Moving Tips Print E-mail
Moving ranks as one of the most stressful events in our life, and most of us will tackle moving into a new apartment several times. Reduce unexpected surprises with proper planning and research.

  1. Tally up all your belongings. Make an inventory of furniture and large items, such as floor lamps, mirrors, and the ironing board. Eyeball the rest of your stuff to see how many boxes you will need.

  2. Determine which moving option is best for you: renting a truck and moving yourself or hiring a professional Mover. Think about your budget for moving into the apartment, physical capability to lift heavy items, and time constraints.

  3. Figure out if you need to rent storage space. If your new apartment is too small for all your belongings, consider storing some of your items. Also, if must move out of your old apartment before you can move into your new one, store your stuff until you're allowed to move into your new apartment.

  4. Research storage companies. When researching these companies, keep in mind how much space and time you will need. Remember you can stack items, so you may be able to downgrade to a smaller space than you had expected.

  5. Research moving truck rentals and professional movers. After deciding which moving option you will use, research more than one company. There are numerous truck rentals and moving companies, some of which are efficient and timely and others which will which break your items. Reviewing multiple companies will help you find one that is affordable and competant.

  6. Research the best moving times. Some apartment buildings restrict moving to certain hours. Make sure you schedule the movers or truck rental hours within these requirements. Try also to avoid periods with rush-hour traffic.

  7. Ask a friend to help you move. Having a friend on moving day can make a huge difference. Not only can they help watch for careless handling of fragile items or help you load and unload furniture, but they can keep you sane! Ask your friend early, so you know which day to schedule the truck rental or moving company.

  8. Schedule the moving day with the truck rental or moving company. Once you know when you can call off work, your friend's availability, and the apartment's hours for moving, schedule a time to pick up the truck or for the movers to arrive.

  9. Begin packing. Allocate at least a week to pack. Allocate more if you work full time or go to school. Never wait until the last minute. Packing is tiring and takes a lot of planning. It's wise to take off from work the day before and the day of your move, in case of any last-minute errands and cleaning.

  10. Clean. If your landlord has to make many repairs or do heavy cleaning, some of these expenses could be taken out of your security deposit. So, before you leave your apartment, sweep the floors, wipe off the counters and inside the fridge, and clean the bathroom. Fill in any holes in the wall with spackling paste.

  11. Walk through your apartment with the landlord or representative. Schedule a walk-through with your landlord, if you're uncertain about the condition of your apartment. You can discuss anything that needs to be done to ensure that you get your security deposit back.

  12. Moving Day. It's time to Move! Finish last-minute packing of toiletries and bedding. Load the rental truck or wait for the movers. Do one last walk-through to make sure your apartment is clean. Lock the door and remember to return the key.
 
[ Back ]