College Moving – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

August 2, 2021 Movers Who Blog College Moving

Top 5 expert tips for moving into college dorms

As summer comes to an end, many young adults are starting to get ready to move into their college dorms. Whether it’s your first or fourth year, these tips will help you to maximize your storage and make the most of your small living space!

Start with a packing list

Creating a packing list before moving into your dorm will allow you to save time and space. A list can also help make sure that you’re only bringing the necessities so you don’t have extra clutter you probably will not need.

Look at your dorm before you move in

Since there are a few different types of dorm styles, look on your school’s website before moving in to see pictures of your future space. This will help you to come up with ideas on how you’re going to organize the room and make it livable for you.

Every space is a storage space

Whether you’re living in a dorm or a smaller apartment, finding storage can be tricky. Places like underneath the bed, desk drawers, a shelf of the closet, etc., can be used to store any of your things. You can even use the back of your door as a hanging shoe rack, or to hang towels.

Hold onto your boxes

Be sure to hang onto the boxes you use when you move in. This will make the process of moving out much less stressful. Flatten out the boxes when you’re done to minimize the amount of space they take up.

Make it your own

Since you’ll be spending the next several months in your new dorm, make it a place you enjoy being in. Create a plan with your roommate on how you want to decorate and personalize your room so you’re both able to have a space you’re comfortable in.

Although it may seem like you don’t have much room in a college dorm, you can always get creative with your new space. Follow these tips to start your new school year in college off right!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

May 3, 2021May 24, 2021 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Moving

What you should consider before moving into a rental property

We’re cruising through the spring months and as we head into the summer season we get into the time of year that we call the busy moving season.

Some might be moving into a new home or moving their business, but another area of moving we see often during the spring and summer months is with rental properties – mainly apartments and condos. As leases come to an end, those who choose to live in rental properties – or those looking for one for the first time – will be searching for the best fit for them as they look to sign their next lease.

Like any type of moving, apartment and condo moving brings its own unique set of challenges and to-do lists, but unlike home moving, you aren’t dealing with mortgages or other house-related issues. Instead, you take on things like renter’s insurance, deposits, and leases.

We’re experts in apartment and condo moving and have handled just about every situation imaginable, so we put together a few important pieces you should know if your next move is into a new rental property.

Use extensive research to find the best fit for you

This should be the first step of any apartment or condo search. In any instance where you are signing a lease, you are locked in for a set amount of time, so you want to make sure you’re completely comfortable with the situation before signing.

Make sure you are comfortable with the area you are moving, the price range of the rent, and with the amenities being offered or the things required of you as a tenant. It’s also encouraged to go take a visit of the property before signing.

Know all the details of what you’re paying

There’s generally a list of fees required when you sign up for a lease, like security deposits, a month’s rent in advance, and paying for additional appliances. It’s important to sit down with the landlord and go over each cost expected of you so you are fully aware of how much you are paying.

Ask questions at signing

As you sit down for your final meeting with the landlord to sign your lease, use this time to ask any final questions you might have about your contract, the facilities, or just about leasing in general. Be sure to review everything you are signing so you understand what is expected of you.

Buy renter’s insurance

This is an absolute must for anyone who is renting. This will give you peace of mind as a renter, and also keep your personal belongings protected should some unfortunate instance occur. Whether it’s a break-in, a flood, or a fire – you’ll be covered and will be able to get back some of what you lost.

Set up your utilities in advance

Once you know you’ll be signing your lease for a new rental, begin contacting the necessary utility companies in your area to get accounts set up with what you’ll need. Some apartments and condos have certain utilities included with your rent.

Complete a move in checklist

Once move in day arrives and you start bringing your belongings into your new home, the landlordwill provide you with some type of move in checklist to assess the current state of your rental property. Be sure to go around and examine everything to check for any damages or things missing and write them down so you aren’t charge for it at a later date.

July 29, 2019August 19, 2019 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Uncategorized

Use these moving and packing tips as you prepare for a college move

-Written by Taylor Hawley

August is right around the corner, and for many young people around the country, it’s time to either move to your first year of college or move back to campus as you work toward finishing your degree.

