Choosing apartment living can be a rewarding experience. For families with young children, it can provide a safe haven within an established community, while for young professionals and first time homeowners it can be a perfect starting point for establishing their own place.
Whether you are moving your first apartment, moving from one apartment to another or to a new home, it is important to plan properly for this exciting chapter in your life.
In this article, we look at the most important things to remember when moving to and from a new apartment, and what to include in your apartment moving checklist.
Why is moving to or from an apartment different than a regular home move?
The moving process to or from an apartment often calls for somewhat different planning than moving into a residential, traditional home.
Moving into an apartment means settling in an apartment building, where other residents are already living, with its own history, unique architecture, and certain rules of conduct in place.
The moving process might mean moving up stairs, needing to arrange parking inside the communal parking area, or arranging a move in at a time when it will be the least disruptive for other tenants.
On the other hand, moving from an apartment means not only arranging your move, but also letting neighbours know that there will be some activity on moving day.
In short, moving to or from an apartment is somewhat different than a home move as you not only need to consider your own moving needs, but also as a common courtesy need to ensure that everything from when movers arrive to where your moving truck will be parked needs to be communicated with the management of your new apartment building to ensure the least disruption to tenants already living on the premises.
Keeping this cordial communication process in place will ensure a smooth transition from or to your apartment building, with less stress for yourself and your neighbours.
What you need to know about moving to an apartment building
Once you have decided on and signed the necessary paperwork, it is important to keep some considerations in mind to make the most of your move to your new place.
Here are some tips to remember:
1. Set your budget for moving costs – and beyond
Moving into your new apartment means that you need to know how much you can spend on moving costs.
However, you also need to budget for your security deposit, monthly rent (if you are not buying the apartment), utilities, and any parking fees and other expenses associated with your new apartment.
Therefore, plan ahead to ensure that you will not be out of pocket for important expenses.
Also, make sure you budget for all the essentials you would need for your new home, including cleaning products, curtains and any other items you will need for comfortable living.
2. Ensure that you know if there are any past or current security issues in your new apartment block
Most apartment buildings have codes of conduct in place to ensure the safety of tenants at all times.
If, for any reason, there have been security issues in the past, make sure that you know how these matters were handled and resolved – as well as which measures are in place to avoid repeat issues.
3. Know what the existing pet policies of your new apartment complex are
Not all apartment buildings have the same rules for pets.
Some might allow cats and dogs, others just dogs, or in other cases, neither might be allowed.
Check pet policies in advance to ensure that you know what to expect, what is allowed and what the rules are for having pets in your apartment building.
4. Check up on any other rules as well
Building rules are part of moving into an apartment and it is important that you are fully prepared.
Know rules for noise levels, the use of communal laundry facilities, rules for using fire escapes (such as only in emergencies), and any other safety regulations that form part of the community.
5. Visualise your apartment layout plan
The last thing you want when moving into your new apartment is having your movers bring in furniture and boxes, without the necessary guidance.
So, even if it is just a rough sketch layout, know what should go where – for instance, you do not want to spend hours trying to figure out where a bookcase or dining table should go in your new place, so ensure that belongings are moved into the right rooms, allowing you to easily start unpacking once all your belongings have arrived.
6. Book your professional movers
Ensure you secure your moving day slot early – rather book well in advance rather than at the last minute.
Otherwise, there could be a delay in your plans, something you would best try to avoid.
Also, ensure you get the best professional movers for your relocation.
Research moving companies and read reviews. This will give you a good idea of their track records, and whether they have the necessary licenses.
Your next step then would be to get multiple quotes and compare prices. Do remember: The cheapest quote is not always the best, consider value for money as well as any additional services that you could receive.
An example would be whether you will need moving services for very heavy items, such as piano, that would require additional manpower during moving day.
Once you have secured your moving company, ensure that there is clarity on moving times, as well as other special requirements such as items needing to be carried up stairs, which could be labour intensive.
