Apartment Move Checklist

Preparation Before Moving Day Notify Landlord/Property Management

Give a proper notice according to your lease terms. 30 days is the standard notice period, but you will want to check the terms of your lease beforehand to confirm. Make sure your notice is written and sent via mail or email.
Schedule a move-out inspection. This is to ensure a smooth moving-out process and will determine the amount of the security deposit you receive back.

Create a Moving Budget

Estimate moving costs. Using a spreadsheet or just simple paper and pencil, work out your budget for your move, allowing for unexpected expenses.
Allocate funds for packing supplies. Purchase totes and box organizers, packing paper, and bubble wrap. You can save on supplies by reusing cardboard boxes and using old newspapers, clothes, and towels in place of packing paper. You can even ask managers at local stores for the empty boxes leftover from inventory and stocking.

Arrange Movers or Truck Rental

Get quotes and book in advance. You save time when you move with professionals, but you save money when doing it on your own. It is up to you which method is best.

Schedule Utilities Disconnection/Transfer

For electricity, water, internet, etc., contact your utility company to transfer services if your move is a local one. If you are moving to another town completely, disconnect. There may be some fees associated with either disconnecting or transferring utilities, so be prepared and plan accordingly.

Update Address and Forward Mail

Notify the post office, banks, subscriptions, and important contacts. You can complete a change of address completely online with the post office. Your specific bank will have its own process for changing the address. There may be a waiting period or technology updates when it comes to transferring internet connection, so get all the details before you move for a smooth transition.

Packing Start Early

Begin packing non-essential items well in advance. Anything you do not need for day-to-day living while counting down the days to move should be packed first. Make sure you are washing clothes and cleaning items before packing, so unpacking will be simple.

Label Boxes

Clearly mark boxes with contents and destination room. Label makers are good investments, but a simple permanent marker will work just as well. This will cut down on confusion. If you plan to have movers, it will be easier to place boxes in their respective rooms and keep your move organized.

Pack Essentials Separately

Create an essentials box with items for the first day in your new place. What little things need to be unpacked for essential everyday living? Bathroom items, trash cans, and incidental other items will add up.

Disassemble Furniture

Disassembling furniture not only makes it easier to transport, but it decreases the likelihood of damage or breakage during a move. Keep hardware organized in labeled bags. Wrap furniture in protective sheets during transfer.

Protect Fragile Items

Wrap fragile items carefully with packing materials. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and old towels and clothes are ideal for kitchen items. You should also wrap up electronics and other knickknacks. Stuff paper and clothing in boxes in the empty spaces to keep things from jostling around.

Use Self-Storage

Determine items to be stored temporarily. For non-essential items, such as decorations, this is the ideal solution.
Rent a self-storage unit for these items. You can rent storage online, and with month-to-month leases as the norm, you are under no commitment.
Transport items to the storage facility before moving day. This way, you can focus all of your attention on moving into your new home.

Moving Day Pack a Moving Day Kit

Include essentials, important documents, and snacks. Think of this as your “go bag.” This is perfect for when you are moving across the country and need to stay in a hotel. If you are moving with little time in between your daily schedule, this is ideal for keeping to your commitments without needing to go through packed boxes.

Clean the Apartment

Clean your apartment for the last time, ensuring it meets move-out requirements. This will include deep cleaning. Take pictures of the apartment before you drop off your keys, in case of incidents. It is also a good idea if you are renting a new place to take pictures before you move in to note any previous damage that was there before you moved in.

Benefits of Self-Storage

Provides extra space for items you don’t need immediately in your new home.
Helps reduce clutter during the moving process, making it more efficient.
Offers a secure environment to protect your belongings.
Allows flexibility in moving and unpacking, without feeling rushed.

How to Utilize Self-Storage

Identify items that can be temporarily stored.
Choose an appropriate storage unit size.
Pack and label items for storage carefully.
Transport items to the storage facility before moving day.
Plan a retrieval schedule to ease the transition into your new home.

Tips for an Efficient Self-Storage Experience

Create an inventory of stored items for easy retrieval.
Stack boxes and items strategically to maximize space.
Consider climate-controlled storage for sensitive belongings. Ensure you have proper access to your storage unit when needed.

By following this checklist and utilizing self-storage when necessary, you can streamline your apartment move and ensure a smooth transition to your new home. For self-storage essentials, contact Storage Landing to help you on your moving journey.