Apartment Moving Tips
Moving into a new apartment can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. To make the process smoother, we have compiled a list of tips and hacks to help you prepare, pack, and settle into your new space with ease.
How to Prepare for Moving into an Apartment in 8 Steps
1. Notify Your Landlord of Your Move
Check your lease agreement to determine the notice period required by your current apartment complex. Typically, a notice of 30 to 60 days is necessary. This will ensure that you comply with the terms of your lease agreement and avoid any potential legal issues.
2. Make a List
Make a list of all the items you'll need for your move and their estimated cost. Whether it's new furniture, packing supplies, or a moving truck, having a predefined budget will help you prioritize your expenses. Remember, preparation is key to a successful move, so take the time to plan and budget accordingly.
3. Transfer Your Information
Start the process of switching your utilities and submitting a change of address form as soon as possible. This entails notifying your service providers, updating subscriptions, and modifying your billing information for credit cards and renters insurance.
4. Hire Moving Help (or Your Friends)
Ask your friends, family, or future roommate for assistance, or consider hiring professional movers. If you seek help from friends and family, be prepared to compensate them, even if it's just by providing lunch for the day.
5. Rent a Moving Truck
If you require more space than your vehicle can provide, rent a moving truck in advance to reduce the number of trips required to transport your belongings. Typically, a 10 or 15 ft. moving truck is large enough for an apartment.
6. Deep Clean and Make Small Repairs
Take down any hanging photos or artwork and patch up the holes. Clean the bathrooms, kitchen appliances, and sinks in advance to avoid these tasks on moving day. Note that certain areas may require cleaning after your belongings are removed.
7. Measure New Apartment
Measure each room in your new apartment to determine what furniture will fit and what won't. This step will help you decide if any items need to be stored in a self-storage facility.
8. Declutter and Donate
Sort through your belongings while packing and set aside items you no longer need or use. This not only helps to declutter your space, but also benefits others who may need these items
Packing and Organizing
Gather Your Moving Supplies
Apartment Moving Kits – One way to save time when gathering moving supplies is to start with a pre-assembled moving kit. In many cases, moving kits have everything you need to start packing your things. The Easy Pak Box Kit from U-Haul has all the moving essentials that are commonly used to pack a one bedroom or studio apartment, making it a one-click packing solution that is guaranteed to save you time and make moving easier overall.
Additional Moving Supplies – Of course, an apartment moving kit may not be enough. In that case, there are plenty of other moving supplies available – from TV boxes to wardrobe boxes to mirror boxes – that will certainly come in handy. To save time, you can order moving boxes and other supplies online, then have your products delivered right to your doorstep!
Label Your Boxes
When you get to your new home, you do not want to have to spend extra time guessing what is in each box. Placing moving labels on your cardboard boxes will help you easily determine what is in each box when you unpack. You can take labeling boxes to the next level by using the U-Haul My Belongings Organizer. This feature available in the U-Haul App helps you take digital inventory of your boxes and their contents. Add specific labels, photos, and take that information with you wherever you go. Learn more about the My Belongings Organizer here.
Start with Non-Essentials
Start packing up your least-used items at least three weeks prior to moving out. This will make the process of packing up a lot easier. Some non-essentials could include out-of-season clothes, decorations, and tools. Right before your moving day approaches, pack a box of everything that you will need that first night in your new apartment, such as sheets, some clothes, dinnerware, and your phone charger.
Consider Plastic Moving Boxes
Consider renting plastic moving boxes, like U-Haul Ready-To-Go Boxes, as an environmentally friendly packing option. These boxes offer added protection for your belongings during inclement weather and maximize storage space when stacked in your moving truck. Simply return them once you've unpacked and settled into your new apartment.
Moving Day: Tips for Moving Out of An Apartment
Finish Any Last-Minute Cleaning Tasks
Most places require a final walk-through with the landlord. As you finish unloading your boxes, be sure to look around for any trash that needs removing or anything else that requires cleaning so that you can have a successful walk-through and have a better chance at getting your deposit back.
Do a Final Sweep of the Old Apartment
Before leaving for the final time, finish all the remaining tasks. First, check all of the closets, cabinets, drawers and bathrooms for anything that may have been forgotten. Next, turn off the thermostat and all the lights. The final task is to hand over the keys to your old place.
Moving Day: Tips For Moving into a New Apartment
Do an Initial Walk-Through with the Landlord
Walk through your new place with the landlord, before any box is brought in. Here, you will want to take photos and detailed notes of any chips in the paint, blemishes on the carpet, or issues with the apartment overall. This documentation becomes important when you are getting your security deposit back. If you have extra time, do a light sweep and mop of the floors before unpacking your furniture.
Unload and Unpack
If you rented a moving truck, remember to clean and refuel it after the boxes are unloaded, and return it by your drop-off date. Unpack the most important things first, such as stuff for making your bed, kitchen utensils and toiletries. Then, you can work your way through the rest of your boxes.
Plan a Housewarming Party
Breathe. You did it. Don’t forget to celebrate your exciting accomplishment with all your loved ones. Invite them over and show off your new home.
Moving into an apartment doesn’t get any easier, but it does not have to be a stressful time. With some planning, organization and moving resources, these tips and tricks will make your move a breeze.