Moving into an apartment for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. It involves more than just packing boxes, so it’s better to prepare and plan ahead before your move. Here are eight tips for moving into your first apartment:
Do a Walkthrough: Inspect the Apartment Before You Move In
It’s very important to do a walkthrough before you move into your new apartment so that you can spot issues that need to be addressed immediately. Check the doors if they lock properly, look for signs of leaky plumbing, and check if appliances have any damages.
Take note of the problems that were present before you moved in and notify your landlord about them. Check if everything in the apartment is in good condition so that if there are any damages or other problems, they can be fixed immediately. This is also so that you can eliminate the risk of being blamed later on for such issues.
While you are inspecting the apartment, take the time to take note of all the things that you will need to buy, such as curtain rods, tables, or other essential items.
Check the Neighborhood
Your apartment isn’t the only thing you should be checking. You should also conduct research on the area and get an idea of what the neighbourhood is like. Check if there are grocery stores, restaurants, shops, or gyms in the area. Additionally, it’s important to check what transportation is nearby.
Make a List of Things You Need and Start Shopping
When you move into an apartment, you may need to buy necessities. Make a list of things that you need, and buy things you don’t have. Essential things you need for your new apartment include the following:
Furniture
Your apartment may not have a bed, couch, tables, or chairs already provided. List furniture items you need and begin shopping.
Kitchen Tools and Appliances
Make sure you have cooking utensils, pans, cups, plates, a microwave, a kettle, and other essential items for the kitchen.
Cleaning Supplies
You will be cleaning your apartment on your first day and throughout your stay. So, make sure you have basic cleaning supplies such as a broom and dustpan, a vacuum cleaner, a mop and bucket, scrub brush, microfiber cloths, sponges, and detergents.
Bathroom Necessities:
Make sure you also have what you need for the bathroom, and these items include a bathmat, shower curtain, toilet brush, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet paper, and a trash can. Additionally, don’t forget toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Bedroom Necessities
Don’t forget pillows and pillowcases, bed sheets, and blankets. Your bedroom will also need curtains or blinds. Other bedroom necessities include lamps and a fan.
Other Important Items
You will also need curtains and curtain rods, light bulbs, extension cords, and trash cans for your apartment.
Set Up Your Utilities
Before you move into your new apartment, make sure that you have electricity, water, gas, internet, phone, and cable services set up. You will need electricity, water, and gas on the day of your move.
Other services such as internet, phone, and cable can wait, although it’s better if you have them set up before your moving day. You can ask your landlord for recommendations for providers for such services in your area.
Sort Through Your Things and Let Go of Items You No Longer Need
Declutter before you move into your new apartment. Sort through your things and let go of items you no longer need by donating or selling them. You can also give some stuff to friends or relatives. For items that are beyond repair and no longer in good condition, throw them away.
Things you no longer need may just take up lots of space in your apartment. So, before you begin packing things for your apartment, sort everything first. Assess your items and think about the ones you will still be needing.
Think about which items have sentimental value and which ones you can give away. Separate items to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. You can start with clothes, and then go through the rest of your belongings.
Packing Your Things: Pack Early and Smartly
Don’t pack everything a day before your move. Do it at least weeks before your move. Packing and moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t really have to be. If you begin packing early, you will feel less of the stress.
So, prepare all those cardboard boxes and packing supplies such as heavy-duty tape and scissors. Start packing things you need the least, such as seasonal clothing or art pieces. Everyday use items such as personal care items and toiletries should be packed last.
Additionally, pack smartly. Separate boxes for kitchen tools, items for the living room, and things for the bedroom. This will make unpacking easier. Remember to label all boxes so that you can locate items easily.
Consider Professional Moving Services for Your Move
The process of moving can be overwhelming, but you can have a stress-free moving experience if you hire professional movers and packers. Professional moving services provide all the materials necessary for your move. They can pack and transport all your items safely. You can save time and energy, and you won’t have to worry about other things, such as renting a truck.
Rent a Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit comes with a lot of benefits, especially if you’re moving or relocating. If your apartment isn’t ready yet, you can store things temporarily in a storage unit. If you bought new furniture, but have no place to put them, store them in a storage unit while you wait for your new place to be ready.
You may also have things you want to keep but not store inside your apartment. Your belongings will be protected in a storage facility.
Are you looking for a storage unit? Do you need help moving? ARENA Storage offers customized personal storage solutions and professional moving services. Contact us today!