Once you’ve officially signed your rental lease, it’s time to start preparing for your upcoming move! Moving into an apartment is an incredibly exciting venture regardless of where you live. However, the moving process can also be stressful if you aren’t experienced or knowledgeable about how to pack, how to move furniture, etc.
For assistance during this stressful time, consider hiring apartment movers to help you. With the right team and guidance on your side and with a few tips for moving into a new apartment, you’ll be settled into your new place in no time.
Tip #1: Save Up the Right Amount for Your Move
Let’s face it, moving is expensive. If you haven’t been saving for your upcoming move, this is an important first step. Many leases require that you pay the first and last month of rent upfront. In addition to this cost, you’ll also likely need to factor in an application fee, a security deposit, an administration fee, and maybe even a pet deposit. Make sure to ask the real estate agent or landlord about costs upfront, so you know how to prepare.
Utilities are another consideration for moving into an apartment. Some units require a deposit to simply turn utilities on. Make sure you have a good understanding of how utilities are paid and what your responsibilities are. Another cost to consider is your moving cost. You’ll need to purchase moving supplies such as boxes, tape, and packing paper to carefully compile your items. It’s oftentimes ideal to pay professionals when moving into your first apartment to make the process less stressful. Tipping is always appreciated, although it is not required.
Even if you don’t opt for professional movers and instead enlist the help of your friends and family, make sure to buy them food as a thank you. Finally, you should have some extra cash available on the day of the move to pay for basic grocery items.
Tip #2: Know How to Pack a Box
Having plenty of moving supplies on hand from the jump will make your move that much smoother. You’ll want to start by making lists to keep your packing process as organized as possible. Consider making lists as you pack your boxes to keep track of what items are in which boxes. Make sure to carefully label each box, so you know how to unpack them in your new space. There’s nothing more frustrating than not being able to find a basic item that you didn’t label properly.
Believe it or not, there is an art to knowing how to pack a box. If this is your first time moving into a new apartment, there are many tips to implement. For example, don’t pack your towels with the items from your linen closet. Instead, use them as extra padding at the bottom of boxes in which other fragile items will be packed. You can also use towels to fill empty box spaces to prevent items from rolling around.
Compiling moving boxes is easier than you may think. It’s always a straightforward option to purchase them beforehand. You can consider visiting your local home improvement store to see if they have extra boxes on hand. You can also visit local grocery stores to see what boxes you can take for free.
Here are some other tips for moving out for the first time:
- Keep your blankets accessible to wrap large, breakable items such as furniture or your television. Make sure to secure the blanket with packing tape.
- Utilize sandwich bags to compile small items and keep them contained. Think screws, nails, zip ties, or other small items.
- Stock up on plenty of wrapping paper and tape, you’ll go through a significant amount!
Tip #3: Have These Essentials When Moving Into a New Apartment
Speaking of supplies, make sure you compile the items you’ll need on the first day of your move. Other items can wait to be acquired at a later time, but factoring in the essentials for each room ahead of time is always a good idea.
Kitchen Necessities
Consider compiling some of the following kitchen necessities:
- Silverware
- Plates and bowls
- Mugs and glasses
- Dishtowels and paper towels
- Coffee maker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tupperware or storage containers
- Trash bags and trash can
- Ice cube trays
- Spatula
Bathroom Necessities
- Make sure you have what you need in the bathroom as well!
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Toilet brush and toilet bowl cleaner
- Bathmat
- Shower curtain and shower curtain rings
- Plunger
- Trash can
Bedroom Necessities
- Here are some bedroom necessities to compile:
- Bed frame and box spring
- Mattress and mattress topper
- Pillows
- Sheets, blankets, and pillowcases
- Laundry basket
- Hangers
- Curtains or blinds
- Lamps
- Fan
Household Necessities
Don’t overlook the general household necessities as well:
- Paper towel
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Vacuum
- Lightbulbs
- Bucket and mop
- First aid kit
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher detergent
Pantry Necessities
Finally, ensure your pantry is stocked with the basics:
- Bread
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Flour
- Coffee and tea
- Rice
- Cereal
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Canned vegetables and other non-perishable food items
Tip #4: Sort Out Your Belongings and Get Rid of Unneeded Items
As long as you start the packing process as early as you can, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to sort, organize, and get rid of your unneeded items. If you are downsizing, it is particularly important to purge the items that you’ll no longer need. You can donate gently used clothing or furniture to those in need. You can also try selling your items online if you have the time and energy to do so.
