4 Do’s And 2 Don’ts Of Moving To A New Apartment
Moving into a new apartment can be an exciting venture. Whether you’re relocating to be closer to your workplace or just a change in scenery, moving to a new neighborhood allows you to experience a new environment and meet new people.
While moving to a new apartment can be a thrilling change to look forward to, it can also be stressful. For one, you’ll need to research the best place that suits your needs and is accessible to necessities. Fortunately, the internet is full of helpful resources that can help you find a suitable apartment easily. You can also ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.
In addition, part of the process includes packing your belongings, which most people tend to dread and dislike. After all, it can be daunting as you also have to juggle other things to ensure your moving day goes without a hitch.
With that, here are some do’s and don’ts to help you prepare for your upcoming move.
Do’s
To help you get started, here are the things to do before moving to your new apartment:
Prepare A Moving Checklist
Having a checklist allows you to be more organized in preparing for your big move. You can start by listing all the supplies you need to pack your things, such as moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, multi-colored markers, trash bags, and box cutters, to name a few.
Aside from that, you could also make a list of everything you need to do. This includes contacting service providers to set up utilities in your new home, updating your registered address with your subscriptions and bank, and even hiring professional movers.
Call Your New Landlord
At this point, you’re likely to have a moving date already. And as you do your preparations, contact your new landlord to inform them of when you’re planning to move in and coordinate the logistics to ensure a more seamless and convenient process.
For instance, you can ask where you can park your vehicle or the moving truck to unload your things. You could also finalize the time or schedule, so they can make the necessary arrangements and inform the current tenants of the apartment building since you’re likely to use or occupy the elevator or stairs when transporting your things to your unit.
Pack Your Items Efficiently
While this is perhaps the most time-consuming and tedious part of moving, one of the best ways to go through this process smoothly is to start packing early. You can start packing things that you don’t usually need. For instance, books and other clothes and shoes you don’t often use. This could also be a good time to sort your belongings and identify which ones you can dispose of and donate or keep.
A tip to note when packing fragile items like glassware is not to skip using bubble wraps or adding fillers inside the box to minimize the chances of breakage during transit. Ensure that you also secure the boxes with packaging tape. As for the labeling, you can use multi-colored markers to label your boxes properly for an easy time identifying what’s inside when unpacking.
And lastly, one of the best packing tips to keep in mind is to prepare an essentials bag containing things you can use before, during, and after the move. This can include a change of clothes, toiletries, medicines, mobile phone or laptop charger, and other personal documents. With an essential bag, you can have quick access to necessities instead of rummaging through multiple boxes.
Consider Hiring Professional Movers
While moving your belongings to your new apartment is something you can do on your own, there are instances wherein you may need to call professionals to help you. For instance, if you’re packing large furniture, it may be best to work with moving companies to help ensure you pack and transport them safely to your new apartment. With their expertise, you can have the assurance that your belongings will arrive at your new place in one piece.
With this, research the best movers within your area. But aside from assessing their reputation and experience, don’t forget to compare the rates and services offered by each moving company to help ensure you get the best deal.
Don’ts
Aside from knowing the things you must do, it’s equally important to know the things you should avoid. These include:
Don’t Forget To Inspect Your Apartment
While most apartments typically come furnished, there may be instances wherein few repairs or renovations are needed. With that, don’t forget to inspect the apartment for possible issues. For example, check the taps and ensure there are no leaks. Talk to your landlord immediately should there be maintenance concerns needed to be addressed.
Moreover, if your new landlord allows it, you can have your new place’s walls repainted. Or perhaps, you wish to install custom shelves or built-in cabinets. Regardless, before your moving day, ensure that all modifications necessary are done to ensure your new home is ready for occupancy.
Don’t Overlook Setting Up Utilities
Another thing you shouldn’t forget as you prepare for your moving day is setting up your utilities. The earlier you can call your service providers to have them connect your internet, water, gas supply, mailbox, and electricity, the better. This can help ensure that all are set in place before you start unpacking your belongings and using your new home.
Conclusion
Moving to a new apartment is something to look forward to. Although notably, the process is typically stressful and tedious. Fortunately, some tips and tricks can help make your moving journey more seamless and efficient. And with the do’s and don’ts listed above, hopefully, you can be guided as you plan your upcoming move.