Moving from one apartment to a new one sometimes requires some tricky maneuvering. You’ll need to juggle arrangements, coordinate timing between leases, and transfer, open, or close services. Here are some tips to help you manage your move between apartments.
Give Current Landlord Notice
As soon as you know you’re going to move, plan to give your current landlord sufficient notice – 30 days is standard. This way, when your landlord or management company knows you aren’t renewing your lease ahead of time, it improves your chances of getting your deposit back. Conversely, without written notice, you decrease the probability of getting your money back without written notice.
Review the Move Out Checklist
Many rental properties have move-out checklists to ensure you leave everything as it was when you arrived. Prioritize completing the items on this checklist, and then schedule a time to meet with the landlord or property manager to review the list. At this time, you can also arrange how you will return the keys.
Confirm Move-in Day with New Landlord
Before the big day, speak to your new landlord or property manager about how to proceed on moving day. Essential points to hit on include:
- Scheduling a key pickup
- Understanding the parking situation for trucks
- Availability of elevators for upper floors
Also, assessing the apartment is a good idea before you start unloading your belongings. Take photos of any damage, problematic items, or other things you want to document so you can’t be held responsible for preexisting damage down the road.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It’s common for property owners to require renters’ insurance as a part of the rental lease. But, even if not, obtaining renters’ insurance is always a wise idea. For example, if a fire, theft, water, or other event damages the property, the homeowner’s insurance only covers the structure and property. It doesn’t cover the contents of rented spaces.
If you already have renters’ insurance on your current apartment, call your insurance company to transfer the policy. Give them your new address and the date you plan to move. At this time, they’ll inform you of any premium adjustment.
Confirm Start and End Dates for Utility Services
Utility services included in a rental can vary greatly depending on the property. For example, some rentals cover electricity, heat, water, and trash, but more often, only select utilities are included.
It is common for renters to need to cover gas (or oil), electricity, internet, and cable. Some places cover water and trash, but others don’t. Before signing a lease, ensure you know your responsibilities to see if they fit into your housing budget.
Change Your Address
Remember, before any move, submit a change of address with USPS. The last thing you want when renting a home is to have sensitive mail sent to the new renters.
Professional Movers
From maneuvering the moving truck around apartment loading areas to handling large furniture in elevators, professional movers are experts. Working with a professional moving company can eliminate the stress of relocating from one apartment to another.
We can help handle your apartment relocation. Contact us today.