Moving into a new apartment is an exciting experience, but it can also be an overwhelming one. From packing up your belongings to coordinating with a moving company, numerous tasks exist before settling into your new home.Â
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you stay organized throughout the moving process and ensure you remember all important steps. Whether planning a DIY move or hiring a moving company, our checklist will ensure everything runs smoothly and stress-free. So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s start making your move to your new apartment enjoyable and successful!
Organize Your Home and Declutter
What is the key to any moving checklist, whether apartment or otherwise? Organization.
The cleaner the house, the less work it will be to move. First, you should consolidate, sell, donate, return, and minimize everything you take. Now is the time to clean up and prepare for your long journey.
Decide what you want to take with you before you begin packing up your home. It’s possible to store extra items in storage, but it may be easier to eliminate items you don’t need.
The following are some of the best ways to get rid of clutter before moving:
1. Clothing Donation
Donate clothes that you don’t wear. You might not need a dozen coats if you are moving to a climate with warmer temperatures. If you are moving to a place with milder temperatures, consider ditching some pairs of shorts.
2. Reassess the Media You Use
You can sell any extra media, including books, records, or other items. Consider an eReader or digitizing all your music. You can reduce your media library with digital media without losing movies, music, or stories you love.
3. Return the Borrowed Item
Remember to return any library books, personal items, or borrowed tools. This is a nice thing to do and will save you time during your move. You may have to pack something only to send it back.
4. Sort Out Your Kitchen
Sort out your dishes and eating tools, and eliminate the extras. Consider getting rid of small, heavy appliances. (Do you need that quesadilla machine?) You don’t need to throw away old cookware.
5. Consolidate Your Junk Drawers
Sort through cabinets and drawers. Sort through junk drawers and cabinets. It’s important to look through your drawers and decide if you want to bring any miscellaneous items.
6. Sale
You can sell valuable items you no longer need via eBay, Craigslist, or a garage sale. We suggest you start early. This could take a while. You may be surprised at how many people want the things you don’t need. You could make a lot of money if you move into a home that is already furnished.
7. Keep Track
Create a simple list of your essential and most important items. Listing every spoon and fork is unnecessary, but an inventory of the most essential items can be very helpful. Knowing what you own will make you less likely to buy duplicates or lose items.
The packing process is less stressful after you have decluttered. It can also be refreshing to move with a blank slate. There’s no reason to be weighed down by your belongings when you embark on a journey that will change your life.
Budget Your Move
Budgeting is a must-have on any apartment checklist. Moving can cost you a lot of money if you plan and wait to try to solve problems immediately. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from your family and friends with easier tasks.
You can hire a professional moving company but may not get the best value. Assess your financial situation before making any decisions.
Here are some key steps for reducing moving costs and creating a budget to move:
8. Consider the Season
Did you know moving services are more in demand during the summer and early autumn? Due to the increased demand, prices may be higher in summer and early fall. Driving through snow and ice can be more difficult and unpleasant. Keep an eye on both your wallet and your lease. Weigh up the pros and cons. You can change your lease from a year to a year to avoid expensive seasons.
9. Give Notice
Give your landlord enough notice to avoid paying any additional rent or fees. The minimum notice period is usually 30 days, which can vary from lease to lease. It’s important to always check your lease and be honest with your landlord. Transparency and good communication are the best strategies to avoid problems with your current property manager.
10. Ask for Extra Time
You might need extra time to prepare for your move if you have a short deadline. Negotiate an extra day on your lease for shorter moves. You may not need to hire help if you have extra time.
11. Consider Temporary Housing
Are you moving before you find your new home? Explore affordable temporary housing and short-term rental options. Search early for options that work with your schedule and your needs. Now more options are available than ever for finding great apartments with flexible lease terms.
12. Budget Your Meals
We recommend that you avoid take-out when moving day is approaching. Eat the food in your pantry, such as pasta, canned goods, and other dry goods you want to prepare. Preparing simple meals can be an easy and budget-friendly way to stay full the days before your meal. Plus, it will be easier to pack.
13. Boxes Are Costly
Use your tote bags and ask around for used boxes. This will save you money on new packing materials and boxes. Many local retailers, small businesses, and grocery stores have a large stock of extra boxes they are happy to give out. Check local “free stuff” social media groups to find out who is giving away boxes. Facebook, OfferUp, and Nextdoor are good places to look for free boxes.
14. Compare Moving Prices
Do you need a moving truck or other services? Get quotes from all the companies in your area and compare them to find the best price. Feel free to ask for printed quotes and share them with others. Businesses will often offer lower prices to win your business. Have you recently had a friend move? Ask them if they received a discount for referring you. Visit Enterprise Truck Rental or Budget Truck Rental’s websites to get a quote for their moving truck rental services.
15. Insurance Is Important
You’ll need a new policy if you move from one state to another. Even moving to a different city within the same state, rates can change. Compare rates to get the best deal. You may also need to update your insurance to be covered in the event of a problem.