Whether you’re moving into a dorm room for the first time or going back to your college town, packing all of your belongings can get tricky if you’re limited on space. As someone who has moved back and forth from college to home for four consecutive years, I’ve picked up several tips and tricks that could make your next move to school more manageable and efficient.

Use this guide to prepare for your move back to college this fall!

Shop for essentials later – To save space, buy some items once you get to college. This will save room for you to pack other belongings that are essential to take. No one should have to choose between packing your favorite sweater or having toiletries.

Wrap fragile objects – While moving with fragile objects, wrap them with bubble wrap, dish towels, or blankets before packing to ensure they’re protected from potential damage. Using belongings such as towels and blankets will help save space while providing cushioning and these are items you need to pack anyways.

Keep boxes – When unpacking, keep the boxes that some of your belongings (such as fans, printers, etc.) come in. Break them down and store them under your bed or in your closet so they’re out of the way during the school year. When it comes time to move out, you’ll have the boxes to pack your items into again.

Don’t bring everything – One of the most commonly made mistakes students make while moving back to school is packing too much. Over packing can make the move even more difficult if it won’t fit in your car, new dorm, or apartment. Start off by bringing the basics and then figure out what else you would like or need to bring after you unpack.

Utilize spaces – Be creative in how you pack to get the most out of the space available. Packing things into spaces such as empty trash cans and drawers will save space and allow you the opportunity to bring more of your favorite items.

Don’t forget these essentials

Two towels – If one is still damp from a previous shower or if you can’t find time to do laundry every week, it’s good to have a backup towel in times of need.
A shower caddy – This is useful if you’re sharing a bathroom, allowing you to easily carry all of your toiletries when you need them.
Flip flops – This is also useful for shared bathroom situations. Although it may seem odd to shower with shoes on, it is a lot more sanitary than not having them.
Fan – This is perfect for when you don’t have a control over the temperature in your room. It is also useful to create white noise if you are a light sleeper.
Organizing racks and drawers – Most dorms do not offer that much storage space for students, so it is great to have these. This will give you more room for clothes and school supplies, while keeping your room more organized.
Pocket shoe organizer – Whether this is placed behind a door or in a closet, this is a useful organization tool that will make life easier. The pockets can be used to hold shoes, cleaning supplies, or whatever you decide.
Small trash cans – This is a necessity for all homes. If you’re in a dorm, it is helpful to have one near your desk and by your lounging area so you won’t have to constantly walk across the room to throw things away.
Medicine/first aid kit – This might not come in handy when you first move in, but one day you might need some sort of medicine or first aid. Keep the basic medicines on hand such as Advil®, Tums® or Pepto Bismol®, allergy relief, cold medicine, and cough drops. This will ensure you do not have to make a quick run in a time of need.
Power strips and extension cords – Most dorms and small rooms have limited or inconveniently placed outlets. These will give you the amount of plugins that you need for all of your electronics.

If you’re in need of packing supplies for your college move, click here.

August 27, 2018September 17, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, News, Newsroom, Organizing, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Tackling rising college costs with effective planning

-Written by Erik Sargent

Another summer is coming to a close and for many, the time to head off to college for the fall is quickly approaching.

For all of the fun and responsibilities that come with enrolling in college, there’s one unfortunate side-effect that comes with it – debt. The continued spike in college tuition has placed a large number of people – those who have completed their degree and otherwise – in a substantial amount of debt they are required to handle the minute they leave campus.

According to research completed by The College Board, reports released in 2015 and 2016 showed moderate increase in published tuition and fees ranging from 2.2 to 3.6%, with the continued increased fees of colleges and universities outpacing financial aid, family incomes, and the average prices of other goods and services.

“The reports document that, despite the moderate increases in average published prices, there were considerable increases in net tuition and fees over the past few years,” said co-author Jennifer Ma, policy research scientist at the College Board. “These increases, combined with stagnant incomes for many families, raise concerns about ensuring educational opportunities for low and moderate income students.”

Where does the cost come from?

