Moving Into an Apartment 101

Preparing to Move Out (Letters and Paperwork)

Moving out is full of headaches. From booking movers to reading the fine print on a new lease, it’s an overwhelming process. The earlier you start your paperwork with your property manager, the better. Before scheduling apartment tours, alert your landlord that you’re vacating soon. Follow the timelines listed on your lease and get the OK so there are no blockers, and you get your security deposit back. If your search takes a little longer, ask for an extension with plenty of time. Here’s how you can get it done quickly.

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Moving Checklist and Tips

Whether moving down the street or across state lines, preparing for moving day is a long road filled with little tasks. But don’t worry. If you stay organized and break it down, it’s manageable. Once you have a move-out day approved by your landlord, ask for referrals, book your movers and get to purging. We’ve got tips for everything from how to get free boxes and moving with pets to time-saving hacks that will save you hours leading up to moving day (label everything!). Remember to do a final inspection before you turn in your keys.

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How to Pack an Apartment

In the words of Marie Kondo, “Does it spark joy?” Moving is the perfect time to declutter, sell and donate things. Once you’ve decluttered, a few hacks can help you pack more efficiently yet keep your apartment from falling into chaos. From packing books, jewelry and fragile items to making sure that you don’t pack away your toiletries for those last days, making a plan and following a particular packing order can save you a lot of headaches. Here are some secret tricks to pack your belongings to prepare for your next chapter.

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Hiring Movers

Gone are the days of paying your friends with pizza to help you move. Hiring professional movers can ease some of the stress of moving out, but start searching early. Look for moving companies that fit your circumstances, like a local move versus out-of-state. Once you have your move-out day finalized, start calling. Keep an eye out for demeanor and customer service, and ask if they are licensed and insured. Get a few estimates and then narrow it down to the winner. From red flags to how to prepare your apartment for the movers and tipping, we’ve got it all here for your seamless move.

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Moving Out of State

Maybe you found a new job or want to move closer to family — either way, moving out of state is a whole different journey than moving across town. After traveling back and forth to find the perfect apartment, it’s time to make a plan to move your things across state lines. Find a moving company with excellent reviews that can safely transport your things, decide if you’re driving or flying there and update your job with your new location. From picking up boxes to driving there and updating your mailing address, here’s what to do before, during and after you move out of state.

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Downsizing Apartments

No matter the size of your current apartment or how organized you are, there’s going to be clutter. There’s always a junk drawer or closet filled with things that haven’t seen the light of day in months. Do you really need it? Getting rid of things, whether selling, donating or recycling, doesn’t just need to happen if you’re downsizing. It can mean the difference between saving a few hundred dollars while moving or getting a bigger, more expensive apartment. Your city offers recycling and donation methods for mattresses and furniture in their last legs and there are plenty of apps for selling items in good condition. Here’s what to consider.

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Settling In at Your New Apartment

Settling into your new apartment is a wave of relief after a grueling moving checklist. Maybe some things went wrong, but you made it! Unpacking, setting up your new utilities, changing your address, registering to vote — there are a lot of things on your list as you settle into your new home. After you do all the admin tasks, don’t forget to have some fun and schedule your housewarming party as a reward. Get settled fast with these tips.