16. Speak to Your Employer
Negotiate the details of your move with your employer. Many companies provide relocation assistance, such as funds to help you move into your new home or flexible start dates that make it easier to settle in.
Pack Smart
Packing is the next item on your apartment moving checklist after organizing and budgeting.
Packing can start up to one month before the move-out date. Just be careful about what you pack. If you’re more organized, you will find it easier to unpack your apartment in your new home.
Here are some tips to make the packing process easier:
17. Use Labels
Knowing where your moving boxes will go is helpful. Label each moving box clearly and keep an inventory list for extra details. You will save a lot of time by taking good notes!
18. Closets Need to Be Cleaned Out
It’s usually best to start packing with the items you are least likely to use. Start by packing storage areas, closets, and cabinets that are rarely used. Packing these items early is important, as they are often forgotten in the last days of the move. Remember to pack your cleaning and tools.
19. Pack Your Clothes
Pack away formal wear, out-of-season clothing, and unnecessary accessories. You can ask yourself, “Will I wear this soon?” Consider boxing the item if you plan to wait to wear it. Separately pack shoes and clothing to prevent damaging delicate apparel.
20. Clear the Shelves and Walls
Pack all artwork, photos, and other wall decorations carefully. Use bubble wrap to protect art and frames during the move. Pack any display items or collectibles.
21. Box Your Entertainment
Pack craft and hobby materials, books, and other media. You can save a few things to keep yourself entertained but try to keep them minimal. Find a box large enough to protect your TV, computer, or other large electronic devices. Packing paper is essential to keep these items from moving during transport.
22. Next, We Will Move to the Kitchen
You may only need some of your plates and bowls in the weeks leading up to moving. But you can pack away the tools and utensils you do not use. Consider boxing an item you need clarification on, but leave the box open to easily access it.
23. Protect Your Valuables
Pack your jewelry, trinkets, and other special items in a safe and secure area. Use a carrying bag or lock box to protect your most valuable items. You should move and carry these items independently to prevent them from getting lost amongst the other boxes.
24. Check Your Fridge and Pantry
Start packing your pantry three to four days before the move. Remove all perishable foods from your fridge. If you plan it right, you can eat everything in your refrigerator before you leave. Consider donating any excess food to food banks.
25. Packing a Suitcase
What do you need immediately? Items like clothes, medications, and work items are common. Fill your luggage with essentials for your first day.
26. Include Your Toiletries
The bathroom may need to be put off until the last minute. Until the day of your move, you’ll need to buy soap, shampoo, skincare products, and other toiletries. These items are small and easy to pack. Fill a few boxes or bags with toiletries the day before you move.
27. Set Aside Your Cleaning Supplies
Before saying goodbye to your old house, you still have a few things to do. Keep your cleaning supplies and first aid kits for the final day.
Clean and Assess
Start cleaning your old apartment as you move rather than wait. Take the time to thoroughly clean each room before packing it up.
Note any damage and the packing process, and inform your landlord or agent. Asking for help and being open is the best way to ensure you get your deposit returned.
Consider these cleaning procedures before you return your keys and receive your deposit:
28. Patching Holes
Do you have a few nail holes from old artwork on your wall? You can easily smooth out any minor imperfections on the wall with a little spackle, a putty blade, and some sandpaper. This will make your landlord happy and leave them with a smooth surface. The wood filler can also be used to repair damage and mold.
29. Buff the Floor
It’s common for wood floors to get scratched during the moving process. You can remove scratches with a little elbow oil and polish.
30. Check Out the Windows
It may be cheaper for you to replace your damaged window screens and blinds before leaving the property. You don’t have to lose your security deposit. If no fault damages them, inform your rental company of this.
31. Disconnect All Services
Disconnect your utilities, cable, and internet services by contacting them. It’s impossible to control the shut-off time, so plan it for a day after you move. Remember to set up the utilities in your new apartment!
32. Cancel Your Membership
You should cancel your gym membership if you are moving to another city. It may be necessary to cancel one month in advance to avoid being charged for the next month.
33. Please Update Your Address
Contact your bank, insurance company, and telephone provider. You can file for mail forwarding with the post office to avoid missing important mail. It will only last 12 months, but it should be enough time to update the address of anyone you forgot.
34. Cleaning Thoroughly
As you pack, start cleaning. Before the movers arrive, dust your furniture and clean all the legs on your couches, tables, and chairs. This will ensure your furniture arrives in your new home clean and fresh (minus some moving dust).
35. Read Your Lease Again
Verify that you have followed the cleaning instructions by checking your lease or asking for clarification from your landlord. You may be required to pay for professional carpet cleaning or another professional service. Renting a carpet cleaning machine and doing it yourself can be more cost-effective in some cases.
After you have accessed your previous home, you are almost ready to move into your new home. Check for dirt and dust in hard-to-reach areas. You may also ask a friend to help you with a second inspection. You may miss something if you don’t have a second set of eyes.