7. Sort out utilities and any repairs needed for your new apartment before moving in
After securing your moving team, you must sort out utilities and ensure that you transfer your details in time.
Also, if any repairs need to be done to your new apartment before moving day, check with building management whether you can organise your own contractors for these repairs, or if they have a preferred provider.
Another good idea to get your new apartment ready is cleaning in advance. Of course, moving in will cause some dust and dirt on floors, but it is certainly better that your new house is clean and that it will be easy to clean up moving day dust and dirt as needed.
8. Start packing early – and remember to check if your moving company provides packing services
Sort out your belongings and get rid of unneeded items
Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Do not make the mistake of moving with unnecessary items, otherwise your apartment might feel extremely cramped when too many unnecessary items are standing around.
There are several solutions for getting rid of unwanted items, including donating to local charities, or having a garage, which can help you get extra money for your move.
Pack your items safely and efficiently
Mark each box with permanent marker to make it easy to determine which items need to go to which rooms.
Also, only use sturdy boxes, packing paper, and bubble wrap to protect your belongings.
However, do keep an essentials box or suitcase separately for important documents, medications, mobile device chargers, toiletries and a change of clothes.
Check with your professional movers whether they offer packing services
Many professional moving companies provide packing services and have all the required packing materials and packing paper on hand.
These additional services can be especially important when you want to protect furniture, bookcases, headboards and other items that need to be moved with extra care.
9. Be ready for moving day
If you are doing a DIY move, use padding and blankets to protect your furniture and belongings.
Keep valuable items, such as jewellery and important documents, with you, and if you are relying on friends to help you with your move, ensure that everyone knows which boxes or items they are responsible for.
Also, if you are moving with pets, ensure that you have made the necessary arrangements – whether someone is taking care of your pets while you move, or whether you will be moving your pets in pet carriers. Ensure that they have enough water and food, as well as comfort toys to keep them calm and happy.
If you are using a moving company, be ready at the agreed-upon time that your boxes and belongings need to be picked up.
Ensure that the caretaker of your new apartment space knows what your estimated time of arrival is, and stay in touch during the course of the move to ensure everyone is up to date with moving progress.
10. Make unpacking a breeze
Once all of your belongings are delivered to your new place, you can start by unpacking all of your essentials, such as toiletries, kitchen items, bed linen, curtains and a change of clothes.
You might want to unpack one room at a time, so give yourself enough breathing room to not rush the process of settling in your new home.
Remember: All the boxes in your new home needn’t be unpacked all at once, so take it easy and unpack at a pace that you are comfortable with.
However, if you do want the unpacking process to be as speedy as possible, consider getting help from friends and family members you trust and are comfortable with helping with the unpacking process.
Also, if you have pets, ensure that you have packed away cleaning supplies that they will not be exposed to.
11. Get ready to explore your new surroundings
Once you are settled into your new apartment, you can explore your new community and attractions such as eateries, grocery stores, shopping centers, parks, the post office and other local services.
Also, ensure that you also know your closest pharmacy, medical practice and vet, as well as any other important emergency numbers.
How to plan when you are moving from one apartment space to another
When moving between apartment complexes, the same rules apply as above when you would move to your new house.
Do ensure that you discuss logistics with your moving company and building caretaker to ensure a smooth move – this will certainly make your apartment move easier.
Be sure to instruct your moving company regarding accessibility at your new apartment complex, and plan as per above mentioned steps for your moving day.
Should you use professional movers or do the job yourself?
In some cases, you could do a DIY move if you plan to move with minimal items that do not require a moving fan. For instance, if you are moving into your first apartment that is already furnished or semi-furnished, items such as couches, beds and refrigerators might already be included.
On the other hand, if you are moving with several furniture items and boxes, working with a professional moving company will help ensure that your belongings are kept safe and reach your new place in the best and safest way.
Need more information about moving to and from an apartment?
Our expert team would be happy to assist you with advice and quotes for moving to your new apartment.
Contact us today – we look forward to hearing from you!
