Checklist When Moving to A New Apartment

Everyone must have experienced moving at least once or will experience it in the future. Moving takes plenty of time, energy and planning. Making a checklist when moving to a new apartment is essential to streamline the relocation process.

To make your move stress-free, we have compiled a must-have checklist for moving to a new apartment.

1. Explore Your Moving Options

You can decide for yourself how you want your move to take place. Each moving option requires a different amount of time, money and energy. Choose the one that fits your budget and moving needs perfectly.

• DIY Move: A DIY move allows you to save money because you pack your belongings, rent or borrow a truck, handle the loading and unloading process, and drive to your destination yourself. While this is a cost-effective method, it can be very time-consuming.
• Hire Movers: You can hire full-service professional movers to make the move for you. They pack your belongings, load them, drive to your destination and unpack your stuff. This makes your move safe and easy but can cost you a lot.
• Hybrid Move: This is a mix of DIY move and full-service move. You can hire moving assistance for loading and unloading or transporting your belongings while you pack your stuff yourself. This method is less expensive and very flexible.  

2. One Month Before Moving Day

Start planning When Should You Start Packing To Move. Once you decided the moving option you plan to take, it is time to schedule your move. But before that, use our helpful tips for moving to a new apartment.

Budget Your Move

The most important thing in your apartment moving preparation list should be controlling the budget. Budgeting for a new apartment move will help you spend money wisely. Hence, evaluate your finances before making any crucial decision.

Follow this comprehensive apartment moving checklist to reduce your moving expenses.

• Compare moving quotes: Get quotes from multiple companies to know their pricing structure. This will help you choose the one with the best pricing and services.
• Apartment moving timeline: The time of the year you choose will affect the moving cost. Moving services are in high demand during summer, making moving more expensive during this season.
• Give notice: Read and check your contract before leaving your current residence. Give timely notice to your landlord to avoid paying extra rent or fees.
• Plan your food expenses: Eat the food in your pantry and refrigerator instead of ordering. This will help you avoid it from getting spoiled or thrown during the move.
• Look for free packing supplies: Avoid buying new packing supplies and boxes. Ask your local supermarkets and stores, as they have plenty to give for free, or ask your friends and family.

3. Organize and Declutter

One of the most crucial steps before relocation is organizing and decluttering your home. Our apartment moving organization tips will help you get ready for the move.

• Remove unnecessary items: Remove any extra or unnecessary items before moving. Sort clothing, electronics etc., and donate the ones you no longer need.
• Sale: Sell the items you no longer need by hosting a garage sale or listing the items on an online platform. This will save you from taking loads to your new location and make you some money.
• Return borrowed items: Return any books, tools, or personal items you might have borrowed. It will save you space and from shipping back to return the items.
• Sort important documents: Carefully sort all your important documents before moving to packing. Keep your documents in a safe file to avoid losing or misplacing them.
• Make a list: List all your essential items. This will help you keep track of the movement of every item.  

4. Two Weeks Before Moving Day

The two weeks before your move must be well-spent. Book your movers and start packing. Use our packing tips for moving to a new apartment and make your move easy and stress-free.

Start Packing

Once you finish organizing and budgeting, it is time to start packing. Pack at least two weeks before the move to avoid any last-minute hassle.

• Label everything: Label every box as you pack. This will help you during unpacking and keep everything sorted.
• Clear your closet: Start by clearing the items you are least likely to need. Just keep a minimum amount of clothing to keep yourself going for the next two weeks. Pack everything else.
• Clear decorations: Pack your artwork, pictures, frames, and other items. Use bubble wrap to pack them. This will keep them from moving and damaging.
• Box your electronics: Carefully pack all your electronics like television, computer, and Xbox. These items will require proper packing supplies to keep them safe.
• Pack kitchen essentials: Keep a few dishes outside and box everything else. If you want some utensils, box the items but keep them open.
• Pack valuables: Pack your precious jewelry items safely and keep them secure. It's better to transport these yourself to avoid losing them instead of giving them to the movers.
• Pack toiletries: You will need bathroom supplies till the end of your move. So, you can pack these items on the day of your move.

5. One Week Before Moving Day

Only a few more duties remain once you use our moving hacks for a smooth apartment transition.

Start Cleaning and Winding Up

As you pack all your rooms and items, it is best to clean as you go. This will help you clean up on your very last day. It can save you cleaning fees and charge against your security deposit.

• Clean thoroughly: Make sure to clean everything thoroughly before the movers arrive.
• Patch holes: If holes exist in the wall from hangings, pictures and paintings, use wall putty to fill it.
• Disconnect services: Disconnect your internet and cable services and start setting up utilities at your new place.
• Cancel any membership: If you are moving far away, cancel your gym membership or any other services you use. Do this in a timely manner to avoid being charged for the next month.
• Update address: Update your address to your new location to avoid missing any posts or packages.

6. Day of the Move

Once the moving day arrives, you must keep an eye on both locations, your current home and your new destination.