“The demand for higher education has risen dramatically since 1985,” said Richard Vedder, an author and distinguished professor of economics emeritus at Ohio University in an interview with Business Insider. “Once demand goes up and nothing else happens, that will raise the prices.”

Everyone sees the hefty price tag attached to a college diploma, but where exactly is all of the money going?

A large chunk of this money is going straight into tuition. According to CollegeData.com, the moderate college budget for an in-state public college for the 2017-18 academic year averaged $25,290. A moderate budget at a private college averaged somewhere around $50,900.

Other fees that the research highlighted included:

-Room and board ranged from $10,800 at four-year public schools to $12,210 at private schools.

-The average cost for books and supplies for the 2017-2018 school year was $1,250 at public colleges and $1,220 at private colleges.

-The estimates for things colleges don’t bill you for – transportation, clothing, personal items, and entertainment – averaged $3,270 at public universities and $2,730 at private colleges.

The best ways to save

There’s always something that can be done to save money, especially for college students, and being conscious of where your money is going and what you’re spending can help you make the right decisions.

With the media coverage around these rising costs, students have taken notice and started to plan accordingly – both on their own, and with the help of their parents.

According to an article by the U.S. News Personal Finance section, some effective ways a student can save during their time in college include:

-Avoid additional loans at all costs

-Look for on-campus work to make extra spending money

-Master simple, low-cost foods for meals and snacks outside of meal plans. If living off campus, stay away from meal plans and use coupons and sales when grocery shopping for low-cost meals!

-Stick to being an authorized user on someone else’s credit card

-Utilize on-campus resources for entertainment and social connections

-Buy used textbooks or use textbook rental

-Check out the student discounts around your college town at restaurants, stores, gyms, etc.

Another useful and effective way to save money during college – and put you in line for work in the future – is through internships.

All around the country, companies offer internships to college students where they can earn a summer paycheck, and even college credit in some cases. These internships not only help students get adapted to the professional workplace, but also give them real-life experience in the fields they are working toward.

One company that offers an extensive learning opportunity through an annual internship program is the international moving company, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Each summer, college students are given the opportunity to work in various departments at the Home Office location in Lansing, Mich., where they gain valuable experience performing hands-on, innovative tasks.

“Interns have access to a number of resources while they are interning here during the summer,” said Rocco Cironi, employee development manager for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK in an interview last year. “Our interns meet with each member of the executive team to get to know them better and ask questions about their experiences. They also meet with our directors through our ‘Lunch and Learn’ program. We want them to learn both professional skills and personal development skills while they are here, as this will help them become more well-rounded and prepare them for life after graduation.”

From marketing to finance, human resources, information technology, and sales, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK interns aren’t just getting coffee for their supervisors – they‘re involved in real-life tasks, and get placed into the everyday working environment for the company, while still finding time for fun and new experiences.

“In addition to daily department responsibilities, our interns also take part in various educational sessions we host at our corporate office,” Cironi said. “Our hope is not only do our interns learn more in the areas they work in, but they also have a better understanding of other departments throughout our corporate office. Our goal is for them to go back to school with a better understanding of the culture and pace of a corporation.”

Start planning now

Although the tips above are best for saving money while in college, one of the best ways to cut back on the rising costs is to plan ahead with saving. Scholarships and financial aid are two of the most important ways you can help save money and get yourself on track to avoid massive debt.

“Scholarships can make all the difference in college affordability,” said Chicago Tribune Contract Reporter Terry Savage in an article last year. “Set aside some time in the holiday season to search for them. High school sophomores and juniors should search, too. Starting early to build credentials required for some of these scholarships – or practicing writing application essays – can pay off when it comes time to apply.”

Thankfully for anyone finding themselves on this path, the Internet has an abundance of resources to choose from to find scholarships that fit any background. Visit sites like Fastweb.com, Scholarships.com, TuitionFundingSources.com, and SallieMae.com to find out more about which scholarships you may be eligible for.

For information on financial aid you are eligible for, fill out your FAFSA form.

August 6, 2018September 10, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Organizing, Our People, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

What to consider when choosing a college apartment

-Written by Caitlyn Laidler

So, you’re getting ready to move into your first college apartment, how exciting! There are several things to consider when choosing a place to call home for the school year. While everyone’s priorities will be a little bit different, we’ve developed a list of things to consider when comparing communities and making a final decision.

