Whether it’s your first time or your eighth time, moving is one of the most stressful experiences you can have in life — it’s up there with death, divorce, and marriage. Here are some tips that will prepare you for moving into your new apartment and benefit you in the long run.
Make lists.
Check off things as you pack your boxes to make sure you don’t forget anything. A little organization never hurt anyone.
Label your boxes.
Use a number system and label your boxes. Keep count of how many you have; this will make it easier to keep track of what you have. Write the contents of the boxes on the outside.
Be as detailed as possible.
Don’t label your boxes as miscellaneous; “misc.” isn’t helpful when you’re unpacking 87 boxes and trying to figure out what is in what, especially if there are multiple boxes labelled “misc.”
If you’re moving in with or out of an apartment with multiple people, write your name on the outside of the boxes, preferably on more than one side. Most people don’t think to do this and end up mixing and misplacing boxes. Save yourself the headache!
Be prepared to spend lots of money.
Obviously you’re going to be saving money for rent, first and last, security deposits, and other fees that are part of the renting process. However, most people don’t consider the cost of transportation for boxes and furniture. When planning for how much money you need to save, plan for the cost of moving boxes, packing tape, U-Haul trucks, and movers.
Plan to clean!
If you’re moving into an apartment that hasn’t been professionally cleaned, give the place a good cleaning before you move all your stuff in. Ignoring this tip will probably result in attempts to fully clean an apartment that’s cluttered with too many boxes and heavy furniture.
Get to know your neighbors.
Is your upstairs neighbor a serial killer? Is the sweet old woman next door actually a meth dealer? You probably won’t know even if you do get to know them, but it’s good to at least know their name.
Take the time to meet them, even if it’s just by going to their door and saying hello, telling them your name, and letting them know which apartment you’re in.
Get familiar with your rights.
As a tenant, certain rules may vary depending on who the landlord or building manager is, but basic tenant rights are forever. If there’s a lease involved, read it carefully before you sign. Make sure all of your concerns are addressed.