Moving Checklist

Apartment moving would not be complete without the use of the obligatory moving boxes. Once upon a time, before moving to an apartment, many of us would simply visit our local stores to see if they had any boxes they could spare. While still a worthwhile possibility, finding extra boxes behind your local supermarket is probably not the most reliable way to ensure that you have what you need for moving day.

Where to get all the boxes you need

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Moving companies actually offer moving boxes for sale – solidly constructed boxes that are meant to move personal belongings and will hold up accordingly. Be sure to purchase boxes of all sizes so that you can fit smaller, fragile items in boxes that will protect them, as well as you can fit larger quantities of items in larger boxes. Such companies also offer wardrobe boxes that will really come in handy when you are emptying your closest as you can simply transition your clothes – still on their hangers - right onto the bar of the wardrobe box.

Packing peanuts and wrapping tape for all those boxes

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Of course, along with boxes it is important to have the appropriate materials to pack your belongings correctly inside of the boxes. Arm yourself with plenty of bubble wrap to protect fragile items, as well as packing paper and peanuts to stuff the empty spaces inside the boxes. Additionally, use packing tape to seal the boxes closed before labeling the boxes appropriately.

The extras that make moving easier:

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• Forearm forklift moving straps
• Furniture pads
• Bubble wrap, stretch wrap and trash bags
• Permanent black markers or color-coded stickers to label boxes
• Dish and glassware packing boxes
• Dolly or handtruck
• Utility knife
• Tape
• Furniture slip covers
• Furniture sliders
• Trunk krutch
• Security pad locks

And when you’re all done don’t forget to drop off those boxes to be reused! Uhaul has a very GREEN Box Exchange Program.

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The Internet has afforded us the opportunity to find goods and services at the click our computer mouse. So convenient are the resources found online that most of us barely get through a day without utilizing the Internet to conduct one or more of our day-to-day activities. Even the most complex of processes can be largely simplified online. Moving, for instance, while a primarily physical experience, can be planned for through online resources. Moving to an apartment, especially, can be significantly streamlined by just a few pre-arranged plans.

Movers For Moving Day

In order to engage the services of a professional moving company that will best work for your needs, you may wish to gather a number of quotes from movers that are experienced with helping clients who are moving to an apartment. The Internet offers links to moving companies and well as statewide databases with information regarding movers. By conducting preliminary research online you can ensure a smooth moving day.

Find Insurance

Renters insurance is essential for anyone moving to an apartment. Affordable and comprehensive, renters insurance will protect your belongings in the event of a theft, flood, or fire. In order to seek out different types of renters insurance, you can research prices online to find the company and plan that makes the most sense for your living situation.

Best Places to Shop for Renters Insurance Online

1. State Farm Renters Insurance
2. Geico Renters Insurance
3. Allstate Renters Insurance

Storage

For those items that will not fit into your apartment but that you still wish to keep, a storage facility may be an appropriate option. Through online resources you can find storage facilities local to you and research prices and plans so that prior to apartment moving you can safely store your belongings.

Best Places to Shop for Storage Online

1. Public Storage for Moving
2. Self Storage for Moving
3. Portable Storage Containers for Moving

Any sort of move can be stressful; chaos is inherent in the moving process and something that we must get through in order to transition to our new living arrangement. Moving to an apartment can often mean the consolidation of many of your belongings, as you tackle the logistics of occupying a more compact space. Being organized can mean the difference between a seamless move and one that is fraught with problems.

Get Organized!

The time to get organized is before the move, not during it. A few months prior to moving to an apartment you should begin going through your belongings – taking an inventory of what you have, what you need, and – most importantly – what you don’t need. By separating your belongings into well-defined areas, you can take the first step to getting rid of clutter in your new apartment.

Use the packing process as a time to get - and stay - organized.

Things That Stay

In one area, you should accumulate those items that will absolutely be coming with you. When apartment moving, space is often a consideration; so be sure those items you are taking will fit into your space and serve you effectively rather than just taking up room.

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Things That Go

Determining which items to leave behind can be the most difficult decision regarding your belongings. Remember, the best time to make these decisions is prior to moving to an apartment. Moving day should involve simply moving the things that you have already designated as coming with you. Those items that will not fit in your apartment – or no longer fit your lifestyle – can be sold, donated or thrown out.

Things That Are Stored

Moving to an apartment may mean that you sacrifice space but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sacrifice all those belongings that you love. If there are items with which you can not part – but will not fit in your new living arrangement – look into storage facilities where you can safely and affordably house your belongings.

Having all of your possessions sorted and organized ahead of time will save you a lot of stress and headaches on moving day.

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Making a move to an apartment can be difficult – even if it’s a move right down the street. There can be a seemingly endless coordination of details - from the transfer of utilities to the packing and moving of boxes. But when moving to an apartment in another state, the issues are compounded by distance. The organization of the necessary details can be extremely challenging over state lines. But organization is key; if you are detailed, task-minded, and committed to research, you can streamline your move significantly.

Research, Research, Research

Chances are that you’ve already chosen the state to which you are moving based on a job opportunity or something similar. Now it’s time to learn all that you can about your new home. Modern day movers are afforded a tool that most of us didn’t have when we were moving to an apartment – the Internet. The Internet has shrunk our world, vanishing state lines and putting all the resources of towns and cities across the nation at our fingertips. Collect as much information as you can about the neighborhood where you’re moving to an apartment. This will give you a lay of the land that you are soon to call home so that you know where your local stores, restaurants, hospitals, and schools are in relation to your new apartment.

Packing, Moving, And Storing

Apartment moving in another state requires hiring professional movers who will travel across state lines or – if you have a limited number of things – renting a truck that you can drive yourself; although if you have a car that you must get to your new home you must also consider that.

