Everything You Need to Know About Apartment Moving

Moving often marks the beginning of a new chapter in a person’s life. It’s an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and nerve-wracking.

Luckily, it can be more exhilarating than it is demanding – even with all that there is to do.

In this article, we’re going to cover everything there is to know about apartment moving. That way, moving goes smoothly and you’ll be ready to go on moving day.

Whether you’re moving to an apartment in the same neighborhood or to a new city, this article is for you!

Finding the Right Apartment

People tend to fixate on rental costs and location when looking for apartments. While these are important, there are many other apartment moving finances to consider.

For one thing, the security deposit and rent may only be half of the initial costs. Because depending on where you look, you may have to pay application and showing fees.

Often, tenants are on their own with heat, electricity, and water utilities. So, ask the landlord if things like garbage and water are included in the rental agreement.

Utilities won’t cost the same year round if you live in a 4 season climate. So, take the area’s climate into consideration. It can help you prepare for high heat bills in the winter and high energy bills in the summer.

Inquire about pet fees if you plan to get a pet or already have one. Also, ask about parking. You may be entitled to a parking spot if your building has a lot or garage, but this is not always the case.

Reading the Lease & Preparing Paperwork

This may seem obvious, but understanding the lease is a crucial step to apartment moving.

The lease is a legal document that binds you to an apartment. Which means if you don’t adhere to its terms and conditions, you could encounter trouble.

Read it, and read it again, and again. Make note of things you need clarification on. Leases can be full of legal text that’s complicated to decipher.

Go over the lease with the landlord before signing it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for clarification.

You can also negotiate parts of the lease – within reason. Landlords aren’t always open to negotiation, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Your landlord may request to see paperwork that proves your identity and ability to pay rent. He or she may ask for your driver’s license, recent tax returns, and proof of employment.

Scheduling & Planning the Move

After signing your new lease, your landlord will tell you the earliest date you can move in.

Make sure to schedule off work or school the day of the move. You may also want to take an extra day or 2 off to unpack.

You should also plan on how you’ll move everything in. Here are some things to consider:

• How will you move large items through the front or back entrances?

• How will you move large items up the stairways to upper-level apartments?

• Does your building have a freight elevator you can use on moving day?

• Will you have the assistance of roommates, friends, or family?

If you’re moving long distance, hiring a moving company is a given. Because the last thing you want to worry about with apartment moving is your belongings.

If you’re moving somewhere nearby, you may think you can save on not hiring movers. But things like beds, cabinets, dressers, and tables can be hard to relocate.

Movers can do an efficient job and help you cut down on the time it takes to move. Not to mention, they can transport your heaviest and most fragile items.

Call and schedule with the moving company at least 1 month in advance.

Downsizing & Packing

This is a good time to declutter and downsize. After all, the less you have, the less it will cost to move.

As you pack, sort the essentials from the non-essentials. Keep a suitcase of basic clothes and toiletries you’ll need easy access to the week of moving.

Some people sort by room. Others sort by categories, like linens, utensils, and miscellaneous items. Labeling your boxes is essential in either case.

If things like clothes, toys, and furniture are still in good condition, donate them. You can also sell things online or give them away as gifts.

Look for places that give away free boxes. Grocery stores, furniture stores, and other local retailers are your best bet. But you can also ask friends, family, and coworkers for some that they have lying around in good condition.

The ratio of large to medium boxes will depend on what you’re packing and how much. At any rate, try to get as many strong and sturdy boxes as possible.

Packing tape is another necessity if you want to avoid messes and keep things from breaking. For apartment moving, a few rolls usually suffice.

You can also ease the lifting process by using a furniture dolly. The moving company will most likely have some. But you can borrow one from a friend or relative for your own use.

Leaving Your Current Apartment

There are a few things to take care of at your current apartment before moving out of it.

First, you’ll need to transfer your utilities to your new address.

Schedule disconnection a few hours before moving. Not timing this out properly may mean that the landlord or new tenants can use the utilities on your bill.

Make sure to schedule electricity for move in day, and heat if you’re moving in the middle of winter. You may be able to hold off on setting up your Internet, but this depends on your own personal situation.

Apartment moving also calls for deep cleaning. This includes cleaning the refrigerator, oven, bathtub, closets, and any porches or balconies.

This is a good time to fix anything small like broken light bulbs and small holes in the wall. Clean and do everything necessary to get your deposit back.

Don’t leave any garbage behind. Make sure anything that you don’t want goes to the curb for the garbage or recyclable collectors.

After the movers have done their job, walk through the apartment one more time. Give it an extra mop or sweep, and make sure it’s in the cleanest condition possible.

Arrange an inspection and be present for it. If you can’t be there, document everything with photos.

And finally, hand in all keys that came with the apartment. Because you’re moving on!

Apartment Moving Made Simple

As you prepare to move to your new apartment, this is a good time to eliminate as much future stress as possible. That way, nothing goes wrong come moving day.

After all your hard work and preparation, make sure to celebrate. You deserve it!

For 24 years, we’ve been helping Canadians through their apartment moving experiences. And we’re here to help your transition go as smooth as possible.

Contact us today for your free moving quote!