It's always an awesome feeling you get when you move into your first apartment! It's your own place to do whatever you want – no one will tell you to clean your dishes or take your socks off the floor (unless you live with a difficult roommate). But, first, you will have to move. Moving can be stressful, especially if you've never done it before and don't know what to expect. Here are five tips to help you through the process.
1. SAVE THE RIGHT AMOUNT FOR YOUR APARTMENT MOVE
Here's the rule of thumb when moving: it will cost a lot more than you think. You may know that you will have to pay the first and last month's rent. But you will also pay a variety of moving costs. These fees may include a security deposit and notary fees. Be sure to ask the landlord if there are any additional costs, such as parking or storage fees.
Next, you will need to configure your utilities. You may need to pay a deposit on these to have them lit before you move in. Find out which utilities (if any) are included in your apartment rental. Utilities you will need include water and sewer, electricity, garbage collection and internet. You will also want to get renter's insurance.
If you use a moving service, you will have to pay the movers. You may need to purchase specialized boxes, packing materials, markers, and packing tape. If you're calling on your friends and family, you might want to provide them with food. These pizzas don't come cheap, especially if you have a whole team helping you out on moving day. Speaking of pizza delivery and moving services, make sure you have cash on hand for tips.
You may want cash available on moving day to stock your fridge, buy necessary items that went missing during the move, and get cleaning supplies.
2. HOW TO PACK A BOX?
First, make lists. You must write everything down and check off items as you complete them. There's a lot to do when you move, including filling out a change of address card with the post office, telling friends and family about your new address, getting supplies, and more. You might even want to make lists as you pack your boxes to keep track of what happened during your move. Label each box. If you don't, you'll end up having to open and sort through each box to find your coffee maker.
Do not store towels in your linen closet. They will come in handy when packing. Use them to fill the bottom of boxes and wrap delicate items. Place them in empty spaces in boxes to prevent your breakables from moving around in the box. And keep at least one out to clean your old apartment one last time after you've emptied it.
Don't buy boxes if you don't have to. Local grocery stores and other businesses will often have boxes you can take away for free, so call and ask when the best time to get boxes might be (some places have more boxes available on their delivery days).
Keep a few blankets on hand to pack large, fragile items like your TV. Just wrap the blanket around it and secure it with packing tape.
Before you take anything apart or unplug the wires from your TV or computer, take some pictures. When it comes time to reconnect and reassemble them, you'll be glad you did.
Use plastic bags to keep small items contained. If you're taking furniture apart, you'll likely have some screws or nails that you'll want to find quickly when you put things back together. If nails and screws are floating around in a box somewhere, they will get lost.
You can't have too much wrapping paper or enough tape. You will probably need more of the two.
3. READ YOUR LEASE AGREEMENT AND ASK QUESTIONS
Although it's tempting to scroll (or flick) to the last page and sign your name, you must read your rental agreement. This document contains very important information and if you do not read it, you could inadvertently violate your lease or jeopardize your security deposit. Your tenancy agreement lists everything you can and cannot do in your new apartment. It provides information on rent and late fees, what you need to know about having a roommate, and guests, and it tells you what your rights and responsibilities are as a tenant. Make sure you know what you're agreeing to before signing, and ask lots of questions.
Before moving in, schedule a visit with your landlord or real estate agency. During the tour, take lots of photos and videos of the empty apartment. You want pictures of every scratch, carpet stain, wobbly handle, cabinet dent, kitchen appliances - everything. Email the photos and videos as soon as you can (same day, if possible) to your landlord. This way you will both have a time-stamped record of the virtual tour results.
When you move in, you'll need these photos to refer to if the landlord keeps your damage deposit. If the damage was there when you moved in, you are not responsible for it.
Your landlord or property manager will likely have a checklist they will use during the visit. If there's something you want fixed before you move in, ask the landlord to make repairs. If the landlord agrees to make the repairs, get it in writing.
4. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BUY WHEN MOVING INTO A NEW APARTMENT?
There are some things you will need on day one. Other elements can be acquired later, such as decoration and small household appliances. Here are the essentials, piece by piece:
Bathroom essentials
- Towels and washcloths
- Shampoo
- Soap
- toilet brush
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Piston
- Shower curtain (if there is no shower door)
- Shower curtain rings (if using a shower curtain)
- Bath mat
- Trash can
- toothbrush holder
Bedroom Essentials
- Bed frame and box springs (yes, technically you can put the mattress on the floor, but we're getting old here)
- Mattress and undersheet
- Pillows
- Sheets, blankets and pillowcases
- Hangers for the closet
- Drapes
- A laundry basket
Kitchen Essentials
- Plates and bowls
- Cups and glasses
- Silverware
- Some pots and pans
- Knives (at least one chef's knife)
- The scissors
- Cutting board
- tea towels
- Paper napkins
- Sponge
- Dishwashing detergent
- Toaster
- Coffee maker (if you consider coffee essential)
- Can opener
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic storage containers
- Ice boxes (if your refrigerator does not have an ice maker)
- Kitchen trash bags
- Trash can
Household essentials
- All purpose cleaner
- Window cleaner
- Broom and dustpan
- Swab
- Bucket
- Bulbs
- Clips and rubber bands
- First aid kit
- Laundry
- vacuum
Pantry essentials
- The vinegar
- Baking soda
- Flour
- Bread
- coffee tea
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Rice
- Cereal
- Sugar
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Canned vegetables and beans
5. ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO HELP YOU MOVE
If you need help moving, be sure to ask well in advance. If you ask the day before the move, it will be difficult to find someone available. Remember, you're asking for a huge favor, so don't be offended if they refuse. Be kind when you ask and let them know you'll really appreciate the help.
Try to move on weekends, if possible, when more people are available to help you. And even if you want to be in control (it's your decision, after all), try to step back and let your friends do what needs to be done. You'll have plenty of time later to make sure the boxes are in the right room.
Provide food, snacks and drinks. Your friends will get tired, so give them plenty of water and other drinks. Snacks will help maintain energy levels and morale, so provide some of your friends' favorites. At the end of the day, reward them all with pizza or dinner out. And, of course, offer to reciprocate.
If you can't find anyone to help you, or you're moving out of state, you'll want to hire movers. Do lots of research and read reviews. Beware of moving companies that want money upfront or give you an estimate over the phone (they should want to see how much they'll be moving before quoting you). Review red flags of moving companies to make sure the company you choose is reliable.
Moving into your first apartment is an important step. Hopefully these tips will help you navigate the moving process easily. Once the dust of moving day has settled, you can start decorating and personalizing your apartment. But first, let the search for the bubble wrap begin!
