Around 40 million people in the U.S. move every year.
If you’re planning your next big move, you’re definitely not alone! Whether you are moving just down the street or to a new city or state, millions are moving at the same time.
Moving to a new apartment can be an exciting new chapter in a person’s life. Even though it happens often, moving is still a difficult and tiring process.
Whether you are moving by yourself or hiring apartment movers, it will probably be stressful and there are a lot of things to be prepared for the big day. It doesn’t matter if this is the first time you are moving or the tenth, it still is a stressful and demanding process.
However, if you’re dreading the big day, or unsure how to make the moving process go smoothly, don’t worry we will share everything you can do to make things easier on yourself.
As anyone who has moved can tell you, planning ahead can make the process much easier. With that in mind, we have a list of the most useful apartment moving tips to help you prepare for your next move.
Organization and planning tips
Write a list
It may sound simple but at least a couple of weeks before your move, write a list of everything you need to organize, change, pack, clean etc. There is a lot more involved than you think and also a lot of hidden costs with moving so it’s better to be realistic and to have everything written down. You will be under a lot of stress, you don’t want to forget something important.
Set your budget
Moving can be expensive, but setting a budget can help you save money on your move. Your budget will help determine if you can afford apartment movers or if you need to make a DIY move.
A realistic moving budget will ensure that your move will not cost you more than you can afford.
If you are a member of the military or moving for a job, your moving expenses may be tax-deductible. Do some research to see if your situation qualifies.
If so, be sure to keep a record of all your moving expenses.
Give notice
Your lease will specify how much notice you need to provide your landlord or management company that you’re leaving.
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Get my free quoteTypically, that’s 30 days – but some properties require 60 or 90 days.
Your lease will also specify how you need to give your notice (it’s usually required in writing).
Make sure to get it all correct, or you could find yourself paying additional rent for an apartment you no longer live in.
Research apartment movers
Once you set your budget, you’ll know whether or not you can hire professional apartment movers or if you’ll make a DIY move.
If hiring apartment movers, it’s time to research top moving companies.
Start by getting referrals from friends and family. Don’t forget to read online reviews as well.
Also, make sure to compare quotes from several companies before you make a decision.
Hire apartment movers
Hiring apartment movers can make things infinitely easier and drastically reduce the stress of your move.
They’ll know how to properly move everything, including your electronics, breakables, etc.
Don’t forget – you may need to provide your leasing office with a copy of the moving company’s proof of insurance.
Find this out ahead of time, so you can drop off a copy at the management office before moving day.
Declutter your home
Moving is the perfect time to declutter. Sort through all your things and donate or throw away anything you no longer need.
You can also give some things to your family and friends.
This step will save you packing time and give you more space on the moving truck. And it is a great way to start a new life chapter without a lot of things you no longer need or use.
Plan your meals
If you are packing up your kitchen, be sure to plan your meals for the days your items are packed.
You could prepare freezer meals that are easy to warm up and enjoy or just plan on eating out for a few nights or takeout if you are looking to save some money.
Plan the move out day with management
Your building management may have specific move-out requirements.
Check with management in advance to make sure you’ve covered your bases and that you have time to do everything you are required to do.
- Moving containers – If you want to do a self-move, you may find using portable moving containers attractive. However, you’ll need to make sure they can be delivered and stored on the property at both your current and future location.
- Elevators – You don’t want your movers to arrive only to discover that you were supposed to reserve the service elevator ahead of time. Many properties won’t allow you to use the main elevator because it will inconvenience current residents, so make sure to reserve it in advance.
- Parking – Can your movers park at the curb in front of the door or do they need to park in a specific place? Can you reserve a space close to the door? This applies to a self-move, too, whether you have rented a moving truck or you have a couple buddies helping with their pickup trucks.
- Certificate of Insurance – as mentioned above, sometimes if you are moving in or out of a building, the building management requires proof that the apartment movers are insured. In that case you need to provide them with a company’s Certificate of Insurance.
Transfer utilities/mail
When you are moving from one apartment to another or a home, there is a lot more administrative work than you would think. Don’t forget to:
- Disconnect your power & gas from your old place and connect at your new;
- Organize to get your internet connected (& home phone if you have one);
Redirect your mail for a month; - Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance, medicare, doctors, gym, mobile provider etc ;
- Update your automatic payments – Check when your new rent payments start & old ones finish ;
- Once you have your lease – get a parking permit for your new area so you don’t get a ticket;
- Bonus tip: We would also suggest putting in an online order for your groceries to be delivered on the day or the day after you move to save you havin