Rent and fees

First and foremost, rent is an important factor in determining where to live. Student housing often offers different types of payment plans — monthly, by semester, or for the full year. Make sure wherever you live has a payment option that is best suited for you.

On top of rent, look at the other fees you would be responsible for paying. There are often application fees and security deposits required before moving in. Sometimes, apartment management offers special deals where they may waive certain fees, or even give you a special rate on rent when you sign during specific promotional periods.

Utilities

While we’re on the topic of money, let’s talk utilities! Every community is different, and knowing if they charge you for utilities such as gas, electricity, water, cable, and internet is important to know. Some of these may be included and others may be your responsibility to pay for separately. Utilities vary between communities, so take into consideration what your bills may look like depending on where you chose to live.

Lease type

It’s important to know whether you’re signing an individual lease, or a joint lease. Both are fairly common in student housing, and each comes with pros and cons.

In an individual lease, or bedroom lease, each roommate signs their own lease and is responsible for paying their portion of the rent.

Pro: You are not responsible for the actions of your roommates. If one of your roommates breaks their lease, or is late on rent, you won’t be affected.

Con: You may pay a little bit more than you would in a joint lease. While an individual lease is low risk for you, there’s more risk involved for the apartment company, so a premium is added your monthly rent.

With a joint lease, you and your roommates will sign one lease altogether. Instead of each roommate paying individual rent per room, there will be a monthly price you and your roommates will split and pay together.

Pro: Joint leases are generally cheaper than individual leases.

Con: You and your roommates are equally responsible for putting up the money to cover rent, utilities, and repairs. If a roommate is late on rent or decides to move out, you are still responsible for making sure their portion gets paid — the apartment company can come after any or all of you in order to get the money they’re owed.

Amenities

Every apartment is going to offer various amenities, some more necessary than others. Below is a list of amenities that are generally offered by student housing communities. Some places may have more than others, it’s up to you what you want most out of your future home!

Washer and dryer (Some communities will have these in every unit, and some offer a shared laundry room located somewhere on the property)
Dishwasher
Gym/fitness center
Tanning
Pool and/or hot tub
Roommate matching (if you don’t already know who you are living with, some communities help set you up with roommates)
Pet-friendly
Private bathrooms
Air conditioning
Covered parking

Parking

Figure out what each communities parking policies are. Whether they have numbered parking, and what their guest parking policies are. It can be a hassle if guests have to get a pass or park far away, but at the same time it could be even worse if guest parking was not enforced and you end up with nowhere to park in your own Community.

Location and transportation

Is the housing close to campus? The closer it is, the higher the price will likely be. If it’s further from campus, is there a bus stop by the community? Some places even offer a free shuttle to campus which is an added bonus — that way you don’t have to buy a parking pass and you can use public transportation to get to class!

Another thing to consider: is the community close to nightlife, entertainment, and shopping? Whether you have a car, bike, or ride the bus, these are all important things to think about since you will be commuting to and from these places on a regular basis.

For many students, price is a huge concern and each of these aspects affects how much an apartment will cost. Figure out what is most important to you and look for places that offer those elements in your price range. Whether or not you get everything you want out of your apartment, you can decorate any space to suit your taste and make it feel like home.

July 23, 2018August 13, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, DIY Projects, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Moving with kids, Organizing, Our People, Packing, Preparing to Move, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

A first-hand look at the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® moving experience

-Written by Erik Sargent

With more than 7 million moves completed as a brand and locations all across the United States, and even internationally in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, it’s safe to say we’ve got the hang of this moving thing.

Our 96% customer referral rating speaks for itself, but sometimes, numbers just don’t tell the whole story. Why not hear it directly from the source?

Customer Rob Derderian of Pasadena, California, was kind enough to let us get a sneak peek into his home move last month, and was able to shed some insight on what it was like to have TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s help with a home move.

Here’s what he had to say!

Why are you moving?

