Purchasing a house is a lengthy and expensive process. For those who aren’t ready to purchase a home — whether they are college students, recent grads, newlyweds, or those who are looking to downsize their living arrangements — apartments serve as a great temporary home solution. Apartments are a great accommodation and are quickly becoming a preferred option for millennials as they offer freedom and don’t take up all of your savings. However, with all the benefits, amenities, and convenient floor plans there is one disadvantage. If you are unfamiliar with the process, moving into an apartment can be a daunting and terrifying task.
Moving into an apartment or rental property isn’t as easy as finding a spot, packing your belongings, and settling into your new home. There is much more that goes into the process. Luckily, as one of the top moving companies in Columbus, GA we have helped a fair amount of customers move into their rental property. To make apartment moving a little less stressful we created a guide to help ensure your move is successful, check it out!
Understand your rental property move
If you are moving into an apartment, it is crucial to know all the details. You never want to move into a rental property blindsided. As a tenant you own the right to be notified of regulations, apartment rules, and legal issues. Before signing the lease, consider asking the following questions so you can ensure the property is the right fit for you:
- What amenities are included?
- Can I make changes to my unit?
- What utilities do I need to take care of?
- How do I handle emergency repairs and maintenance?
Before making the move, it is important to familiarize yourself with the process. Make sure you know as much as you can about the rental property as well as the unit you will be living in.
Apartment moving tips
Moving into an apartment can be a fun and exciting time. However, sometimes it can be stressful. To help make the process easier, check out some tips to make moving into your apartment or rental property as smooth as possible.
Packing
Of course, you’ll want to have all of your belongings packed and ready to go. Make sure you get the necessary moving supplies to keep your items organized and safe during the moving process. Once you have the supplies you need, you can start packing your belongings. For stress-free moving, try organizing your boxes by the rooms they go in and don’t forget to label them. Doing this will make moving into an apartment much easier. Once everything is packed you’ll be that much closer to moving into your new home!
Find a trusted moving service
Depending on the amount of belongings you have, you may want to consider hiring a professional moving service. Sometimes people don’t even consider a moving company because they don’t think it is a beneficial investment. The truth is, hiring a moving company can make the moving process be less time-consuming, lower the risk of damage, and, you may find that hiring a moving service will actually save you money! Be sure to do your research and find a company that is professional and trusted. Some moving companies may even offer packing services, so you don’t have to worry about the tedious work. You can contact moving services and request a free moving quote, that way you can compare and find out which mover is the best fit for you.
Move-in day parking
Whether you hired a professional moving service with a truck, or you are renting moving equipment, you’ll need to sure there is parking available. Parking moving equipment at apartment complexes can be difficult, especially if your new apartment is in a crowded downtown area. Talk with the landlord or leasing agent to verify the correct parking and unloading areas and get permission to park any big moving trucks, trailers, and other moving equipment in those areas. If the complex allows for it, you may want to consider reserving a parking space.
Locate the best elevator
If you’re moving into a unit on the first floor, this is something you don’t have to worry about. While living on higher floors gives you a better view of the area, it would be an absolute nightmare to have to carry your belongings up multiple floors of stairs. Before the move, check to make sure the complex has freight elevators. These can be helpful as they can fit a variety of items and can be stopped for unloading. If possible, find an elevator that is closest to your unit and try parking your moving equipment as close to the elevator as possible. This will reduce the amount of time you have to haul items up to your room. If your property doesn’t have a freight elevator, you can always ask the landlord about using a residential elevator to transport your belongings.
Document damages
Most people utilize apartments as a temporary home solution, meaning you will eventually move out. If you want to get back that pricey security deposit you put down to move in you will want to make sure your apartment has no damage prior to moving in. That way, in the end, you don’t have to pay for damages you did not cause. Before you move everything into your unit, perform a walkthrough and record any damages and concerns related to:
- Floors
- Windows
- Appliances
- Doors
- Walls
Some apartment buildings will provide you with a walk-through checklist so that you can ensure you check the important areas and appliances. If you don’t have a walk-through checklist, you can use this helpful renters checklist from Trulia. Recording all damages will help avoid unnecessary conflicts when you decide to move out.
Apartment furnishing and decorating
This is the fun part of the move. Before you begin decorating, be sure to understand the apartment rules and regulations. Some apartments have rules against painting walls, hanging pictures, drilling holes, and other activities that alter the overall condition of the unit. It’s best to start by placing your labeled boxes and furniture pieces in the appropriate areas. If you hire the right moving service, they will help you bring your furniture and items to your new unit. Once everything is in your unit and you have a good idea of what you can and cannot do, you are free to start planning a design scheme to make your new home as comfortable as possible.
Set Up Utilities
Your new apartment may have utilities, like gas, water, and electricity already factored into your monthly rent charge. Some apartments, though, will require you to switch the utilities to your name. Before moving in, your landlord or leasing agent should inform you of the companies they work with, who you will need to contact to have billing set up and the utilities turned on. You’ll also want to consider setting up phone, cable, and internet if desired.
Affordable Moving Company
Now that you have an idea of what to expect when you move into an apartment, you can start searching for a reliable moving company to help make your move easier. As we mentioned earlier, a moving company saves time, money, and lowers the risk of damage. You’ll want to give yourself enough time to find a service before the move date, as they often book quickly. If you’re looking for moving companies in Columbus, GA, contact Helping Hands Moving Service. Our experienced team takes the stress and hassle out of moving so you can focus on more important things. Contact Helping Hands today for a free moving quote!
