rental property – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

April 24, 2023May 15, 2023 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

5 tasks you shouldn’t overlook before moving into a rental property

Movers walking down truck ramp with boxes

We’ve been talking quite a bit about the upcoming busy moving season and how customers can get ready to move from one home to the next, but home moving isn’t the only kind of moving taking place during the summer months.

This is also a time when rental property leases expire which can leave renters looking for a new place whether it be another rental or a purchased home.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, we specialize in rental property moving and have come up with some helpful tips for those looking to move in or out of a rental. Take a look!

Research the best place for you

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it really is important to do extensive research about the type of rental property you want to move into next. Be sure to look at online reviews of the property from past tenants, drive to the property to see what the surrounding areas look like, and ask the leasing office if you can tour a facility to get a feel for the rental.

You want to be as comfortable as possible before locking yourself into a year-long lease, so doing this early homework can go a long way.

Find out what you’re actually paying for

You never want to just throw money down the drain, so it’s important to know exactly where your money is going when you sign a leasing agreement. With rental leases, you’ll generally find some early fees due at signing like security deposits, a month’s rent in advance, and paying upfront for additional appliances you might have requested. Talk with a member of the leasing office to make sure you’re aware of all the charges involved with the agreement.

Ask as many questions as you can

There’s no such thing as a bad question, especially when locking into a rental agreement. Go over each aspect of the agreement with the leasing office so you have a solid understanding of how the next year will go before you decide to live there.

Purchase renter’s insurance

If you take away anything from reading this blog before moving apartments, make sure it’s this: purchase renter’s insurance. This is critical to anyone choosing to rent, and it will give you a solid backup plan should any accidents or break-ins occur during your time as a tenant.

Gather all details of your move

Many apartments have a certain set of guidelines that people must follow when moving into a complex, from figuring out where to park, special move in hours, and even elevator reservations if you’re relocating to a high rise.

Be sure to find out these details from your landlord or apartment office, and also ask about the following: what utilities you need, when to pick up your keys, what elevator regulations are, and when the first rent check is due.

Utilize a moving checklist to make the process of moving easier

Once move in day arrives and you start moving belongings into your new home, the landlord will 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 charged for it at a later date.

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.

April 18, 2022 Movers Who Blog Moving, Tips and Tricks

Top 5 things to consider before moving into a rental

Movers carrying box up truck ramp in front of apartment

As we continue to make our way through the spring and into summer, the busy moving season continues to ramp up as more homes get listed to buy or rent.

Many rental property leases expire in the spring or summer months which can be an exciting time as you look for a new place, but it does come with a unique set of challenges and things to remember.

You aren’t dealing with mortgages and home repairs, but you are dealing with landlords, renter’s insurance, deposits, and leasing agreements.

Thankfully for you, we’re experts in rental property moving and have been moving people in and out of them for more than three decades. We‘ve put some of our best tips together to help you prepare for your next rental property move!

Do your research

Regardless of where you plan to move, the first step should always be determining what you want in your next living quarters and how long you’d like to live in your next rental..

Be sure you’re comfortable with the area you’re choosing to move to, the price of your rental property, and the amenities that do or don’t come with it. Generally, it’s a good idea to tour a rental property and ask all of your questions prior to signing a lease, too.

What are you paying for?

You want to know where your money is going, right? With leases, there are usually a list of fees required at signing, including security deposits, a month’s rent in advance, or paying for additional appliances you’ve requested. Sit down with the leasing office and ensure you have a clear understanding of what you need to pay for before signing anything.

Ask questions

On that same note, don’t be afraid to ask the leasing office questions about anything that comes up as you prepare to sign your lease. Have them review your entire leasewith you and explain anything that stands out clearly so you have a solid understanding of what you’re locked into.

Set up utilities before moving in

After you have signed a lease and determined your moving date, be sure to contact the utility companies you’ll need to pay for to get setup in advance of your moving date so everything is ready when you move in.

Purchase renter’s insurance

This is an absolute must when renting. Whether there’s a break in, a flood, or a fire, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered should anything happen.

Complete a move in checklist

March 30, 2020April 13, 2020 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

6 important things to know before moving into a rental property

Regardless of the move, there seems to always be different challenges involved. For apartment or condo moving, this can often mean navigating stairs or tight hallways, or even high rise buildings and elevator usage.

The same moving principles still apply to a rental property – you need to pack up your belongings, figure out the transportation or if you’re hiring professional movers, and more. However, with a rental property, you’re not dealing with mortgages and other house-related issues, but instead handling renter’s insurance, security deposits, specific moving dates, and leases.

We’ve helped customers move into rental properties for more than 35 years now and have seen many important details people should know when handling this type of moving scenario. Take a look at some of the tips below!

Research the best fit for you

On the surface, this sounds obvious, but it’s crucial to find the best fit for you personally because you’re signing a lease, which means you’re paying rent for a certain amount of time. Breaking a lease if you determine it’s not a fit, can often result in high costs and headaches.

Find something within your price range, an area you’re comfortable living, and a rental group or landlord that is trustworthy. We recommend going to the rental property and taking a tour before ever signing a lease.

Finalize all rental details

Rental properties generally come with a list of fees you might have to pay before moving in, such as security deposits, one month’s rent in advance, paying for extra appliances like a washer/dryer, and more.

This is also a good time to talk with the landlord and pick a move in date that works for both of you.

Have a final meeting with landlord and sign your lease

This is your chance to go over any last questions you might have before making it official, so be sure to review everything you’re signing thoroughly and determine you are agreeing and signing to all things discussed.

Purchase renter’s insurance

You might think “is this necessary?”, and the answer is yes. Accidents happen, and renter’s insurance is a good way to ensure all of your personal belongings are protected should something unfortunate happen such as a break-in, a fire, or a flood.

Set up utilities

Be sure to cancel all utilities at your previous home. Then, discuss with your landlord which utilities are available in your area and set that up before moving into your rental property. Depending on the rental property, some utilities may even be 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 landlord will 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.

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.