“We are moving because we sold this house, a friend of mine bought it. I already live in another location, so this was a second house, so we are liquidating it and we’re getting out. We’re taking the things out of it and moving them to a couple different places and just getting everything out of here.”

How did you learn about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK?

“A few years ago my son and wife were referred to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and that’s how we got hooked up this time. My son moved around during college a few times and my wife contacted TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, I guess after contacting a few other movers, and were satisfied with what they heard from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. So, they did a couple of moves a few years ago and this time around when we decided we had to find a mover again, we just went right back to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.”

What was your initial impression of the movers?

“These guys are good guys – young, strong, healthy specimens, so that’s a good thing because it’s a lot more than I can lift or pack or move. They’re very polite, nice, and clean, doing a good job and wrapping things up as I would expect or any customer would expect, and I’m happy with it.”

Talk about the moving experience with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

“The moving experience is going well. I haven’t done this for over 30 years, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Planning is really important, planning in advance is important, and contacting the movers in advance is important. In my line of work I’m a project manager, so I tried to line things up with the way you’re supposed to when you have a big project, so it’s going according to plan. I didn’t expect anything different, so I think we’re OK.”

What advice would you give to customers about to complete a home move?

“I would say that if you cross the line where you know you’re going to move, you make plans immediately. You contact your movers, you come up with a checklist. [This checklist] can be found on the website of the mover. You start going down the checklist, you start to plan everything in advance as best as possible, you decide where everything is going to go. We actually color-tagged everything in the house as far as exactly where we want it to go. We did a walk-through with the movers when they got here, so I think the early planning is really important. It’s important to not have any surprises later.”

Why would you recommend the services of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to someone looking to move?

“Because I would share a good experience. If I have a good experience, I’m happy to make referrals, if it’s not a good experience I’m probably not going to make good referrals. I have no problem with referring TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.”

June 18, 2018July 9, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, DIY Projects, Downsizing, Hiring Professional Movers, Home Decor, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Organizing, Packing, Preparing to Move, Uncategorized

How to effectively combine two living spaces into one in a new home

Moving in with a significant other is an exciting milestone for any couple, but if it’s a new experience, it can seem a little overwhelming. Before getting caught in the excitement, there are a few steps that can help to make the transition into your new shared space a little easier.

Combining two interior styles into one can be a challenge and may spark some frustration between you and your partner. But, luckily for you, we have some tips on how to avoid the arguments, and create the perfectly styled home of your dreams that features both of your unique tastes.

Sorting through the old

Packing can be a headache, and it might seem like a daunting task, but it’s also a great opportunity to sort through some old items. When packing up two spaces, there’s bound to be duplicate appliances and furnishings, so this is a great time to make a list of the items you don’t need, items you can take with you to the new space, and items you are lacking. Before throwing away any items you don’t want to move to your new place, consider donating, selling, or even refurbishing to make the old, new.

Donating items is an effortless and quick solution to unloading old furnishings you no longer need or want. Try researching local thrift shops or charitable organizations that would accept furniture and electronics to create an affordable option for others looking to cost effectively furnish their homes.

The Salvation Army is another option that comes right to your door to pick up your gently used items, quite literally taking the weight off your shoulders of carrying and bringing said items to a nearby location yourself.

Selling your old items is another option that will put a little extra money in your pocket to purchase new home furnishings. With warm summer months approaching, keep an eye out for local flea markets and antique shows to request becoming a vendor for a small fee, to showcase those older items that may have historical value. Or, just set up a garage sale in your own front lawn to save money on the vending cost.

Refurbishing old furniture is another creative way to give your old pieces new life, while saving some money. All you need to do is take a trip to your local hardware or craft store for some sand paper, paint, and brushes.

Make it a fun creative experience for you and your partner, and spend some time in front of a variety of paint swatches to determine which accent colors you would like to bring into your new space. Having a creative project to focus on is a great way to add some fun within the stressful process of moving, and keep you and your partner focused on the excitement of your new transition.

In with the new, and combining styles

When you’re packed and ready to move into your new shared space, it’s time to reference that packing list one more time, to determine what you both are lacking in terms of furnishings. After settling in and establishing what rooms need what, it’s time to hit the showrooms or online shops and find the perfect pieces that fit both your interior design standards.