When it comes to purging, ask yourself whether or not you have used the item in a year. If not, it may be time to part ways. Once you have gone through your belongings and made some adjustments, now comes the time to organize them. Again, you’ll want to separate your items by room to make the unpacking process intuitive and easy.
Tip #5: Research Your New Neighborhood
As another tip for moving into a new apartment, conduct some research on the area. It’s always nice to have an idea of what your new neighborhood is like. Even if you’ve been there before, it’s ideal to look up local restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, doctors, etc. Doing some research beforehand can give you insight into logistical hurdles you’ll have to sort out once you’re moved in.
Tip #6: Consider Storage
A storage unit is a great option if you have excess furniture, clothing, or other items to unload before you settle into your new space. Many storage options offer both short-term and long-term storage facilities to safely house your items.
Tip #7: Make a Floor Plan of Your New Place
Moving into an apartment is much easier if you’re already aware of the floor plan. This will help you determine what you can and cannot bring. Assess the space that is available and measure accordingly. Specifically, you’ll want to measure the doors and windows of your new home in addition to the areas where you’ll be putting your furniture. This will help unveil which items are suitable for the new area and which can be sold or purged.
If you don’t have the right furniture to fit, you’ll need to purchase new furniture. The lead time for ordering furniture can be long, so ensure you do your necessary research beforehand. As simple as it sounds, referring to the floor plan can help you avoid rookie moving mistakes that are frustrating and tiring.
Tip #8: Pack Your Belongings
You’ll want to start the packing process as early as possible to avoid last-minute stress. Start by compiling the items that you don’t need daily access to, such as decorations, sentimental items, books, and wall art. You can also consider packing seasonal clothes that you aren’t currently wearing or dishware that doesn’t require daily use.
You’ll then want to organize your last-minute belongings so you can easily pack them as your moving date gets closer. Be sure to disassemble your furniture ahead of time, so you don’t need to do so right before the move.
How to move into an apartment is easier if you label both sides of each box. This makes it simple to identify which items are in which boxes. Labeling both sides also helps locate boxes when they are stacked on top of each other.
Tip #9: Clean Your Current Apartment
The final steps before your move are approaching! Many landlords utilize professional cleaning services once you are moved out, but it’s still helpful if you get your place in good shape before you depart. Wipe down the baseboards, countertops, appliances, showers, and other areas that have accumulated grime and dirt.
Tip #10: Change Your Address
The easiest way to change your address is by contacting USPS directly. All you need to do is enter your new address and select whether it is temporary or permanent. You’ll also need to select a forward mail date that corresponds with your moving timeline.
In addition to updating your address with USPS, you’ll want to update your address with your bank, credit card company, and any other subscriptions that you have.
Tip #11: Set Up Utilities
Another tip on what to do before moving into a new apartment is to set up utilities in your new space. Refer to your lease to see which utilities are your responsibility and which your landlord will cover. It’s common for your landlord to cover utilities such as water and trash, but you’ll likely be responsible for things like gas, electricity, cable, and internet.
Different service providers are available in different areas, so you may want to do some research about what providers are available. Some services even allow you to set up all of your utilities at once.
Tip #12: Consider Hiring Professional Movers
Finally, you’ll want to think about hiring professional movers if you haven’t considered this already. Hiring a professional team like Alliance Moving can significantly reduce the stress you feel surrounding your move. Not only can this cut back on your stress, but it can give you back a significant amount of time.
While it may take you hours to move everything from one location to another, professional movers know the right approach and system to make the process a breeze.
Our family-operated moving company is deeply committed to providing Chicagoland residents with unmatched moving services and an overall stress-free experience. If you’re interested in a free quote on your upcoming move, please reach out to us directly!
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