Checklist When Moving to a New Apartment

It is time to move into an apartment. Maybe you are moving out of your parents' house or dorm room and getting into your first apartment. You are excited, and you are probably thinking, ‘it’s gonna be smooth sailing from here on’. Well, probably! Or probably not! 

At least not entirely. Before you get all delighted, let first ensure you have all the essentials. Ensure you know all there is to know about the move—know the whos, whens, where, and what to-dos of moving apartments. 

To help you prepare, we have designed this ultimate checklist when moving to a new apartment to help you through the process. 

8 Weeks Before the Move

You want to start the preparations early. Do not wait until it is too late to start, as this will only get you overwhelmed and inconvenienced. So, 8 weeks before the move, start preparations with the following:

• Give notice. Most landlords need at least 30 days' notice before a move. However, it helps to notify the landlord now. Giving notice as early as possible can help get you on the landlord's good graces, which can later work to your advantage.
• Prepare a ‘moving preparation’ folder. This will come in handy to help you get prepared. It can be a computer folder, a file, or just a notebook. This is where you will record all the paperwork related to the move. 
• Summarise all the basic details for the move. Research and summarize all the crucial information related to your move. Find out the legal requirements, the old and new landlord rules, etc.
• Tally the numbers. The move needs money. Take your time and draw a comprehensive budget.

7 Weeks Before the Move

After the initial preparations, it is now time for the next steps. So this week:

• Find a mover or a moving truck. It might seem like too early to book a mover, but moving companies book out pretty fast—especially during the high season. So do your research on the moving company and any official paperwork you need to prepare. If you are moving DIY, it is time to start looking for a rental moving truck. 

6 Weeks Before the Move

• Schedule your move with the movers. If you are not sure of any details, discuss with the movers to allow for changes. 
• Submit the necessary paperwork. Now it is time to submit all the paperwork you researched the previous week—things like parking permits, curbside-use applications, etc.

5 Weeks Before the Move

This week the move is getting more accurate. 

• Prepare the moving supplies. This is the right time to start looking for essential packing supplies. You can shop around for offers and discounts to save you a few coins. 
• Organise a car boot sale. If you don’t want to move with anything, it is time to make a few dollars—an easy way to recoup some of the moving costs.

4 Weeks Before the Move

Now things are getting more serious. It is time to get down to business.

• Handle a change of address notifications. It is time to start notifying your service providers of the move. Cancel service to the old home and organize for the new house. 
• Get your pet prepared. If you are moving long-distance, you might need to take your pet to a vet to acquire the necessary vaccines and certificates. 
• Send in your work leave application (or resignation). It is time to request time off work and notify your boss that you are resigning. 
• Sort out the home/renter’s insurance. Notify the insurer of the move and request a policy transfer to your new home. 

3 Weeks Before the Move

In this week, it helps to start:

• Decluttering. If you have made a car boot sale already. You have probably already gotten rid of most of the clutter you do not need. However, it helps to do another deep dive and ensure that you only have what is worth moving with.
• Donate. Donate as much as you need to.
• Call the cleaners. If you don’t want to do the cleaning yourself, it is time to schedule the cleaners. 

2 Weeks Before the Move

• Give the movers another call. Assuming you now have all the details figured out, it is time to call the movers to confirm the details with them. 
• Start packing. Believe it or not, you always have more stuff than you think. So do not think it is too early to start packing.

Moving week

Dedicate this week to finish packing. For efficiency, try packing one room at a time. In addition, tie up all the loose ends: 

• Check if anything needs repairs. 
• Change your address with the banks, credit card companies, and other relevant entities.
• Prepare bills for tips.
• Check the new apartment. If possible, do a run-through of the new home. Check for anything that needs fixing, check for areas that need cleaning, etc. Also, pick the keys.
• Make last-minute confirmations. Check the permits, the movers, meeting places and times, etc. 
• Prepare the fridge. The fridge needs special care during a move. Ensure you prepare beforehand to avoid frustration during the moving day. 

Moving day

Congratulations! The day is finally here, and you are ready. After you move your belongings, you might only need to let the cleaners do their work and then do a final walk-through of the old home to ensure you leave it in good condition. 

If you followed the above apartment moving checklist, the whole process might have been a lot easier if not enjoyable. 

Give us a call at (800) 430-1537 to experience extraordinary service from the best moving company - High Stream Moving in town!

Good luck in your new home.