Moving can be an intricate process regardless of whether you’re transitioning from a 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, or sprawling three-bedroom apartment unit. Adequate preparation is key, encompassing a multitude of considerations, from notifying your property manager to arranging utility transfer, all the way to ensuring your possessions are packed securely to avoid any unwelcome breakages. If you’re unsure of where to commence, here’s a compilation of ten essential tasks to complete prior to your moving day.

Devise a Comprehensive Moving Schedule

Prior to the impending whirlwind of activities, it’s prudent to compile a comprehensive list detailing everything to be accomplished before, during, and after your move. To offer a general timeframe for your tasks, consider this outline:

  • Three months before moving: Thoroughly review your lease agreement to discern the necessary notice period for your departure. Different rental properties require varying lead times, with some stipulating 30 days, others 60, or even 90. Many rentals necessitate written notice, so be sure to understand the timing and method for informing your property manager of your departure.
  • Two months before moving: Initiate the search for your new residence. While casual browsing might have been ongoing, now is the juncture to intensify your efforts. Arrange property tours, pose relevant questions, and initiate the submission of rental applications. As this phase might entail some duration, ideally, commence your apartment hunting one to two months ahead of your intended move.
  • Two weeks before moving: This period is apt for utility transfers, informing your renter’s insurance provider about your relocation, and completing the USPS change of address form. During the fortnight prior to moving, dedicate time to comprehensive apartment cleaning, address repairs such as wall patching, and arrange your move-out inspection.

Formulate a Thorough Packing Inventory

In addition to the fundamental packing requisites like boxes and tape, a comprehensive packing list is essential to streamline the process. A well-structured list ensures you have all the necessary items at your disposal, minimizing trips to procure forgotten supplies. Here’s an illustrative example of an inclusive packing checklist:

– Boxes
1) Specialty boxes for clothing
2) Boxes for electronic equipment and TVs
3) Boxes tailored for appliances
4) Compact boxes (for weighty items like books)

– Essential Packing Supplies
– Packing tape
– Markers
– Blankets
– Bubble wrap
– Labels
– Tissue paper
– Rope
– Dust masks
– Garbage bags
– Furniture covers
– Hand truck
– Box cutter
– Screwdriver
– Allen wrench
– Hammer
– Level (in case of item replacement)
– Paint and brushes (for potential touch-ups)
– Towels
– Screws
– Nails
– Plastic bags
– Clothes hangers

Establish a Realistic Moving Budget

Moving inherently incurs expenses, many of which might be unforeseen. Anticipate disbursing funds for your final month’s rent, application fee, and security deposit. Note the security deposit is different from your last month’s rent payment, and it can’t be used to cover your final month. Allocate resources for move-in fees at your new apartment unit, along with assorted moving costs like professional moving services or refreshments for your assisting friends. Be prepared for probable needs in your new space or the replacement of broken items.

Assess Your Furniture’s Suitability

Contemplate the layout of your new living space and gauge how your current furniture will fit within it. Oversized pieces might be impractical if space is limited, whereas small items could be engulfed in more spacious surroundings. Ponder selling or donating pieces that might not harmonize with your new apartment unit.

Arrange and Declutter Before Packing

Few things are more disheartening than unboxing an item in your new apartment unit and questioning the rationale behind retaining it. Organize your belongings into three categories before commencing packing: items to retain, items to dispose of, and items to donate. If in doubt, consider whether an item is worth packing and moving. Evaluating the desirability of, say, a thrift store find like a singing fish wall plaque, can aid in streamlining your possessions.

Secure Dependable Moving Assistance

Don’t procrastinate when it comes to securing reliable movers, especially during peak moving periods like summer. Moving companies tend to be swiftly booked during such times, and leaving arrangements to the last minute could pose challenges. Initiate your search several weeks ahead, scrutinize references and reviews, and confirm their licensing and insurance. Relying on friends or family for help? Verify their availability well in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Review Lease Provisions Pertaining to Relocation

Ideally, you’ve already perused your lease agreement and adhered to the stipulated procedures for informing your property manager of your departure. However, additional moving clauses might be present. Such clauses could dictate the timeline for vacating the premises (e.g., “by 12 pm on the final day of the lease”), elucidate the prerequisites for securing your security deposit refund, and delineate key return procedures. Disregarding these aspects could result in extra charges like painting, floor replacement, cleaning fees, or lock replacement costs.

Systematically Pack Your Possessions

Given that you’ve already assembled your supplies and sorted your belongings, the actual packing process should unfold seamlessly. Employ a strategic approach to packing that ensures box weight is manageable and items remain safeguarded:

– Exercise caution with breakables, wrapping them meticulously with tissue paper or bubble wrap.
– Employ dish towels to cushion fragile items and occupy empty spaces.
– Opt for smaller boxes to accommodate heavy items, preventing undue strain.
– Embrace a room-by-room and zone-by-zone methodology. For instance, when packing your living room, commence with wall decorations, proceed to shelves, and eventually address electronics.
– Create a checklist that aligns with each packed box, enumerating its contents. Label the box for quick identification. Employ color-coded stickers for enhanced organization, such as blue for kitchen items and red for living room belongings.

Execute Thorough Cleaning and Document Conditions

Aim to restore your apartment to a condition reminiscent of move-in day, bearing in mind that minor wear and tear is typical. Comprehensive cleaning, including wall hole patching and carpet stain removal, is essential. Capture images of each room post-cleaning to document its condition. These visual records can serve as evidence should disputes arise regarding your security deposit.

Communicate Address Change to Relevant Parties

Having acquired a new address, it’s pivotal to update pertinent entities about this change. Notify your bank, credit card companies, loan providers, the DMV, acquaintances, and any others with whom you correspond regularly.

While moving can be a source of stress, adhering to this comprehensive moving checklist can facilitate a seamless transition. With prudent preparation, this move could very well be your most successful one yet.

At Olympia Management, we understand that moving can be a challenging and overwhelming task. That’s why we strive to provide our tenants with the resources and support they need to make the process as smooth as possible. Our comprehensive moving checklist offers a step-by-step guide to ensure that every aspect of your move is taken care of, from giving notice to your property manager to transferring utilities and packing your belongings.