Moving from one apartment to another can be easier than a house in some ways, but there are also some unique challenges that you have to consider. 

Today, we’re going to go over an apartment moving checklist to make sure your upcoming relocation goes as smoothly as possible. 

Let’s get started. 

 

1: Start Packing Early

 

This is a tip that needs to be on every moving checklist. If you wait until the last minute, you’re going to have a rough time getting it all done without getting overwhelmed. 

In any moving situation, it is best to start the earliest phases of the move at least a month ahead of time. It’s even better to start earlier than that and try to sell junk that you might want to entertain the idea of junk removal from the place you’re leaving. It will help offset moving costs a bit, and if it doesn’t sell, you were going to toss it, anyway. 

Otherwise, packing early allows you to take your time and do it without stressing out. 

 

2: Give Notice

 

An apartment isn’t like a home. You can’t just get up and move in the middle of the night without consequences. When you know you’re going to move, give the landlord notice.

This does two things. 

First, it gives the landlord a little time to start preparing a listing for the apartment. Whenever an apartment is left vacant, the landlord loses money, and no one wants to deal with that. 

For you, it leaves you on good terms with the landlord, gives them the opportunity to make your move smoother, and if you ever end up wanting to come back, they’ll remember the favor. Of course, this is dependent on you being a good tenant during your time there. It won’t mean too much if you destroy the place during your stay. 

In any case, it’s the right thing to do, it’s sometimes required, and assuming you didn’t damage it, this is your time to get your security deposit back. 

 

3: Talk to Any Service Providers You Use

 

Most apartments require you to pay for something on your own. Utilities and internet are common expenses, and we’ll use those as examples. 

Make sure you call the provider for your utility bill and internet bill, and tell them that you’ll be leaving the apartment on your move date. This ensures that those services will be cut at the right time to stop your payment period, but you’ll still have those services while you’re there.

You don’t want to wait until the day of the move, because it might take time for them to cut off service. Besides, you also have a lot of other things to consider on a moving day.

 

4: Get Your New Address on the Books

 

You’re moving to a new residential address. Unless you want all your important mail and packages getting shipped to your old apartment, you’ll want to call all the services that send you mail and let them know where you’re going to be from now on. 

This can be a major issue for anyone who moves. So, it’s a good idea to get it figured out a little early and leave time to get mistakes fixed before you’re settled in. 

Also, don’t forget to go through your various shopping apps and change your address once you have the new apartment leased and ready to go. It’s easy to forget that detail and accidentally send packages to your old address. 

 

5: Choose the Right Time of Year to Move

 

The next point on our apartment moving checklist should be done when you first start thinking about moving. Some seasons are better for moving than others. Moving companies tend to be overbooked in the summer since most people are buying homes during that period and moving, and in the winter, they tend to be less active. 

This affects how likely you are to get your optimal moving date, and it can sometimes affect the rates you get. Try to choose a time that’s optimal for you and your needs, but also aligns with an easier season to move in. 

 

6: Hire a Mover Ahead of Time

 

You don’t hire a mover on the day of the move. You have to reach out at least a couple of weeks in advance.

The more notice you give before your move, the easier it is to fit you into the schedule on the exact date you need, and the mover can block off that time to serve you before anyone else can book it.

This also lets the moving team plan ahead, and you can enjoy a smoother experience in general.

Don’t try to book it too far in advance, though. A month or two ahead of time is great. 

 

7: Secure Parking Permits for You and the Movers

 

If your current apartment or the one you’re moving to requires a parking permit, make sure you acquire a permit for both you and the moving company.

The last thing you want to do is start your life in a new home with an immediate parking fine or getting either party towed. 

 

8: Address Any Pet Issues

 

If you have a pet now, make sure your pet’s going to be able to come with you, or if you need to file special paperwork to bring your pet in.

Not every apartment lets you have pets, and some make you document that the pet will be there and pay a pet fee. You don’t want to show up and be told that Fido has to find a new home. 

 

9: Turn in Your Keys

 

If your apartment requires you to turn in your keys when you move, make sure you stop by the management team’s office and drop them off on your way out. It’ll save you a trip later, and it’s the last thing you should have to worry about before you move into your new place. 

 

Hire the Right Moving Company

 

Some of the things on our apartment moving checklist will apply to you, and some of it won’t. Regardless, you need a high-quality moving company to make the process go smoothly. Bantu Mover can get you out of your apartment and into your new home in record time. Call Bantu Mover today, and start moving worry-free.