Are you planning to move or even just toying with the idea? Check out these seven things most apartment renters forget to do—or didn’t know they should do—before they move. Use it as your guide for staying on top of the chaos, and the transition to your new abode should go off without a hitch.
1. Review your new expenses and adjust your budget accordingly.
Before you sign a lease,
use a rent calculator to get an idea of
how much rent you can afford. Once you find a place within your budget, read the terms of your new lease carefully, looking for any extra fees you may be responsible for. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for things like parking, laundry facilities, or other amenities. Once you add up all the monthly expenses associated with your new pad, modify your budget accordingly.
Tip: Use a money-management app like Mint to create a realistic budget, track your expenses, and set savings goals.
2. Give yourself enough time to get rid of things you don’t need.
Having too much stuff is one of the best ways to make an apartment feel cramped and chaotic. You don’t want to end up dumping old junk in a new place, so set aside plenty of time before your move to get rid of what you don’t need. Getting rid of clutter will streamline your move and keep your new apartment feeling fresh.
Tip: Instead of throwing them away, donate your unwanted items to a local charity or earn extra cash by selling sell them through a site like Oodle.
3. Pack a box with everything you’ll need for day one.
Minimize the mayhem of moving by packing the supplies you’ll need for the first twenty-four hours in your new apartment into a well-marked box. Bed sheets, toilet paper, and towels are just a few of the items you’ll need to get settled in comfortably on the first day. If you have a small child, include special items they may need, like diapers, medication, or a beloved stuffed animal.
Tip: Large plastic storage bins are ideal for packing all your day-one essentials. Be sure to use clear bins so you can locate the items you need quickly.
4. Transfer services and utilities to your new place before you get there.
Unpacking in a dark, cold house is a hassle and living without internet or cable is about as fun as doing taxes. To keep things comfortable, make a list of your services and utilities, and
start transferring them as soon as you know your address and move date. This is the perfect time to
compare TV and internet service providers to be sure you’re getting the best deal available.
Tip: You can schedule your utilities to be turned on in your new apartment a day or two before you move in to avoid a lapse in service.
5. Change your address across the board.
Remember to submit an official change of address with the United States Postal Service. You’ll also want to notify your bank and creditors of your new address—but don’t stop there. If you buy from one-click ordering sites like Amazon, or if you subscribe to auto-ship services like Birchbox,
update your address directly through these sites as well.
Tip: Don’t risk getting a ticket—find your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) and report your change of address as soon as you can. You can register to vote while you’re there, too.
6. Arrange for child and/or pet care during the tumultuous times.
The day you move is likely to be stressful and hurried, which can make young children feel uneasy and act out, adding stress to an already tense day. If you have young kids, hire a babysitter to care for them during the move. Or, better yet, arrange for them to stay with friends or relatives. Your kids will feel more comfortable and you’ll be able to focus on the task at hand.
Tip: If you have a pet, you may want to consider finding a caretaker for them during your move. If that’s not possible, you can set up a pet-friendly area in your apartment as soon as you arrive, complete with your pet’s favorite treat and a familiar toy.
7. Contact your car insurance company for a new rate.
Once you know the address of your new apartment, contact your car insurance provider and get a quote. You should also call at least two other insurance providers and compare rates and coverage. Ask about renters insurance, too. It’s typically relatively inexpensive, and some insurance companies offer discounts when you take out more than one policy simultaneously.
Tip: Check out this list of what to look for when shopping for renters insurance to ensure you make a good choice.
[tweetthis]Have you marked these 7 things off of your list before making your big move? [/tweetthis]
Moving is a hectic venture that’s guaranteed to take a lot longer than you think, so use this checklist to start
preparing for the big day before everything unravels.