Make Your Move
To reduce stress, plan ahead as much as you can. When loading your truck, consider the layout of the new house. The first items you want to bring in should be the very last.
Moving should be easy if everything is packed, cleaned, and sorted. Consider these tips if you need some last-minute advice.
36. You Are Entitled to the Services You Have Paid for
Let the professionals do their job if you hire them. You may find resisting difficult, but remember you are paying for the service. Their insurance will not cover any damage you cause or injury you sustain. Feel free to speak to them or supervise the operation.
37. Load Heavy Items First
First, remove the largest, bulkiest pieces of furniture, then heavy boxes, small furnishings, and personal belongings. Prioritize space in your moving truck so you don’t have to haul multiple items.
38. Protect Your Belongings
Avoid damage by using moving pads and blankets. Moving accessories can also minimize damage to your home’s walls or floor. When you finally settle in, keep everything clean.
39. Stay Hydrated
You should also ensure that everyone helping you move has plenty of water. Stopping to eat frequently is also important. You will need as much energy as possible. Avoid a crash by minimizing caffeine and sugar. Prepare easy-to-snack items with high protein, like trail mix and power bars. Save the moving pizza box until all the boxes arrive at your new home.
40. You Can Clean Anything That You Missed
There are still a few areas around your home in need of cleaning. You still need to load all your cleaning products into the truck.
41. Check the Yard
Check your yard to ensure no furniture, tools, or grilling gear outside.
42. Final Pass
Before leaving your old home, look at every drawer, cabinet, and closet.
Get Settled
Congratulations–you’ve finally made it into your new home!
The next step is to complete the settling-in section of the relocation guide. Before you call it quits, you have a few things to think about. You can take as much time as you want to settle in. However, you may enjoy ticking off these last steps to call your apartment “home finally.”
With these easy steps, settling in is a breeze.
43. Check That Everything Is Where It Should Go
Use a moving service, but ensure the truck is empty before leaving. Damage to fragile furniture and items should be checked. It is impossible to check every box, but you should ensure your valuables are there.
44. Fill Out the Move-In Form
Most rental companies provide a form for you to record any damage that has already occurred to your new house. Ask for one if you don’t receive one. Take pictures of the event for your records, and be sure to time-stamp and date them.
45. Contact Maintenance
Find leaky pipes, running water, or noticeable cosmetic damage? Repairs should be requested for anything that is urgently needed. Ask for an estimate of when the repairs will be completed. Always be polite and professional in your communication. This will ensure that everyone has a good experience.
46. Clean Up Your Place
Vacuum or dust your new home as necessary. You may have to do more cleaning if the apartment was recently renovated.
47. Unpacking the Essentials
You should organize as much as possible on your first day at your new house. Don’t overdo it, but you will sleep better without clutter.
48. Unpacking a Plan
You should organize as much as possible on your first day at your new house. Don’t overdo it, but you will sleep better without clutter.
49. Discover Your New Community
Learn about the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but you should also explore the surrounding area, get to know some locals, and learn more about it.
50. Update Your Digital Info
It’s easy in the age of online shopping to forget where your packages are going. You can delete your old address on subscription services and online retailers to avoid accidentally ordering something from your old home.
Conclusion
It can be exciting and difficult to move into a new home. It is important to ensure everything runs smoothly and is organized to avoid inconvenience. The Ultimate Moving Checklist will help you stay organized, from finding the right movers to packing. Flat Fee Movers is the best moving company in Sarasota. Flat Fee Movers offers competitive pricing, and our team of professionals will ensure all your belongings arrive safely at your new apartment.
FAQs
Why use a moving checklist?
Make Lists and Organize. Make a list and then organize everything by room. Sorting everything by room before moving will increase the likelihood that your boxes will land correctly. Unpacking is quick and simple.
When do you move into your apartment?
Start with the essentials: toilet paper, paper towel, soap, bathroom products, shower curtains, towels, basic cleaning materials, a trash can, a First-aid kit, plates, silverware, and some kitchen items for easy cooking. Most importantly, ensure you have a place to sleep!
What is the best way to use a checklist?
A simple checklist is an itemized list of tasks that the person in charge must complete before they can deliver work. The checklist is used to keep track of the tasks that need to be completed and to ensure the quality of the final product.
When is the best time of year to move into a new apartment?
Advantages. Summer is usually the best season to move into a new apartment. There are usually more choices in May and September because the current leases end. Families tend to move during the summer when kids have more time off.
What’s the first thing you do after moving to a new home?
Verify that all utilities are connected before moving day. Verify that all utilities are working on a moving day. This includes electricity, water, gas, heating, cooling, telephone, and internet. Call your local waste management company to ensure garbage collection is set up at your new house.
Abraham Berger is a distinguished writer specializing in moving articles, bringing his passion for relocation and expertise in the moving industry to help readers embark on seamless and stress-free moving journeys. With an innate ability to combine personal experiences with extensive research, Abraham's articles resonate with readers as he offers valuable insights, tips, and strategies for a successful move.