March 30, 2016 – Spring is one of our busiest seasons at Kenmore Development. Around this time, we have many individuals moving in and out of our apartment communities.

While moving can be a stressful experience, there are several steps you can take to make the transition smoother.

Based on our experience and other resources, including this infographic from Brookhaven Residences and another from Lincoln Property Company, we’ve put together our best tips for making a move easier, as well as a timeline and checklist for you to follow as you prepare to move to your new apartment.

Tips on moving to a new apartment

Keep these important things in mind to help make Moving Day go as smoothly as possible.

• Planning ahead will help minimize your stress. Make checklists, set deadlines for yourself and hold yourself accountable for staying on track.
• Don’t burn yourself out. Break large tasks, such as packing and unpacking, into smaller bits so it doesn’t feel as overwhelming. Reward yourself with a break for being productive.
• Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help. Say thank you with pizza and personalized thank-you notes.
• You’d be surprised how much easier packing and organizing is when you have good music to listen to. Find a good Packing Playlist on Spotify (like the one below) and get moving.

Moving timeline and checklist

Planning ahead will help you keep track of everything you need to do before moving. Use this timeline and checklist to keep yourself on track and ensure you’re all ready for Moving Day.

7-8 Weeks Ahead

• Finalize moving details (sign lease, submit paperwork, etc.)
• Research and hire a moving company or reserve a truck to move your belongings. Yelp is a valuable resource, so make sure to check the movers’ reviews.
• Purchase moving supplies (boxcutters, labels, tape, permanent markers, etc.). Need boxes? Liquor and grocery stores often have have used boxes they’ll give you for free. We suggest you call ahead to ensure they have them when you need them.
• Clean out your current living space. Sell or donate what you don’t really need to minimize items you’ll have to move. Most unwanted goods can be donated to charity. In many cases you’ll even receive a tax deduction. With advanced notice charities like Salvation Army will pick up larger items like furniture, as well as clothing and other goods. Why throw it out when you can donate and help someone in need?

4-6 Weeks Ahead

• Set utility cutoff dates for your current residence to ensure you don’t get charged for them when you move out (gas, electric, trash, water, internet, TV, telephone).
• Set up electric/gas if not included in new apartment to start the day you move in.
• Schedule service for internet, cable, and phone setup for your first week.
• Purchase renters’ insurance and set it to go into effect the day you move in.
• Confirm dimensions of new space so you can begin planning and purchasing furniture and other items for the apartment.
• Pay deposit and/or first month’s rent if necessary.
• Begin boxing up and packing items for the move. Label boxes with different colors or numbers to represent different rooms to make things easier on Moving Day. Keep a list of items in each box to stay organized.

2-3 Weeks Ahead

• File a USPS change of address form to go into effect when you move to ensure you don’t miss any mail.
• Change address with bank, credit cards, doctors, insurance companies and other important parties.
• Confirm moving date with movers if applicable.
• Use dimensions to sketch out space and shop around for furniture and other items for the new apartment.

1 Week Ahead

• Pack a suitcase with essentials for your first week in the apartment (clothing, toiletries, medications, etc.).
• If possible, walk through the new apartment to plan for furniture placement or take additional measurements.
• Finish packing and continue to purge items you don’t need or want.

Moving Day

• Perform a walkthrough of your new apartment with property manager.
• Check utilities to make sure everything is working and turned on.
• Confirm lease details with property manager.
• Get copies of all important paperwork from the property manager and movers.
• Start unpacking. Set up your bed and other essential items.

First Week

• Have internet and cable set up.
• Continue to unpack and set up the kitchen and living spaces.
• Purchase furniture and decorate.
• Explore the property, introduce yourself to your neighbors and enjoy your new apartment!

What other advice and tips do you have for someone who’s moving into a new apartment? What has worked for you in the past? Let us know in the comments below.