foot with your landlord by documenting any damage to the unit BEFORE you start moving in. Any cosmetic damage, non-working appliances, wall damage, etc., should be noted when you first visit your new apartment, and a list should be given to the landlord so they are aware of the damages and that you are not liable for them.
Set Up Utilities
Your lease should detail which utilities the landlord covers and those that are your responsibility. Your landlord should also provide a list of companies with an existing relationship with the apartment complex.
To give yourself ample time to move, schedule the disconnection of your current utilities one day after you move out and then arrange for reconnection at the new apartment the day before you move in. Double-check with your utility companies to ensure everything is set for the day you move in.
Update Your Address
Changing your address is one aspect of the moving process that can get overlooked. You don't want to miss essential bills, checks, and deliveries while you are in the process of moving. Another issue that can arise from not updating your address is identity theft. If the next tenant in your old home gets important banking info or bills, information like your social security number could be at risk.
The fastest and easiest way to update your mailing address with the United States Postal Service is to change it online. You can also go to your local post office and request a Mover's Guide packet, including a change of address form.
We recommend not relying entirely on the USPS to forward every piece of mail. While they will forward as much as they can for up to 12 months, items will fall through the cracks and miss coming to your new apartment. Start contacting all the companies you work with or have services through - banks, credit cards, magazine subscriptions, insurance policies, loans, etc. - during those 12 months and update them directly with your new address to avoid any issues.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT Help With Your Upcoming Apartment Move
Your new apartment community may have specific requirements for booking elevators, moving truck access, and more. Check with management in advance to ensure there are no surprises on moving day and any rules associated with your moving solution of choice.
Let 1-800-PACK-RAT make your move easier no matter what your situation is with our all-steel constructed, weatherproof containers that can be dropped off and picked up on your schedule. They are perfect for both local and long-distance moves, and if you need storage, we can provide both temporary and long-term storage as well at any one of our nationwide, secure storage facilities!
We simplify moving and storage by bringing you the solution, giving you as much time as you need to pack, and handling all of the logistics and driving. Give us a call today or go online for a free quote, and let us make moving and storage simple for you!