Maybe it’s time for some new living room seating, and your partner likes simplicity and clean lines, and you like versatile colored family room furnishings, easily accented with pops of color. Or maybe it’s time for a new bedroom set, but you can’t decide on a color scheme to match your partner’s desire for dark oak pieces and your love of minimalist inspired design. Don’t get frustrated.

Sit down with your partner and talk about ways to combine your styles in a way that compliments each individual taste. A great way to get started is to browse Pinterest or Instagram accounts of your favorite brands and designers. You might come across combinations that you hadn’t thought of and be inspired.

Designing a space should be a fun way to get to know your partner, so don’t get flustered or overwhelmed by indecisiveness. Be open to new styles and communicate openly with your partner, and you just might find new designs you both like to make your new home the perfect reflection and combination of both of your interior tastes!

May 28, 2018June 18, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Moving, Moving with kids, Organizing, Our People, Packing, Preparing to Move, Spring Cleaning, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

What we can’t move during your home relocation

-Written by Caitlyn Laidler

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we’re dedicated to making your moving experience stress-free and successful. To ensure the safety of both our customers and movers, we must follow certain rules and regulations that restrict the transportation of certain items.

In order to avoid conflict and confusion on moving day, we recommend you speak with your local franchise beforehand to ensure you have time to make arrangements to move the items we’re not able to.

Our movers are unable to transport the following:

Flammable, explosive, or corrosive items

Federal law prohibits the transportation of propane, paint, car batteries, antifreeze, household cleaners, weed killer, and ammunition. These items will not be moved under any circumstances.

Gasoline-filled engines or machines

Prior to move in day, make sure to empty any items that run on gasoline. Items such as lawn mowers, grills, tractors, and mopeds must be completely empty in order for our movers to transport them.

Plants and animals

In order to guarantee the safety and well-being of your plants and pets, we do not transport any living thing, including potted plants and fish.

Perishable food

Fresh, refrigerated, and frozen foods are banned from our trucks to prevent rotting and spoiled, unpleasant odors. Plan out your meals the week before the move so you don’t have a fridge full of food on moving day. Or, plan to box and transport in your personal vehicle.

Sensitive or sentimental belongings

We care about your things and take care of them as if they were our own. To ensure your prized possessions and important items are not misplaced during the process, we do not move items such as cash, jewelry, insurance papers, or birth certificates.

Prescription drugs or medications

In order to prevent any emergencies where you may need access to your medications, we do not move prescription drugs.

Reminder: Each franchise has their own policy regarding non-allowable items. For a complete list of items we are not able to move, please contact your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® office.

May 21, 2018June 10, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Downsizing, Hiring Professional Movers, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Organizing, Our People, Preparing to Move, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

What to expect when moving into a rental property

This is a guest blog post from Avail.co

Are you moving into a rental property? From signing your new lease to getting settled in your new home, we know just the right steps to take to help you navigate the move-in process.

Follow along with these helpful tips on what to look out for as you move into a new rental property this summer!

Sign a lease

Be sure to review your lease completely, paying close attention to the rent price, security deposit, move-in fee, and lease dates. You’ll also want to read the clauses and rules to make sure everything looks good.

If you have any questions about the lease, you should ask your landlord before signing. It’s better to ask questions up front rather than sign a legal document you’re not sure about. And remember, it’s standard for tenants to sign the lease first.

Pay first month’s rent and your deposit

Typically, your landlord will ask you to pay first month’s rent after signing the lease and before you move in. Landlords want to make sure you’ll be able to pay on time before handing over the keys.

Schedule professional movers

Professional movers are the safest option when it comes to moving your belongings. At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, there are trained professionals who will take care of your belongings as you move. They guarantee your belongings won’t be damaged, and your landlord will appreciate the apartment will also not be damaged during the move. They’re experts at moving furniture without scratching walls or surfaces because they’re properly trained moving professionals who have all the necessary equipment to make your move safe and efficient.

Want to be prepared? Read these tips for your upcoming move.

