Moving From House To Apartment: The Ultimate Guide
Moving from a house to an apartment can be a great start for a new life adventure. It’s an excellent option for people seeking more independence. This decision can be strategic, as it offers several benefits in the future.
These benefits include independence, privacy, an improved social life, and convenience. However, moving can be stressful, especially for first-timers.
So, how can you reduce stress, enjoy a smooth and successful moving-out experience, and start your new apartment life? This article will share the ultimate guide on moving from your house to your apartment.
- Choose Your Moving Date
Moving from one place to another requires thorough planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. Start by choosing your moving date. Consider your schedule, and it’s helpful to select a date in the middle of the month for better rates.
Consider moving on Friday, so you have the whole weekend to unpack. If you’re thinking about moving on a weekday, request time off from work to avoid inconveniences. Speak with your human resources department and inform them that you’re moving and need to supervise the process.
- Set A Budget
Setting your budget is an essential part of the process. You may not want to make moving to your new apartment costly. Therefore, consider the cost of moving boxes, packing supplies, and hiring a moving company. Compile a list of moving discounts and deals you can find.
- Hire A Moving Company
Hiring a moving company is necessary, especially if you’re moving from another town or city. Find the right one that fits your budget. Contact professional moving services a few weeks ahead. Click this link to do so.
However, don’t rely solely on a phone quote. Instead, request an on-site estimate. If the estimated costs are within your budget, schedule your mover to ensure their availability. Once settled, get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
- Gather Moving Boxes And Packing Supplies
It’s time to collect your moving boxes and packing supplies. You’ll need boxes and newspapers. Order boxes and other moving supplies, such as tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Also, consider having specialty containers, including wardrobe boxes and dish barrels. After gathering all your packing essentials, designate a space in your house to store them before packing.
- Prepare Your Packing Checklist
Packing is the most time-consuming task when moving out. That’s why it’s always better to prepare a packing checklist to make the process more manageable. Start by taking inventory of all your possessions.
Visit every room of your house and decide which items to take and which to eliminate. Consider getting rid of duplicate items, outdated belongings, unfashionable clothes, and outgrown shoes. Remember, only bring things that you use regularly and often.
In addition, identify items that can’t be moved, such as heavy appliances and furniture. However, consider taking the following items with you:
- Valuable antique furniture
- High-quality, inexpensive furniture
- More practical and versatile furniture
It’s best to prioritize moving these items with you. You can save tons of money if you have them instead of purchasing new ones. Also, inspect all your furniture for damages, such as scratches and dents. Measure your furniture and determine if it will fit inside your new apartment. If not, consider disassembling and reassembling them once you’ve moved.
Once you have your list, review and revise it until you’re left with only the most essential items. Always keep your moving binder with you so you can reference it whenever necessary to avoid forgetting something.
- Pack And Sort
Now that you have identified the belongings you will take to your new apartment, it’s time to pack. First, set aside all the belongings you don’t want to take with you. Then, begin packing items you don’t frequently use, such as simple décor and wall art for your apartment. Start boxing up your things after creating your item inventory.
Begin packing your items in hard-to-sort and pack rooms, like your attic and basement. Start with one room and move on to the others. Set up a packing station in every room and keep all your necessary packing supplies close by to save time and avoid inconveniences.
While packing, note the names and value of each item you pack. Using a pen or marker, be sure to label each box. This way, you can quickly determine which boxes contain the items you’ll need to access soon.
Consider packing a moving-out essentials bag, including your:
- Laptop
- Phone chargers
- Garbage bags
- A few changes of clothes
- Toiletries
- Paper towels
- Minimal cleaning supplies
- A few utensils (mug, plate, and cutlery)
This essentials bag will be useful once you finish packing before moving day. You won’t have to worry about accessing your most important items since you’ve set aside a bag for them for everyday use.
- Donate And Sell
Now, focus on the items you set aside earlier. Decide which items to sell or donate. This way, instead of discarding them, you can give them to others or earn profits.
Select the valuable items to sell. Host an estate, yard, or garage sale, or take photos and post them online in various marketplaces. After selling them, concentrate on boxing up your chosen donation items. Contact multiple charity institutions if you have many things to give away.
- Update Your Address
You’ve found your new place, and now it’s essential to update your address. First, cancel any home delivery services and subscriptions you have. It’s also time to discontinue your memberships at local clubs, gyms, and hobby groups.
Once you’ve done all that, visit your nearest United States Postal Service (USPS) office. Schedule a change of address and update your new information by filling out a change-of-address form. In addition, make sure to update your address with your bank, credit card companies, medical offices, and other subscriptions. Finally, don’t forget to notify your friends and family about your new apartment location.
- Check Your Apartment Utilities
If you’re moving out of your parent’s or relative’s house, you won’t have to worry about their utilities. Just arrange for reconnection at your apartment. Ask your landlord about recommended utility providers for your building. Ensure you’ll have access to utilities such as gas, electricity, and water before moving.
- Facilitate The Move
The moving process can be a lot of work, so adequate supervision is necessary. Make sure you arrive at your apartment before the moving company does. You’ll be the one to assist them and direct their actions.
Since all your boxes are labeled, it’s helpful to inform your movers which packages should be loaded and unloaded first and last. As mentioned earlier, your inventory will come in handy, so refer to it periodically. Be approachable and available to answer any questions your movers may have.
Your moving company may need to park their truck on the moving day. To avoid tickets and fines, ensure that you obtain parking permission beforehand. If you want to save even more money, consider scheduling loading and unloading at a local service center.
- Unpack Your Stuff
After unloading your boxes, ask your movers if they can help you unpack. Their assistance can save valuable time. While unpacking, prioritize items of significant value and those you’ll use the most. Also, consider requesting help to reassemble your furniture.
Your apartment has its own architectural design, and you might have limited space compared to a house. Use the area wisely by maximizing vertical space. Install storage cabinets and shelves that reach from floor to ceiling. Place box containers on top of tall furniture. Additionally, choose versatile furniture with multiple functions, like a bed with built-in drawers in the frame.
- Explore Your New Area
Once you’ve settled in, take a walk outside your apartment and familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood. Locate essential services you’ll likely need, such as the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, post office, gym, and parks.
As you stroll through the neighborhood, don’t forget to pay attention to the local transportation options, such as bus stops, subway stations, and bike-sharing facilities. This will help you plan your daily commute and explore the city with ease.
Additionally, take note of nearby cafes, restaurants, and cultural spots, like museums or theaters, which can serve as great places to relax, socialize, and immerse yourself in the local community.
Engaging with your neighbors and frequenting local businesses can also help you feel more connected and at home in your new surroundings.
- Host A Housewarming Party
Invite friends and family to your new apartment for a housewarming party. Celebrate your fresh start with the people you love.
Conclusion
This guide is designed to help you achieve a successful, smooth move. Follow it closely for a hassle-free experience that saves you time, money, and effort.
To make the most of this guide, be sure to also approach your move with a positive mindset and a proactive attitude. This will help you stay organized and calm, even when unexpected challenges arise. By staying focused, organized, and adaptable, you’ll be able to start enjoying the exciting opportunities that await you in your new community.
Rachel Thompson
Rachel Thompson is a seasoned lifestyle writer and relocation expert with over a decade of experience in the moving industry. After years of helping individuals and families transition from houses to apartments, she has honed her skills in providing practical advice and effective solutions for downsizing and urban living.