7 tips for your next apartment move

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American moves 11.4 times in his or her lifetime. Moving can be stressful; there are countless things to do and you want to make sure the move goes smoothly. Luckily, by following our seven tips, you can save yourself some stress and be well on your way to a smooth move.

#1 Talk to your new landlord about the move

Contact your new landlord before the move to clarify important details:

• Where to park on moving day
• Availability of service elevators for use
• Need to complete a move-in checklist prior to moving day
• When and where you should pick up your keys
• Confirm your move-in date
• Double check which utilities you need to set up
• Confirm how you should pay your rent and if you’re allowed to pay rent online

#2 Set up your utilities ahead of time

It’s important to set up your utilities ahead of time. Typically, landlords will pay for water and trash, and you’ll need to set up gas, electricity, cable, and internet. If you already have these utilities for your current apartment, then you’ll just transfer the service to your new address. You can save time by completing this task online, as most utility companies allow you to manage your account online.

 #3 Update your renters insurance

 Whenever you move, you need to update your renters insurance. Call your insurance agent and he or she will walk you through how to switch your policy to the new unit.

If you don’t already have renters insurance, we highly recommend it. It covers your belongings in the case that they’re stolen or damaged by incidents such as fires or leaks. It also helps protect you if someone is injured in your unit.

#4 Start packing early

Moving is much easier if you start packing early. We recommend packing anything you don’t need before the move first. You can start with sentimental belongings, decorations, books, movies, and art. You should also pack clothes and dishware you don’t need before the move.

Disassemble furniture ahead of time to make moving day easier, and organize belongings that you’ll pack at the last minute.

As you pack your boxes, make sure to label two sides of the box so you can easily find the labels. Avoid labeling the top because you won’t be able to read it when boxes are stacked on top of one another. You can also color code your labels by which room they will go in. For example, boxes with red labels belong in the family room, etc.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® offers a variety of packing services and packing supplies to assist you during the packing and moving process.

#5 Hire professional movers

Once you’ve confirmed your move-in date, you should book your move with professional movers. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® will make your move easier and faster. A crew of professional and uniformed movers will take care of all of the heavy lifting for you. They are professionally trained and will pad and stretch wrap your furniture to protect from damages as they move your belongings in and out of a home, apartment, condo, or storage unit. They’re the “Movers Who Care®”, and the experts at ensuring each move goes smoothly.

#6 Make sure your new keys work

You’ll need to get your keys from your new landlord before the move. Once you have the keys, be sure to confirm they work. It would be a hassle if you get to your place on move-in day, with all of your belongings, and can’t get in. This is especially problematic if you hire professional movers who are paid by the hour, as you’ll want to move your belongings in as soon as you show up at the property.

#7 Clean and check your unit before you leave

It’s best to clean your unit after you’ve moved all of your belongings out. That way, you can thoroughly clean with no boxes or furniture in the way. Your landlord will likely have the unit professionally cleaned for the next tenant; however, it’s still a good idea to return the unit cleaned. It increases the likelihood that you’ll receive your full security deposit.

Ease and convenience in your new home

Once you’re all moved in, you’ll want to continue making your rental experience as efficient and convenient as possible, including making rental payments easy. With Rentalutions, you can pay rent online, schedule automatic payments, and receive receipts for every rent payment. You won’t have to write checks, walk to a mailbox, or worry about whether your landlord received the payment or not.

About Avail

 At Avail, our end-to-end software empowers tenants and landlords. As a tenant, you can complete an online rental application, sign your lease online, pay rent online, and manage maintenance all in one place. Thousands of landlords and tenants across the country use our platform to streamline the rental process. Learn more, here.