Switch your utilities

If your current and new home have the same utility provider, then you can schedule to transfer service to your new address on your move date.

You can also set up utilities quickly if you use a service like My Utilities.

Complete move-in inspection checklist

Landlords often require that you fill out a move-in inspection checklist. If you paid a security deposit, then it’s in your best interest to fill one out with your landlord even if he or she doesn’t initiate it.

In the checklist, you’ll mark existing damage in the rental. When you move out, you’ll fill out the same checklist to show what damage is new versus pre-existing. Your landlord should not charge you to repair any damage that was already there.

Enjoy your new home

Finding a new property and moving in are the tough parts. Next, you’ll unpack and settle into your new home! Here are some ongoing tips to keep in mind as a renter:

Treat the place as your home (taking care of the rental goes a long way with your landlord)
Pay rent on time
Submit maintenance tickets as needed

Next steps

At Avail, we empower responsible tenants with online tools, education, and customer service to support them in their rental experience. Learn how you can pay rent online with Avail.

November 6, 2017June 26, 2018 Movers Who Blog College Moving, Hiring Professional Movers, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Moving with kids, Organizing, Our People, Packing, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Nine questions to ask your landlord before moving in

This is a guest post from Avail.com

There’s a lot on your mind when you’re preparing for a move, from what day you can move in to when you’ll receive your keys, where the moving truck can park, and more.

To ensure you’re as prepared as possible, and have as many moving day details to make it a stress-free and efficient day, it’s important to ask your landlord these nine questions ahead of time.

#1 What day can I move in?

It’s best to check with your landlord about what day you’re able to move in. That way, you are both on the same page and you can schedule professional movers ahead of time. It’s recommended to reach out and book your movers as soon as possible, even as early as one month out from the date you’d like to move.

#2 What will you do to prepare the unit before I move in?

Most landlords clean and re-paint in between tenants. We recommend finding out what your landlord plans on doing ahead of time, so you know what condition the place will be in when you move in.

#3 Were the locks changed?

In some locations, it’s a legal requirement for landlords to change the locks in between tenants. Even if it’s not a legal requirement, you can still request that your landlord changes the locks if you prefer.

#4 When will I get my keys?

Of course, you’ll need to know when you can pick up your keys to access your unit for move-in day! We recommend coordinating with your landlord to find out where and when you can pick up your keys. You may want to ask if there are other people who have a copy of the key, or access to your unit.

#5 What doors/elevators should I use? And where can I park my moving truck?

Your landlord will know the best place for your moving truck to be, whether it’s in an alley, on the street, or in a truck dock (at a larger building). You can also find out if there are service elevators for you to use. Be sure to make arrangements for parking and service elevators prior to your movers’ arrival.

#6 What do I do in the case of a lockout?

Before moving in, it’s best to know the lockout procedure. Is there an extra key on site in a lockbox? Is there a 24/7 emergency lockout company you should call? Your landlord will likely have a way for you to remedy the situation, and having this information may come in handy down the road.

#7 Is there a move-in checklist for me to complete?

It’s best practice to fill out a move-in checklist. You’ll mark any existing damage on move-in day. That way, when you move out, you can show the landlord that the damage was already there. This is helpful if you want to receive your full security deposit at the end of the lease.

You can also check to ensure you have all the proper moving essentials, here.

#8 How do I pay first month’s rent?

Typically, landlords expect first month’s rent before you move in. It’s usually a requirement before he or she will hand over a key to you. Make sure you know how to pay rent and when it’s due so you get your keys on time.

#9 What utilities am I responsible for?

You’ll want to set up your utilities before you move in. Gas, electricity, and internet are utilities you’ll want immediately. If you’re responsible for setting these up, your landlord should let you know which companies to reach out to. If not, we recommend asking your landlord for more information.

Next steps

You’ve asked your landlord these questions, and found out your move-in date, so the next step is setting up professional movers. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is here to help.

If you’d like to pay rent online, tell your landlord about Rentalutions. You can set up automatic payments, so you don’t have to remember each month. Learn more about Rentalutions below.

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At Avail, our end-to-end software empowers tenants and landlords. As a tenant, you can complete a 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.