Get at least three estimates from moving companies or truck rental companies – comparing prices, services provided, and timing required. Have everything packed securely awaiting the move.

Of course, moving to an apartment may sometimes require downsizing. Should you require a storage facility for things that will not fit in your new home, contract with a facility nearby your new apartment and arrange to have the movers take those – carefully marked and separated - belongings straight to storage.

Have Your Apartment Ready

The best gift that you can give yourself is to have things lined up and ready for you upon your arrival; preliminary work before the move can help set the stage for a smooth move.

1. Ask your medical and dental professionals for recommendations in your new state and have all records transferred.
2. If moving with children, transfer school records.
3. Arrange for shut off of utilities in your current apartment and schedule all new utilities to be operating prior to moving to an apartment.
4. Confirm that all necessary work will be completed in the apartment prior to move-in including repairs, painting, changing of the locks, etc.
5. Make arrangements to forward your mail and alert family, friends, insurance agents, cell phone accounts, and creditors to your change of address.
6. Arrange for renter’s insurance in your new apartment.
7. Open up bank accounts in your new state and transfer funds.
8. Learn what you need to do in order to obtain your new driver’s license upon your arrival and register your vehicle in your new state.

The Actual Move

Moving to an apartment in another state may require quite a bit of traveling. Once your current home has been completely packed, the movers have collected your things, and you’ve appropriately cleaned and closed your current home, it’s time to hit the road. It is imperative that NO important papers go with your movers; bring birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance paperwork, etc. with you on your trip so that you are never without them – along with cash, credit cards, etc.

Also, be sure to pack enough clothes, toiletries, and food items to be comfortable while you wait for the movers to arrive.

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For many people, moving to an apartment is your first foray into living on your own; a first chance at independence and having a space to call your own.

At this time in your life, you are undoubtedly looking for a place to call your own but at a price you can afford. Moving to an apartment can definitely be less expensive that purchasing a single-family home, and there are ways to make your move, and your time spent in your first rental, as affordable as possible.

The City Outskirts

In many cases, those moving to an apartment look for a living arrangement within a major metropolitan area. While living in the middle of a city can be appealing because of proximity to every convenience you can imagine, it can also be extremely expensive. You may find that, by looking just along the outskirts of the city, you will save yourself a significant amount of money, while still being close enough to those conveniences that are important to you.

Roommates Can Cut Costs

Even the most affordable apartments can be expensive for a first-time renter. One or two well-chosen roommates can help make moving to an apartment much more affordable – and even enjoyable.

Aside from splitting the rent, roommates can split the cost of everything from utilities to food, and make this first living experience much more financially comfortable.

Affordable Apartment Furnishings

Moving to an apartment often means choosing furniture pieces that will fit in your space and still provide the maximum of comfort and functionality. Luckily, there are many different lines of furniture created for apartment living and offered at inexpensive prices. Ikea is a well-known store that offers trendy designs at reasonable prices.

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Moving to an apartment gives you an opportunity to explore your style and creativity. This may be a good time to explore some secondhand shops where you can find remarkable deals on solid and functional pieces of furniture, clothing and other household items.

Ask Friends and Loved Ones to Help

When moving time rolls around, feel free to call in the help of friends and family. After all, moving to an apartment for the first time only happens once. Make the move as smooth and affordable as possible by asking for assistance. There will come a time when you can re-pay the favor.

Not many life experiences can rival the first time you move out on your own. The thrill of freedom and autonomy can be a feeling like no other. In many cases, for those just venturing into the world of living alone, moving to an apartment can be the most financially feasible choice – as well the situation that works best for their lifestyle. An apartment can provide a maintenance free living situation, the ability to bring in roommates, and a manageable monthly rent. And for those living in the city, apartment dwelling is simply the norm.

My First Apartment

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When it comes to moving to an apartment for the first time, there are plans to be made, boxes to be packed, and move-in day to be coordinated. First and foremost, be sure that you choose a first apartment that is conducive to your lifestyle and needs. Some things to consider are monthly rent and fees, utility expenses, proximity to job and conveniences, security of the building, and safety of the neighborhood. Take the time to carefully review your lease so you know the details of your contract, including security deposit. It may be wise, if you are unsure, to have an attorney review your lease – an extra step that could be well worth it.

Roommate Responsibilities

Additionally, if you are moving to an apartment with roommates be sure that details of your co-habitation are outlined in writing, including the division of bills, food, repairs, etc.

Measure your space

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Once the details are covered you are ready to begin planning for your move. It can be very easy – especially when it’s your first apartment – to go overboard buying items for the apartment; but take heed. It is important to measure the space of the apartment so that you know what you are dealing with; this can be especially helpful when it comes to choosing furniture.

Apartment essentials

Some of the essentials that you will need when first moving to an apartment include bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and the like, laundry detergent, dish detergent, sponges, and dishtowels. Additionally, you will need to outfit your kitchen with the basics including plates, bowls, utensils, napkins, cups, pots, pans, baking sheet, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, plastic containers, can opener, peeler, spatula, and other cooking/baking utensils.

A trip to a grocery store should also cover those staples that you wish to have in your kitchen including spices, condiments, flour, sugar, and the like.

Family and friends can be enormously helpful in this capacity; most will gladly recommend those items that you are likely to need right away – they may even offer to go shopping with you! If this is the case, take them up on it. The more you prepare and get organized, the more enjoyable you will find moving to an apartment.

There are those among us who do not accomplish much without the use of our daily to-do list. Juggling the multitude of activities that happen on a given day can be downright unmanageable without some small attempt to organize them. And when it comes to the big activities in life – such as orchestrating a move – you will certainly find [click to continue...]