Moving is one of those things you will eventually have to go through, so it’s best to be prepared and know what to do beforehand. No matter your reasons for moving, you should always maintain a positive attitude. Also, remember that while it can be stressful, with a few tips and tricks, moving can be a smooth and pressure-free activity.
- Deal With Your Former Landlord
If you’re a renter, know that leaving your old apartment in tip-top shape would be a good idea. Maintaining a good relationship with your former landlord is not only a nice thing to do but also necessary. A lot of potential landlords require references before accepting a potential new tenant. Try to repair any damages your former apartment might have incurred due to your living there.
Another thing you can do is apply a fresh coat of paint before leaving, which doesn’t take all that long. Also, notify your landlord about the move at least 30 to 60 days before doing so; it’s simply good practice. By doing all of this, you’ll most definitely be on good terms with your former landlord, and that will lead to a good reference, which will increase your chances of finding a new apartment.
- Learn How to Pack
Now that you’ve dealt with issues regarding your landlord, you’ll need to decide on packing. Most people tend to ignore this critical step in the moving process. One thing to know is that you might not be able to pack and move all by yourself. Call on the help of friends or, even better, ask professionals for help.
Florin, the owner of an NYC movers company from Manhattan, said this about packing and moving: “Well, it’s not always easy, that’s for sure. You might be able to handle the packing, but what about the moving? When I first moved, I did everything alone, which was hard. From carrying things to the truck to driving it, it was an experience I would never want to repeat. That’s why I started this company, to help people avoid what I went through.”
- Take a Walk Around Your New Neighborhood
If you’re eyeing an apartment, always take a walk around the neighborhood it’s situated in. This will help you see what amenities you have nearby, allow you to check for local entertainment spots, and find out about the location’s safety profile. Look for nearby stations if your town has an excellent public transportation network or a metro. See what options you have for doing your groceries, and look for parks and recreational areas.
Parks and greenery are always a good sign you’re in a good neighborhood. Walking about, you might also meet some of your future neighbors. Feel free to ask them what the area is like; you’ll be sure to find interesting information. Meeting them might also make your life easier once you move in, as good neighborly relations will help you in the future.
- Make a Spreadsheet Documenting All of Your Potential Expenses
Moving can be expensive, and documenting those potential expenses will help you. There’s the first and last month’s rent, the security deposit, the broker’s fee, the cost of furnishing your new place, in case it comes without furniture, and then there’s also the cost of utilities and rent.
These costs tend to add up quickly, and without a budget, you might soon find yourself going into credit. Using credit cards is expensive, especially with overdraft fees being as high as they are, so keep your budget in mind when picking an apartment. Your best bet would be to save as much money as possible before deciding to switch places.
- Make a List of Things You Might Forget
Moving is a lot of work, so you’ll forget something. Things such as paying off last month’s utilities at your previous apartment or something as simple as moving your address should be noted on paper or your phone. Imagine forgetting to change your address and having your mail routed to your last place. It might not be that big of a problem if you’ve moved to the same town, but what if you’re across the country?
Other important things to note might include packing a bag of essentials before moving, such as changing clothes, pajamas, and toiletries. Keeping important documents, such as bank statements, somewhere safe is also crucial, so keep track of them. Apart from that, each person is unique regarding their belongings. Try to think of personal things and ensure you don’t forget about them.
