Moving Into a New Apartment
Reduce the stress of moving into a new apartment with the following practical tips.
04/07/2023
Moving into a new apartment is an exciting and important time in your life. But it can also be very stressful.
Make sure you have enough money saved to pay for the initial costs of moving, including security deposits and first month's rent.
Schedule movers as soon as you know your move-in date. This will help ensure that they're available.
Set up your utilities
Many apartment complexes include some utilities in your rent, like water and trash. If you’re not sure what utilities are covered, check your lease or ask your landlord/property manager. If your electricity is not included, you’ll need to contact the provider directly and set up an appointment to turn on service in your new apartment.
Ideally, you want to set up your utilities a day or so before your move-in date. This will ensure that they are active when you need them and will give your old utilities time to be canceled (and switched back over to the landlord) before you leave. To set up your utilities, the utility companies will need to know your name, address, the date you need service started and possibly a credit or checking account number.
Get your keys
Whether you’re signing a lease or closing on a purchase, moving into your first apartment is a huge step. It gives you the freedom to design a space that fully represents your aesthetic and lifestyle.
If you’re going to use movers zeromaxmoving.com for the move, it’s a good idea to schedule them as soon as you know your move-in date. This will prevent any surprises down the road.
It’s also a good idea to go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep and what you want to sell or donate. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to pack on moving day. Having basic cleaning supplies on hand will also be helpful. This includes a vacuum or dustpan, trash bags, cleaning solution, paper towels, and a cleaning cloth.
Go through your belongings
Whether you're moving into your first apartment or getting back into the rental game, it's important to get your ducks in a row. That includes preparing to move, giving notice at your current apartment, and handling the little things that tend to fall through the cracks.
Look through your belongings and decide what you want to bring with you to your new home. You can also use this as an opportunity to clean, tidy, and purge items that you no longer need or use.
Keep in mind that you may be able to find free or cheap household items at local thrift stores or on social media marketplaces. This will help keep your expenses low and make your transition into your new home that much smoother.
Make a checklist
There are many things that go into buying a new apartment that you might not think of. To avoid getting overwhelmed, make a checklist as you begin shopping and packing.
This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what you still need and can buy accordingly. Also, it’s helpful to keep a digital version of your list so that you can easily edit, change, and expand it as needed.
For example, you might want to add a few items to your list like a bed frame, some curtains, and some command hooks. These are all smaller purchases but will help you make your new space feel more homey. You may also need to purchase a TV and some quality lighting. You’ll also probably want to invest in renters insurance.
Get organized
It’s a good idea to get as organized as possible before the move. Organizing your belongings before you start packing helps with the overall process, and it makes unpacking much easier.
It also saves time. For example, if you know
you won’t need your snow gear at the end of
July, it’s okay to pack it away early on.
Sort through each room and every drawer, cabinet
and closet before you start packing. Purge items
that don’t work for your new home, and donate or
throw away anything you no longer need. This can
help you declutter your new home and make it
feel more like a space that’s ready for you to
inhabit. It can also save you money on moving
fees. This can be a great opportunity to return
items that belong to family members or friends