Moving Checklist and Gameplan

Did you know that 1 out of 8 Americans think that Moving is more stressful than going to jail? Yes, you heard it right! In fact, many studies have shown that moving can be very tiring on the body and mind. 

And this is why it's important to have a plan of action before and during your move-in day. This way, once you move into your new house or apartment rental, you can fully enjoy all its amenities.

So keep reading to learn how to move the right way.

How to Prepare for an Apartment Rental or New Home

A rental agent can be very helpful. However, once you have found your dream rental, everything else is in your hands. So the first thing you want to do after signing a lease with property management is to start looking at moving companies.

You should look at at least 5 or 10 companies. This way, you get the best deals. When inquiring about prices, ensure you ask for accurate quotes. A lot of the time, companies will only offer quotes based on changing factors. So, ensure you know how much you are paying before doing so.

Find Movers That Offer Refundable Deposits

Most movers will ask you for a deposit in order to save you a spot. A deposit also saves the company if you cancel last minute. These deposits can get very pricey. But you can avoid this by hiring a company that does refundable deposits.

Some companies may have higher deposits if they are refundable. However, in the long run, you will pay a lot less!

Start Preparing for the Move Mentally and Physically

A Leasing Agent or Leasing Agency will encourage most movers to prepare for their move 3 months in advance! A Realtor will say this because there are many important factors to think about when Home Selling.

The first is the clean-out phase. The clean-out phase can take a week or so depending on your estate.

If you are downsizing, you will have to make arrangements for some of your belongings. For example, do you plan on throwing your items away, donating them, selling them, or maybe putting them in a storage facility? 

Another factor to consider is if you're physically able to pack and carry your belongings. If you are physically disabled, you will need to hire a Moving company that also packs your belongings, moves them, and then unpacks them for you.

Lastly, do you have the supplies to move your belongings? Even if you are not downsizing, you will need boxes, tape, and other packing supplies. These supplies may get expensive. So, ensure you have a set budget for these costs.

Notify Your Child's School or Daycare

When speaking with a leasing agent, they will be able to give you information on the neighborhood. This will help you will learn about the schools, crime statistics, and more.

So, start planning your life before Leasing a new place. For example, if you have young kids, start enrolling them in the best local schools. You should also remember to un-enroll them from their current school or daycare.

During this time, it's important to discuss the move with your child. Moving will be just as stressful for them as it will be for you. 

Get Your Records in Order

The U.S Postal Service requires you to alert them to any addresses changes. This way, you will void identity theft and stolen items. So, remember to change your address so that important papers can go to the proper location.

Next, if you are Home Buying out of the state, you'll need a new license. In some states, you have to be a resident for more than 30 days to be eligible for a license. However, we highly suggest you get it done sooner if it's possible.

After this, you'll want to set up your new bills. So, make sure you sign up for electricity, gas, cable, interns, etc. You should also make sure any unpaid bills are taken care of before the move. Lastly, if you have any subscription services, ensure you change the address.

Clean Your Home

If you have a Realtor, they will ask that your old home be presentable after you move. Be sure to patch up any walls, remove any studs, clean the floors, remove stains, and vacuum. 

You can do any "fixer-uppers" a week before the move. And then do a deep clean two days before the official move. By doing so, you will have less to worry about when the date gets closer.

Things to Do the Day Before Moving 

The day before you move can be very stressful, which is why you shouldn't leave anything to the last minute. However, here are simple tasks that can be done the day before moving in!

First, your boxes should be all packed and ready to go for the movers. However, you can take it a step forward and write notes on the boxes. For example, if the item is fragile or not.

Note if the item needs to be placed at a certain temperature. And you can even write down where you want this box to be placed. This will help the movers and anyone who assists in the move.

You should also do any last-minute tasks like dropping off any rentals or maybe giving your neighbor back that dish you forgot about. After doing this, you should start your pet's arrangements, if you have any. For example, do you plan on taking your pets to the new location first and then moving everything else in? Or do you plan on putting them in daycare while you move? 

Things to Do the Day of the Move

Even if you hired a full moving team, you will still need to be prepared for anything. So, ensure that you wake up early, get a good breakfast, and drink a lot of water. This way, when the moving process starts, you will have all the energy!

And during the move, ensure that everything has a purpose and an order. So, make sure you are moving all of the big things first and then grabbing the delicate or smaller items. 

Verify that everyone is helping out and that they are hydrated, especially if you are moving in the summer. And anyone doing heavy lifting should be wearing the appropriate gear to avoid injury.

Once you get everything into the truck, you will want to take one last look through. Be sure you didn't leave anything behind in a hidden space, fridge, closet, patio, etc. And if you were in a rental, ensure the place is clean with no damages. If it's not, you will need to pay for Property Management.

Moving Into Your New House or Apartment Rental

Once you have arrived at the new location, you can start the final phase of the moving process--unpacking! This phase can be the most stressful part for many movers.

However, if you execute your move with a set plan, everything will go smoothly. So when you first arrive at your new location, go inside your home. Look to see that everything is clean and clear from items. 

If it's summertime, ensure you turn on the AC if it's not already on. If you have pets, grab them first and put them in a small room with water and food. The bathroom or closet will do just fine as long as you check up on them periodically. 

Then, start hauling your items in. Of course, if you used a moving service this may not apply to you. But if you did not hire a moving service, ensure you have someone for every item. 

For example, the kids could get all of the small items like posters, paintings, and chairs. Then, the adults can carry in bigger furniture like couches, beds, tables.

Once you have all the unboxed-larger items, start getting the boxed items. And remember to place the boxes in the correct location, this will save you so much time later!

Once you have everything out of the moving truck, then you can start unpacking. We do not recommend moving in your items and unpacking at the same time as this will create clutter. Instead, move everything in first and then begin to unpack.

Remember that everything does not have to be unpacked in one day. You can do the necessities first like food, toiletries, clothes, and bedroom items. Once you have unpacked everything, remember to recycle any boxes or plastic. 

Moving Made Easy 

Moving into a new apartment rental or house can be stressful. But hopefully, after reading these helpful tips, you will have an easier moving day!

If you are wanting to move soon, contact us today today to speak to one of our leasing agents.